Holland - Our Priesthood Legacy - April 1995

Elder Holland speaks about the legacy that we leave for those in the priesthood that are growing up.  He speaks about wisdom that is gained over time and the need for older men to share their insights and knowledge of how to overcome the temptations of the world with the rising generation.

• We who have already walked that portion of life’s path that you are now on try to call back to you something of what we have learned. We shout encouragement. We try to warn of pitfalls or perils along the way. Where possible we try to walk with you and keep you close to our side.
  
• Why do you think we now try so hard and worry so much and want the very best for you? It is because we have been your age and you have never been ours, and we have learned some things you do not yet know.
  

He shares a great truth that everyone in the church needs to come to understand for themselves.

• The gospel of Jesus Christ marks the only sure and safe path.
  

He shares words of encouragement for the young men of the church and the need for them to rely on the older generation for help and guidance.  He speaks of President Gordon B. Hinckley first gaining his testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith when he was 12 years old in a gathering of priesthood holders.  He assures us that although we might never be called to be President of the church someday, the Holy Ghost can give us that same confirmation that President Hinckley received at the age of 12.  We can each know that the gospel is true and we are all able to live up to the responsibility that comes with holding the sacred priesthood of our Savior that came through the prophet Joseph Smith.

• Let us never forget that “in every place a man now stands, a boy once used to be,” and all of you young men have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to be just as faithful in gaining a testimony and standing for the truth as did the men we have sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators down through the dispensations. Indeed, this is one of those things history calls out to us—that the future may be daunting, but you young men are more than equal to the task.

He concludes with additional words of encouragement that God will never leave us and that we should all continue to try to live the gospel the best we can.

• To those who have lived lives of integrity whatever the cost, to generations in this and every dispensation who’ve faced fear and trials and yes, death unflinchingly, I express gratitude from the bottom of my heart. I commend you young men for what must be your determination to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. I shoulder with you the responsibility placed on each one of us who bears the priesthood of God. I plead for each of us to remember that in the work of the Lord we must often turn our cheek but we must never turn our coat. I pledge with you my own determination to be true and faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ whose church this is, even as I praise with you that legacy of loyalty given to us by those who have gone before.

Elder Holland provides a clear view that the Lord will lift us and make us worthy of the burden placed upon our shoulders.  We have great people in place that have walked the path our youth have walked, have overcome the world, and are in positions to lead and guide these young men to safer ground and higher levels in their lives and priesthood service.  We need to live up to the example that we need to be for these young men.  I know that there are young men in my ward that look up to me and see me as a friend and priesthood holder that they can turn to for guidance.  We have created a nice friendship over the years and I continue to make sure that I don't do anything to cause them to question their faith in me.  We all need to be examples to the rising generation and live worthy so that they can see the wonderful blessings that come from faithful service and discipleship in the church.