Teens & Seminary

Every family is different. Some families have no children, some have only one, and others may be blessed with numerous children. Some families may only have one parent. Children could be raised by an aunt and uncle or by grandparents. Perhaps everyone gets along fairly well, or maybe there is someone in your family who you don’t really get along with.

Teens are encouraged to be a loving, productive member of their families in the booklet For the Strength of Youth, put out by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the Mormon Church).

“Do your part to build a happy home. Be cheerful, helpful, and considerate of others. Many problems in the home are created because family members speak and act selfishly or unkindly. Concern yourself with the needs of other family members. Seek to be a peacemaker rather than to tease, fight, and quarrel.”

Your attitude toward family members greatly influences the spirit within the home. A small, silly saying posted in the kitchen of our house growing up read: when Mom ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. As much as this would make us chuckle, there was a definite ring of truth to it. I began to notice the saying was quite true of every member of the family. If Dad wasn’t happy, it was felt within our home. If my brothers or I weren’t happy that influence could be felt by the other members of our family.

The spirit in your home goes beyond the idea of being happy. As the quote above suggests, we should strive to become unselfish when it comes to how we deal with our family. Show concern. Be interested in what’s going on in their lives. Don’t tease or fight as that sends the Holy Spirit right out the door. Seek to be a peacemaker.

“CHILDREN, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).

Honor your parents. It is a commandment. Show them the love and respect they should deserve, even if in reality it seems they don’t deserve it. Be obedient in the righteous requests made of you.

If you really want to see your family come together participate in family activities. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a specific night, Monday night, has been set aside for families to have a weekly lesson and/or activity together. If the family can’t do something on Monday (say Mom or Dad work, or family members have other duties), try for another night that works for you. Encourage your family to hold prayer together. Read the scriptures together. Find wholesome and uplifting things that will invite the Lord’s Spirit and strengthen your family relationships.

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).

Think about those words for a moment, especially those of you who have never known a happy home. How do you want to be treated in your family? Do you wish to be forgiven, respected, loved, and given compassion? I would urge you to try treating others in your family that way first. Even when times and feelings don’t encourage these peace-giving actions, do it. Change takes time. Important changes like these will bring out opportunities to give up at unbelievable rates. Stay strong. This sort of change is not impossible. It is realistic to think that one day your brother or your sister may become your best friend. You could even be the difference between keeping a family member on the right track, and watching them lose their way.

Friends come and go. I tell my Young Women (program for girls 12-17 in the Latter-day Saint Church) this often. It is very rare that you find someone you met in grade school still around when you turn 60. Your family, however, will be a constant in your life. They have a choice as to how they will treat you. You also always have a choice. Choose to love your family the best way you can.

Why is it important to obtain a good education in this life? Do you think the Lord cares whether or not you graduate from high school, college, or even graduate school for the highly ambitious? Can’t all this learning be put off until after you’ve had a bit of fun?

In the booklet For the Strength of Youth put out by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known by the nickname Mormon Church), teens are encouraged to work hard for their education and to find joy in learning. We are taught that the Lord truly does desire for us to learn all we can in this life.

“The Lord wants you to educate your mind and improve your skills and abilities. Education will help you to be an influence for good in the world. It will help you better provide for yourself, your loved ones, and those in need” (For the Strength of Youth, p. 9).

In our world today good jobs really don’t come without having first received a good education. Even if the job you’re looking at wasn’t the area you studied in college, many companies are more concerned that you have a degree. Receiving a good education should not be taken lightly.

An education does require sacrifice on our part. It demands a lot of time, brainpower, effort, and at times money. These sacrifices will only add to our character, not to mention the blessings we will be given. Those things that are truly worth having do not come easily. Think to yourself what means more: the shirt you really wanted and were given just because, or the shirt you really wanted and you worked hard to earn the money to buy it yourself. We need to think of our education much the same way.

“Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices to obtain learning. Education is an investment that brings great rewards. You live in a competitive world where a good education opens the doors of opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you” (For the Strength of Youth, p.9).

In 1991 Gordon B. Hinckley, then president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced a new program centered entirely around helping those members of the Church who cannot afford to go to school the opportunity.

“Where there is widespread poverty among our people, we must do all we can to help them to lift themselves, to establish their lives upon a foundation of self-reliance that can come of training. Education is the key to opportunity” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Perpetual Education Fund,” Ensign, May 2001).

