Last updated on November 18th, 2023 at 11:10 pm
General Conference Applied
S2 E6 – Sunday, November 12, 2023 | “In the Path of Their Duty” by Elder David A. Bednar; October 2023 General Conference
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Corresponding Talk Outline: “In the Path of Their Duty“
Podcast Episode Outline
Report on Prior Week’s Action Item
- Identify 1 individual who I know personally who has strayed from the covenant path.
- Begin praying for this individual by name.
- Journal about how I might better connect with this individual.
Introduction
Doctrines, Principles, and Christlike Attributes
As we have discussed in previous episodes of General Conference Applied, it is important to identify the applicable doctrines, principles, and Christlike attributes of each General Conference address. In “In the Path of Their Duty,” I identified 3 doctrines (Atonement of Jesus Christ, Covenants, and Marriage and Family), 8 principles (The Lord’s Covenant People, Faith in Jesus Christ, Repentance, Sacrifice, Work and Personal Responsibility, Service, Developing Our Talents, and Obedience), and 7 Christlike attributes (Faith, Charity and Love, Virtue, Integrity, Patience, Humility, and Diligence). I have included a detailed breakdown of these doctrines, principles, and Christlike attributes in the talk outline, but I will share additional insights during this podcast episode.
In each episode of General Conference Applied, we are attempting to answer two questions:
- What is the speaker inviting me to do?
- How might I consider taking action?
What is the speaker inviting me to do?
Overview
- “They of the Last Wagon”
- President J. Reuben Clark, October 1947 General Conference, “To Them of the Last Wagon” (July 1997 Ensign)
- “In his message, President Clark briefly acknowledged the well-known leaders who guided the westward migration, such as Brigham Young, Heber C. Kimball, Wilford Woodruff, Parley P. Pratt, and many others. However, his primary purpose was not to recount the accomplishments of these noteworthy individuals. Rather, he focused his remarks on the stalwart souls whose names are neither known nor officially recorded in Church history. The instructive title of his message is ‘They of the Last Wagon.’
“President Clark described in great detail the characteristics of and the challenges faced by the migrants who traveled in the last covered wagon in each of the long wagon trains that crossed the plains. He praised these anonymous and uncelebrated heroes who, day after day, week after week, and month after month, choked on the dust stirred up by all of the wagons rolling in front of them—and who overcame the relentless obstacles they encountered along the way.
“President Clark declared, ‘They of the last wagon pressed forward, worn and tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loved them, that the restored gospel was true, and that the Lord led and directed the Brethren out in front.'”
- “No Less Serviceable”
- “In 1990, President Howard W. Hunter, then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, delivered a message about the indispensable contributions of countless Church members who serve diligently and faithfully and who receive little or no public acknowledgment or acclaim.”
- Alma 48:17 – “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.”
- Alma 48:19 – “Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.”
- “President Hunter continued, ‘In other words, even though Helaman was not as noticeable or conspicuous as Moroni, he was as serviceable; that is, he was as helpful or useful as Moroni.’
“President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: ‘If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.'”
- “In the Path of Their Duty”
- “I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains—and who truly are no less serviceable. Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple.
“I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.
“A statement in the Book of Mormon by Samuel the Lamanite best summarizes my feelings for you. (Helaman 15:5-6)
“‘Behold that the more part of them are in the path of their duty, and they do walk circumspectly before God, and they do observe to keep his commandments and his statutes. …
“‘Yea, I say unto you, that the more part of them are doing this, and they are striving with unwearied diligence that they may bring the remainder of their brethren to the knowledge of the truth.'”
- “I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior and pressing forward on the covenant path in the last wagons of our contemporary wagon trains—and who truly are no less serviceable. Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple.
- Small and Simple Things
- Alma 37:6-7 – “Now ye may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls.”
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Biography by Walter Isaacson. Carried a small notebook with him everywhere he went. Observed an animated dinner party and took detailed notes. Much of what he saw in this dinner party was painted into his masterpiece – The Last Supper.
- My Mission President
- Parting Counsel (June 2010):
- 100% home teacher
- Worthy to be called as a bishop
- Additional Counsel (February 2022): “Let’s give him a break”
- Parting Counsel (June 2010):
Connection
Elder David A. Bednar, April 2023 General Conference, “‘Abide in Me, and I in You; Therefore Walk with Me’“
- “Some Church members accept as true the doctrine, principles, and testimonies proclaimed repeatedly from this pulpit in the Conference Center and in local congregations around the world—and yet may struggle to believe these eternal truths apply specifically in their lives and to their circumstances. They believe sincerely and serve dutifully, but their covenant connection with the Father and His redeeming Son has not yet become a living and transforming reality in their lives.
“I promise that by the power of the Holy Ghost, you can know and feel the gospel truths I have attempted to describe are for you—for you individually and personally.”
