"In the Path of Their Duty" Talk Outline

Last updated on November 14th, 2023 at 03:07 pm

General Conference Applied

“In the Path of Their Duty” by Elder David A. Bednar; October 2023 General Conference

Corresponding General Conference Applied episode show notes: S2 E6

Talk Outline

Invitations

“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)
“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 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.”
“‘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.”
“‘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.”
“‘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.”
“‘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)
“‘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.”
“‘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.”
“‘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)
“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.”

Promises

Action: “The phrase ‘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)
Promise: “‘For since the beginning of the world have not men heard nor perceived by the ear, neither hath any eye seen, O God, besides thee, how great things thou hast prepared for [them] that waiteth for thee.'” (Doctrine and Covenants 133:45)
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)
Action: “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,”
Promise: “‘unto the filling [your] souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of [your] hearts, which sanctification cometh because of … yielding [your] hearts unto God.'” (Helaman 3:35)
Promise: “As the Lord has promised, ‘all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 121:29) I joyfully witness that Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live and Their promises are sure.”

Doctrines

Atonement of Jesus Christ: “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).”
Covenants: “A covenant is a sacred agreement between God and man. God gives the conditions for the covenant, and we agree to do what He asks us to do. God then promises us certain blessings for our obedience.”
Marriage and Family: “Parents are to multiply and replenish the earth, to rear their children in love and righteousness, and to provide for their physical and spiritual needs. Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, such as faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Principles

The Lord’s Covenant People: “Within the gospel, a covenant means a sacred agreement or mutual promise between God and a person or a group of people. In making a covenant, God promises a blessing for obedience to particular commandments. He sets the terms of His covenants, and He reveals these terms to His prophets. If we choose to obey the terms of the covenant, we receive promised blessings. If we choose not to obey, He withholds the blessings, and in some instances a penalty also is given.”
Faith in Jesus Christ: “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.”
Repentance: “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.”
Sacrifice: “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.”
Work and Personal Responsibility: “To some people work is a drudgery. To others it is an exciting part of life. One way to enjoy life’s fullest benefits is to learn to love work. Not all of us can choose the kind of work we do. Some of us labor for long hours for the bare necessities. It is difficult to enjoy such work. Yet the happiest people have learned to enjoy their work, whatever it is. We can help one another in our work. The heaviest load becomes lighter when someone shares it.”
Service: “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.”
Developing Our Talents: “The Lord is pleased when we use our talents wisely. He will bless us if we use our talents to benefit other people and to build up His kingdom here on earth. Some of the blessings we gain are joy and love from serving our brothers and sisters here on earth. We also learn self-control. All these things are necessary if we are going to be worthy to live with our Heavenly Father again.”
Obedience: “Obedience also helps us progress and become more like our Heavenly Father. But those who do nothing until they are commanded and then keep the commandments unwillingly lose their reward (see D&C 58:26–29).”

Christlike Attributes

Faith: “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)
Charity and Love:
- “I reach out in love to help those who are lonely, struggling, or discouraged.” (Mosiah 18:9)
- “When appropriate, I express my love and care for others by ministering to them through word and deed.” (Luke 7:12–15)
- “I look for opportunities to serve others.” (Mosiah 2:17)
Virtue: “I desire to do good.” (Mosiah 5:2)
Integrity: “I am dependable.” (Alma 53:20)
Patience:
- “I wait patiently for the blessings and promises of the Lord to be fulfilled.” (2 Nephi 10:17)
- “I am patient with myself and rely on the Lord as I work to overcome my weaknesses.” (Ether 12:27)
- “I face adversity with patience and faith.” (Alma 34:40–41)
Humility:
- “I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:29)
- “I strive to be submissive to God’s will.” (Mosiah 24:15)
Diligence:
- “I work effectively, even when I’m not under close supervision.” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:26–27)
- “I work hard until the job is completed.” (Doctrine and Covenants 10:4)
- “I find joy and satisfaction in my work.” (Alma 36:24–25)

Most Important Quote

“I am grateful for millions of Church members who today are coming unto the Savior (See Moroni 10:32–33) 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.”

Powerful Stories

None.

The Best Footnote

Footnote 1: “To Them of the Last Wagon“, President J. Reuben Clark, October 1947 General Conference

Footnote 4: “No Less Serviceable“, Elder Howard W. Hunter, BYU Devotional, September 2, 1990

Questions for Reflection Asked by the Speaker