This program is called the Perpetual Education Fund. For many the education this program provides is the difference between utter poverty and being able to take care of a family. Have you ever thought about how many people out there would love to trade places with an individual who doesn’t really care about school? If only we could all have that intense desire to better ourselves, to do all we can do in order to provide a better life for our families as well as for ourselves.

As youth, as teens, your education may not seem all that important. If that is the case please begin to pray for a change in attitude. Now is the time to learn. In the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, we are taught to “learn wisdom in thy youth” (Alma 37:35).

Again in the Doctrine and Covenants, a series of revelations given to the modern-day prophet Joseph Smith, we are taught about why it is so important to keep learning.

“And I give unto you a commandment that you shall teach one another…of things both in heaven and in the earth, and under the earth; things which have been, things which are, things which must shortly come to pass; things which are at home, things which are abroad; the wars and the perplexities of the nations, and the judgments which are on the land; and a knowledge also of countries and of kingdoms— That ye may be prepared in all things when I shall send you again to magnify the calling whereunto I have called you, and the mission with which I have commissioned you” D&C 88:77-80, italics added).

We all have a purpose in this life, a plan our Heavenly Father would ask of us, to help bring His work to pass. We must do all we can to help make ourselves into the person He knows we can be. Many would rather live in a state of ignorance, but ignorance is not bliss. It does not make a happy person. Finding joy in learning will take you much further in becoming a happy, whole individual.

“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (D&C 78:19).

For those of us in America, when we think of being thankful it’s typically November and we’re celebrating Thanksgiving (a holiday centered around giving thanks). Yet gratitude is a trait we need to work on every single day of our lives.

In the booklet For the Strength of Youth, put out by leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), the youth (12-17 years old) are encouraged to take on a constant attitude of gratitude.

“The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. Live with a spirit of thanksgiving and you will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life. Even in your most difficult times, you can find much to be grateful for. Doing so will strengthen and bless you” (For the Strength of Youth, p.6).

For those who live their lives looking at the glass as half empty, finding things to be grateful for can seem like more of a burden than a way to happiness. This is no reason to not at least try. One of my favorite hymns encourages us to count our blessings, just one at a time.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings; name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done…

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you his wealth untold.
Count your many blessings; money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged; God is over all.
Count your many blessings; angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

(Johnson Oatman, Jr., Hymnbook, p.241)

Start with one blessing. Just one. Then when you have that blessing held firmly in your mind, think of another. Write them down, so you’ll always have them as a reminder. When you find yourself struggling to come up with any blessings during a particularly trying time, go back to the ones you’ve recorded. I promise your heart will be lightened.

The particular scripture story to illustrate the importance of having a grateful heart can be found in Luke 17:12-19.

Ten lepers came to see the Lord, all of them wishing to be healed. He encouraged them to visit their priest. As they traveled along, the disease that had so cruelly corrupted their bodies was lifted, and they were cleansed.

Can you imagine what they must have been feeling at this time? I can imagine most of them went off in search of loved ones they’d been separated from for who knows how long. Wives, mothers, fathers and children must have rejoiced in the miraculous healing of these men.

Yet only one thought to return to the man that had made this possible. Christ questioned the one, wondering what had happened to the other nine. Was Christ looking for thanks, for the recognition that came from performing this miracle? Of course not. He was trying to impart just how important it is for us to give thanks. To show our Heavenly Father that we do indeed recognize His hand in all things. Isn’t this exactly what Jesus did? Was He not always giving credit, thanks, and glory to His Father?

Everything we have comes from our Heavenly Father. The food we eat, the water we drink, the homes we live in, our jobs, our talents, our strengths, and our welfare. All of these things and more are given to us, because He loves us so much. And for that, I am so incredibly grateful.

We always have a choice. My Young Women, the girls 12-17 in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon Church), hear this often from me. I don’t believe this was something I knew as a teen myself, but rather have grown to the realization over the last several years. We always have a choice.

One of the first big choices we made was in our pre-earth life where we resided with our Heavenly Father. He presented us with a plan: to have the chance to come to earth; to make choices as to how we would live our lives; to be tried and tested; and to hopefully prove ourselves worthy to live with Him again. In order for this to happen we needed a Savior, someone to act as a mediator so that if we were to make wrong choices there would be a chance for us to repent and become clean again.