Invitations
1: “President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: ‘If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.'” (“No Less Serviceable“, Elder Howard W. Hunter, BYU Devotional, September 2, 1990)
- What This Means: We don’t need to be famous to inherit eternal life. Strive to become like our Savior Jesus Christ without fanfare.
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2014 General Conference, “‘Lord, Is It I?’”
- “Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.”
- Elder Michael T. Ringwood, April 2015 General Conference, “Truly Good and without Guile”
- “My Book of Mormon hero is a perfect example of a wonderful and blessed soul who was truly good and without guile. Shiblon was one of the sons of Alma the Younger. We are more familiar with his brothers Helaman, who would follow his father as the keeper of the records and the prophet of God, and Corianton, who gained some notoriety as a missionary who needed some counsel from his father. To Helaman, Alma wrote 77 verses (see Alma 36–37). To Corianton, Alma dedicated 91 verses (see Alma 39–42). To Shiblon, his middle son, Alma wrote a mere 15 verses (see Alma 38)…
“It appears that Shiblon was a son who wanted to please his father and went about doing what was right for right’s sake rather than for praise, position, power, accolades, or authority…
“Shiblon was truly good and without guile. He was a person who sacrificed his time, talents, and effort to help and lift others because of a love for God and his fellowmen (see Alma 48:17–19; 49:30). He is described perfectly by the words of President Spencer W. Kimball: ‘Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion.'”
- “My Book of Mormon hero is a perfect example of a wonderful and blessed soul who was truly good and without guile. Shiblon was one of the sons of Alma the Younger. We are more familiar with his brothers Helaman, who would follow his father as the keeper of the records and the prophet of God, and Corianton, who gained some notoriety as a missionary who needed some counsel from his father. To Helaman, Alma wrote 77 verses (see Alma 36–37). To Corianton, Alma dedicated 91 verses (see Alma 39–42). To Shiblon, his middle son, Alma wrote a mere 15 verses (see Alma 38)…
- The world would have us say: ‘Look at me.’ Instead, might we say: ‘Look at Them’ (our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ).
- Diligence (Christlike Attribute): “I work effectively, even when I’m not under close supervision.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–27)
- Doctrine and Covenants 101:42 – “He that exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that abaseth himself shall be exalted.”
- Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf – Friday, November 10, 2023, Instagram post – “Regardless of if a visit involves a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussing issues with an ambassador or if it involves you sharing thoughts with your neighbor, you and I have the same charge: to be representatives of Jesus Christ and to identify ways to be Christlike in all of our interactions.”
- Sister Tracy Y. Browning – Friday, November 10, 2023, Instagram post – “My husband and I took our seats in sacrament meeting, and after we sang the opening song, I noticed that there was a small sliver of paper peeking out the top of our closed hymnal. When I pulled on the note, I saw three words, written in neat script, at the top of the stiff index card: ‘We Love You.’
“Three words that might as well have been a whole sermon. It was, for me, a tangible testimony on acting on our good thoughts and impressions. Putting our ‘trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good’ (Doctrine and Covenants 11:12). And then allowing our trusting and faithful actions to be the sweet promise of joy (see Doctrine and Covenants 11:13) fulfilled in the heart of some unknown soul. In that sacrament meeting, at that moment, it was my heart that received that love and joy.
“When I opened the hymnal to the page the note was found, I was greeted with the song ‘You Can Make the Pathway Bright,’ and a few passages struck me deeply: ‘You can make the pathway bright, fill the soul with heaven’s light.’ ‘You can speak the gentle word.’ ‘You can do a kindly deed.’ ‘Tho it seems a little thing, it will heaven’s blessings bring’ (Hymns, no. 228).
“As I read, I felt invited to follow the small and simple impressions that come to my own mind. To smile at someone, to turn around and go back and say aloud that nice thought that I had in my mind as I passed someone. To place that overdue phone call. To knock on that door. To say I’m sorry. To say I love you. To write that note.
“It may seem a little thing—but it’s not. Because putting our trust in God’s Spirit never is.”
2: “Consider the eternal impact of the service rendered by these devoted disciples [i.e., nursery leaders and Primary teachers]—and the marvelous blessings promised to those who minister to children.”
- What This Means: Think about how important nursery leaders and Primary teachers are in teaching the gospel to the rising generation, and what blessings they can receive for their service.
- Faith (Christlike Attribute): “I have faith that God will bring about good things in my life and the lives of others as we devote ourselves to Him and His Son.” (Ether 12:12)
- Sister Donna Packer Passes Away: “Motivated by a love of children and a clear vision of their identity as children of God, Donna spent 30 years of continuous service in the Primary organization. Her oldest son, Elder Allan Packer, observed, ‘Her deep spirituality, skills as a teacher of both children and adults and ability to plan and organize motivated and inspired all she taught.'”
How might I consider taking action?
Invitations
1: “President Hunter then counseled all of us to be no less serviceable. He said: ‘If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.'” (“No Less Serviceable“, Elder Howard W. Hunter, BYU Devotional, September 2, 1990)
Directives (“an official or authoritative instruction”)
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes discerning brothers and sisters who look for and sit next to people who are alone in Church meetings and in a variety of other settings. They consistently strive to ‘comfort those that stand in need of comfort,’ (Mosiah 18:9) without expectations of acknowledgment or praise.”
- Charity and Love (Christlike Attribute): “I reach out in love to help those who are lonely, struggling, or discouraged.” (Mosiah 18:9)
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes spouses and children who support a companion, parent, or child who serves in a leadership position in the Lord’s restored Church.”
- Humility (Christlike Attribute): “I strive to be submissive to God’s will.” (Mosiah 24:15)
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes individuals who, having turned away from God, humbly are re-turning to Him once again, (Helaman 7:17) repenting of their sins, and seeking the cleansing and healing power of the Savior’s Atonement.”
- Atonement of Jesus Christ (gospel doctrine): “Those who repent, obey the commandments, receive the saving ordinances, and keep their covenants will receive the gift of eternal life (see Articles of Faith 1:3).”
- Patience (Christlike Attribute): “I am patient with myself and rely on the Lord as I work to overcome my weaknesses.” (Ether 12:27)
- Repentance (gospel principle): “As we repent, the Atonement of Jesus Christ becomes fully effective in our lives, and the Lord forgives our sins. We become free from the bondage of our sins, and we find joy.”
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes righteous individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control.”
- Promise: “I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in ‘the own due time of the Lord.’ (1 Nephi 10:3; 3 Nephi 5:25) ‘Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.’” (Psalm 30:5; “‘Joy Cometh in the Morning’“, Elder Russell M. Nelson, October 1986 General Conference)
- Patience (Christlike Attribute):
- “I wait patiently for the blessings and promises of the Lord to be fulfilled.” (2 Nephi 10:17)
- “I face adversity with patience and faith.” (Alma 34:40–41)
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes the inspired translators and interpreters around the world who serve the Lord by helping friends and members to ‘hear the fulness of the gospel in [their] own tongue, and in [their] own language.’” (Doctrine and Covenants 90:11)
- Diligence (Christlike Attribute): “I find joy and satisfaction in my work.” (Alma 36:24–25)
- Church News Podcast episode 132:
- “So, that is one thing that I love doing every day. We read all the articles that the reporters write in English, and we translate them into Spanish so everyone can have it. And one of my things, working as a translator — when my grandma was alive, I always thought of her because she didn’t understand English. And she would love, like she loved everything that she could get her hands on that was Church related. And always, in my mind, was my grandma — and all the people that cannot understand English — that they can feel the Spirit. Because I think it’s so different to receive the gospel in your own language. And I love that because when that happens, it’s fulfilling the prophecy that the gospel is going to be spreading all nation, kindred tongues. And I love it. I love what I do.”
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes dedicated children tenderly caring for aged parents, a sleep-deprived mother comforting a frightened child while standing guard as a ‘lioness at the gate’ of her home, (Sister Julie B. Beck, “Choose Ye This Day to Serve the Lord“) Church members who arrive early and stay late to set up and take down chairs, and inspired individuals who invite family, friends, and associates to come and see, come and help, and come and stay.” (Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart“, April 2019 General Conference)
- Service (gospel principle): “There are many ways to serve. We can help others economically, socially, physically, and spiritually. For example, we can share food or other articles with those who need them. We can help those in need by giving a generous fast offering. We can be a friend to a newcomer. We can plant a garden for an elderly person or care for someone who is sick. We can teach the gospel to someone who needs the truth or comfort someone who grieves. We can do small and large acts of service. We should never fail to help someone because we are unable to do great things. A widow told of two children who came to her door shortly after she had moved to a new town. The children brought her a lunch basket and a note that read, ‘If you want anyone to do errands, call us.’ The widow was gladdened by the small kindness and never forgot it.”
- “You love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost. You fast and pray often, wax stronger and stronger in humility, and grow firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ.”
- Faith in Jesus Christ (gospel principle): “Faith is a principle of action and power that motivates our day-to-day activities. Would we study and learn if we did not believe we could obtain wisdom and knowledge? Would we work each day if we did not hope that by doing so we could accomplish something? Would a farmer plant if he did not expect to harvest? Each day we act upon things we hope for when we cannot see the end result. This is faith.”
Other Ideas
- Adopt the practice of ‘thinking Celestial‘. ‘Thinking Celestial’ is not flashy, but it’s the way in which our Prophet has invited us to “serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.”