Two men stepped forward at this time. One, Lucifer, came forward and presented an alternate plan. He would guarantee that every single one of us would return to live with the Father again by forcing us to obey. Mistakes would not be allowed. There would be no choice, no agency. In order for him to agree to do this, however, he wanted all of the glory, all of the credit.

Fortunately our brother, Jesus Christ, was willing to be our Savior. In Him we would find our salvation. With Him, Heavenly Father’s plan could come to pass.

And so a choice was placed before us. Would we follow Lucifer? Or would we follow Jesus Christ and, in turn, our Heavenly Father? Our choice was made. How do we know we chose to follow Christ? We are here, now, on this earth, still making choices.

In the booklet For the Strength of Youth put out by the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are briefly taught about what it means to have agency and, what always accompanies it, accountability.

“Your Heavenly Father has given you agency, the ability to choose right from wrong and to act for yourself. . . . While you are here on earth, you are being proven to see if you will use your agency to show your love for God by keeping His commandments.

“While you are free to choose for yourself, you are not free to choose the consequences of your actions. When you make a choice, you will receive the consequences of that choice” (For the Strength of Youth, p.4).

The tricky thing about consequences is they may not be noticeable right away. If we choose to smoke, we may not see the damage to our health and the health of those we smoke around until too late. If we choose not to smoke, we may not ever realize how we’ll travel a healthier road, and that we’ve not risked hurting the health of those around us.

Other consequences happen quickly. For those who choose to enter into sexual relations before they are married they risk unhealthy diseases, pregnancy, not to mention the damage it can to do one’s self-image and spirituality. For those who practice abstinence until they are married there are the blessings of being pure, of bringing children into a safe and loving home, and of knowing that you can stand clean before the Lord.

“Wrong choices delay your progression and lead to heartache and misery. Right choices lead to happiness and eternal life. That is why it is so important for you to choose what is right throughout your life” (For the Strength of Youth, p.4).

With these choices we must come to realize our own responsibility in making them. We must not blame others for the times we choose to disobey God’s commandments. Of course I realize there are times when people have no choice in what happens to their physical self. Someone who is infringed upon by the wrong choices of others has no choice in how they are being treated. They do, however difficult it may be, have a choice in how they will respond to the situation. We do have the power to make the right choices. Can you imagine our loving Heavenly Father would give us agency without the power within ourselves to choose and live righteously?

“You are a child of God with great strength. You have the ability to choose righteousness and happiness, no matter what your circumstances” (For the Strength of Youth, p.5).

The last thing we are asked to consider with agency and accountability is the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-29). A master gives three of his servants talents, or money. To the first he gives five talents, to the second two, and to the last servant he gives only one. The first servant goes out and through industry and hard work earns five more talents. The second servant doubles his money as well. The third servant only hides away his one talent and has nothing to show for the gift his lord gave him. Because he hid this talent away it is taken from him and given to the first servant.

We have been blessed with many gifts, with various opportunities to grow, and with several tests and trials to overcome. If we allow the bad times to overtake us or merely hide our heads, our gifts, and our time away all that we have been blessed with will be taken from us and given to others. Fantastic opportunities that could have enriched our lives will be gone, and we will have no one to blame but ourselves.

“You are also responsible for developing the abilities and talents Heavenly Father has given you. You are accountable to Him for what you do with your abilities and how you spend your time. Do not idle away your time. Be willing to work hard. Choose to do many good things of your own free will” (For the Strength of Youth, p.5).

We are free to choose eternal life through making the best of everything we are given, just as we are free to choose captivity and death through idleness and fear(2 Nephi 2:27). I don’t know about you, but eternal life sounds a whole lot better to me.

“Our beloved young men and women, we have great confidence in you. You are choice spirits who have come forth in this day when the responsibilities and opportunities, as well as the temptations, are the greatest. … Your Heavenly Father wants your life to be joyful and to lead you back into His presence. The decisions you make now will determine much of what will follow during your life and throughout eternity” (For the Strength of Youth).

Several years ago the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known by the nickname Mormon Church, put together a special booklet for the Young Men and Young Women (age 12-17) to help guide them during the formative years of their lives.