- Journal about what it means to you in your life to “serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.” Then, find some way to take immediate action.
- If you are not currently serving in a “heavy calling,” consider ways you could reduce the load of those who are serving in “heavy callings.” Perhaps you could even meet with these individuals to discuss ways you could be of service.
- Get creative and be diligent – serving quietly without fanfare doesn’t mean slacking off.
- “Be Good at Waiting” – ‘The Art of Learning: An Inner Journey to Optimal Performance‘ by Josh Waitzkin:
- “We don’t live within a Hollywood screenplay where the crescendo erupts just when we want it to, and more often than not the climactic moments in our lives will follow many unclimactic, normal, humdrum hours, days, weeks, or years. So how do we step up when our moment suddenly arises?
“My answer is to redefine the question. Not only do we have to be good at waiting, we have to love it. Because waiting is not waiting, it is life. Too many of us live without fully engaging our minds, waiting for that moment when our real lives begin. Years pass in boredom, but that is okay because when our true love comes around, or we discover our real calling, we will begin. Of course the sad truth is that if we are not present to the moment, our true love could come and go and we wouldn’t even notice. And we will have become someone other than the you or I who would be able to embrace it. I believe an appreciation for simplicity, the everyday — the ability to dive deeply into the banal and discover life’s hidden richness — is where success, let alone happiness, emerges.”
- “We don’t live within a Hollywood screenplay where the crescendo erupts just when we want it to, and more often than not the climactic moments in our lives will follow many unclimactic, normal, humdrum hours, days, weeks, or years. So how do we step up when our moment suddenly arises?
2: “Consider the eternal impact of the service rendered by these devoted disciples [i.e., nursery leaders and Primary teachers]—and the marvelous blessings promised to those who minister to children.”
Directives (“an official or authoritative instruction”)
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes faithful married men and women who honor their covenant responsibility to multiply and replenish the earth and who are blessed with the strength and stamina to wrestle with their children in sacrament meetings. In an increasingly confused world beset with calamities and misplaced priorities, these courageous souls heed not the secular voices extolling self-centeredness; they reverence the sanctity and importance of life in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness for His children. Many married couples also trust in God when the righteous desires of their hearts are not realized how or when they had hoped and dreamed. They ‘wait upon the Lord’ (Isaiah 40:31) and do not demand that He meet their mortal deadlines.”
- Sacrifice (gospel principle): “Sacrifice means giving to the Lord whatever He requires of our time, our earthly possessions, and our energies to further His work. The Lord commanded, ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness’ (Matthew 6:33). Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. People have always been tried and tested to see if they will put the things of God first in their lives.”
- “‘In the path of their duty’ describes the thousands and thousands of nursery leaders and Primary teachers who love and instruct the children of the Church each Sabbath day.”
- Promise: “‘Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.’” (Mark 9:36-37)
Other Ideas
- If you are currently serving as a nursery leader, a Primary teacher, or a Primary Activities leader:
- Pray for each of the children you serve by name each day.
- Plan ahead. Commit to preparing lessons and activities beforehand, seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
- Maintain open communication with the parents of each of the children you serve.
- Choose to never wish to be released from your current calling.
- Periodically devote time to journaling about your calling and where you might make improvements.
- If you are not currently serving as a nursery leader, a Primary teacher, or a Primary Activities leader:
- If you have children in nursery, Primary, or Primary Activities, pray for their teachers and leaders by name each day, specifically asking that Heavenly Father will bless them with the inspiration to teach your children.
- Speak with members of your ward who are serving in Primary and ask them how you can better sustain them. For example, perhaps you could share one of your talents in a Primary Activities activity. Or you could practice the songs for an upcoming Primary Program with your children in your home.
- Consider ways you could better involve nursery leaders, Primary teachers, and Primary Activities leaders in Relief Society and Elders Quorum. (Sister in a previous ward who took notes in Sacrament Meeting, Sunday School, and Relief Society.)
REMEMBER THIS
If you remember nothing else from this podcast episode, remember this:
- Elder Bednar is inviting us to contemplate the importance of those who teach children in the Church, and to strive to follow their faithful, inconspicuous examples of service.
This Week’s Action Item
“That which is measured improves. That which is measured and reported improves exponentially.”
Karl Pearson, an early 20th-century British mathematician
“Those who measure their progress improve. Those who measure and report their progress improve exponentially.”
Dan Sullivan, founder and president of The Strategic Coach Inc.
“Do something, do anything! But to start, just do ONE thing.”
Mitch Peterson
I will write down the inspiration I’ve received over the past seven days for my calling as a Primary Activities leader, and I will text this inspiration to my Primary Activities co-leader. Then together we’ll take action.
Tags
Covenants | Discipleship | Duty | Endurance | Pioneers | Service