Consider for a moment the Ten Commandments. Through them we have been taught gospel principles such as loving the Lord, not to steal, not to covet, and to honor our mothers and our fathers. These simple statements were given to help guide the Lord’s people in their lives. They were meant to help them find more happiness.

Yet these commandments were not enough. When the Lord began His ministry, He taught a higher law. Not only were we not to kill, but we shouldn’t even be brought to such anger. The people at that particular time were ready for a higher law. These laws, or new commandments, were taught in order to help bring the people to a higher state of happiness.

There are aspects of our lives today that are much the same as what existed at the time of Christ, and even at the time of Moses. People still love, laugh, and grow. They still hate, make mistakes, and sin. As time continues, and as we learn these higher laws, Satan must refine his own tactics to sway us away from the Lord’s side. To help strengthen us against these new devices, the Lord has given His leaders of today more guidelines.

Have you ever noticed how much teens and children are now both being targeted in the media, especially when it comes to attacking basic morals and values? If Satan can get to us early, he can maintain an unbelievably strong hold over us as we grow older. Concepts that were once taught faithfully in the homes are now taunted, being called old and outdated. Values are made to seem archaic and no longer necessary. Morals only keep us from truly enjoying ourselves, a sort of spiritual prison if you will.

Yet the Lord would have us know a better way, a better life. It is because He loves us so much that He creates these commandments and guidelines. They will aid in keeping us from the paths that will only lead to misery, addiction, even death. He has prophets today who continue to lead and teach us, so that even in our modern days we can still be protected.

“We promise that as you keep these standards and live by the truths in the scriptures, you will be able to do your life’s work with greater wisdom and skill and bear trials with greater courage. You will have the help of the Holy Ghost. You will feel good about yourself and will be a positive influence in the lives of others” (For the Strength of Youth).

The Lord knows what mighty leaders exist in the youth today. He knows what extraordinary gifts they hold, how much power for good they possess. Through revelation to His prophet He has provided a booklet titled ‘For the Strength of Youth: Fulfilling Our Duty to God.’ Within this book there are several different areas especially pertinent to those youth of today, to help keep them worthy, mighty, and clean. These areas range from gratitude and honesty, to dating and friends.

Over the next several weeks I hope to cover many of these areas. While those who are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed to have these teachings, there are too many out there who do not. It is my sincere hope that these concepts will help strengthen many other youth out there.

I have such a testimony of how truly precious teens are, of how strong their spirits are, and of how much harder they are being tried, tested, and tempted as compared to when I was a teen barely fifteen years ago. I also know that if there’s anything that they or parents can find to help keep them on the path to happiness it’s worth exploring, no matter what religion you may practice.

I noticed the beautiful ring my friend Errin wore on her right hand right off. She never took it off. Something in me knew there was a story behind that ring. It took a while before I had the courage to ask her about it.

“It’s my CTR ring,” she said.

I thought this was a bit peculiar, as I knew perfectly well what a CTR ring looks like. For those of you who may not know, CTR stands for “Choose the Right.” Anyone who’s grown up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nicknamed the Mormon Church, probably received a little ten cent ring a few times over during his or her childhood years. It’s meant to be a physical reminder for us to choose the right.

This ring of Errin’s didn’t look anything like a CTR ring. Just as I’d thought, there was a story behind this ring.

She had a sister-in-law who was a big time alcoholic. As Errin wrote:

“In her early 40’s she had to have a liver transplant because she destroyed hers. When you have a liver transplant they put you on medication to help your body accept what it considers a bad object because it is not your. There are four levels of the medication and you are to start on level one and slowly over time get to level four.”

Errin told me level four is bad, but you shouldn’t have to go on it until much later in life.

“My sister-in-law had to start on level four because her body was rejecting it so much. We got to keep her around for ten more years when she finally could not resist the temptation any longer and started to drink again. It did not take long for her body to kill the liver that was given to her.”

This young woman loved jewelry, especially rings. If there was ever something she wanted for birthdays or Christmas, it was another ring. When her life was over Errin went to her brother and asked if she could have one of those rings. Why?

“I use it as a CTR ring to remind me what addictions do.”

CTR rings come in all shapes and sizes now, but their purpose is the same. L. Tom Perry, a latter-day apostle of the Mormon Church, taught us that the Lord has given us symbols such as these to help remind us to choose the right, to stay on the Lord’s side, to remain on the right course.

“Moreover, I suggest that each of you find or create reminders to help you and your loved ones choose the right when a choice is placed before you. There is a power in…a CTR ring…if we associate them with our desires for purity and righteousness” (L. Tom Perry, “Choose the Right,” Ensign, Nov. 1993).

Beyond physical reminders, Perry invites us to find within ourselves the “conviction deep down in our hearts to live the kind of life that will cause us to make the right choices, not only for peace and happiness in the world right now, but also for peace and happiness eternally.”

My friend watched what an addiction to alcohol did to her sister-in-law, who she dearly loved. She does not want to make the same mistake.

If there is someone in your own life who is making bad choices, particularly ones that you want to stay away from, find something that reminds you of this every day. It doesn’t have to be a ring. It could be a necklace, a tie tack, a pin, or something you hang on your backpack. Choosing the right can only bring you happiness.

Finding opportunities to serve can be difficult with some people, especially when any offer to provide a service is turned down.

There are those who will decline. We could easily become offended, though it has more to do with our own personal feelings of rejection. It’s never easy to be told no. At times like these it’s important to keep in mind we don’t know the cause behind the refusal. It could be as simple as those we want to serve don’t have anything that needs to be done. If they are in a time of grieving they may not be in a state of mind to think of ways others can help out.

Several years ago my husband and I unexpectedly lost a baby just after he was born. We were, needless to say, devastated and in no proper frame of mind to come up with ways to be served by the sweet brothers and sisters in our ward (word for a large congregation within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

Those who decline may also be much like my husband and I, who don’t want to put anyone else out. We feel so bad when we have to ask for help. To have others volunteer their time and energy to come and do things we could very well do ourselves is very difficult for us. We’re working on this, I promise. After all, how can others enjoy the blessings of serving others when those ‘others’ refuse to be served?

So what do you do when those you want to help is less than agreeable?

Look for the little things.

Think of 1 Nephi 16:29 in the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ:

“…And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.”

My next-door neighbor died recently. He was on the liver transplant list, but his health declined drastically as the colder weather settled in. At any point of the day we would see two or three cars parked at the house, so we knew his darling wife didn’t want for company.

My husband and I have offered many times to help out, but the truth is there’s not much we can do besides lend moral support. This has made it necessary to look for something little I can do.

Monday morning is garbage pickup day in our area. Typically by the time I get back home from dropping my kids off at school the garbage truck has made its’ rounds and the cans are ready to be brought back in. I always start with my neighbor to the right. It’s not that she can’t bring them in herself, but at 74 years young she is usually working and unable to do it herself first thing in the morning. After her can is in I pull in my own.

Then I head to my other neighbors and bring in both of theirs, grabbing their newspaper along the way to toss it up on their porch.

It sounds a little lame, doesn’t it? Bringing in garbage cans isn’t exactly changing the world. That’s not the point. So far as I can tell my neighbors don’t know I do this, which is okay. I’m not doing it for recognition. I do it because I sincerely desire to serve my spirit brothers and sisters. I do it because I love my neighbors. I do it because of my love for Jesus Christ.

“…Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40).

Don’t snub the little acts of service. Even the little things help.

The highest calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a priest. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church as it is more commonly known, young men at the age of sixteen (up through seventeen, or until ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood) are ordained to the office of a priest upon being found worthy. If the young man has been a member of this Church for many years, the duties and responsibilities outlined in the Duty to God program will only add on to what he’s already accomplished as a deacon and teacher.

Even as a priest the young men must accomplish many different goals in order to receive his Duty to God Award. These goals vary in each area. In Family Activities there are ten goals in all, each of which must be completed and signed off by a parent. These goals may include reading the entire Book of Mormon, another testament of Christ, and discussing some of the main accounts, or perhaps the young man could talk to his parents about his career goals and his plans to achieve them.

The next area is Quorum Activities where seven goals must be completed under the guidance of a priesthood leader. Some of these goals include giving two 4-5 minutes talks each year when assigned by a leader, or to help teach at least two priest quorum lessons (a quorum is another name for the class). He could even learn the basic skills of conducting music and leading the music during a meeting.

Now we come to Personal Goals. Within this area are four new categories where eight goals must be completed in each one. The first category involves spiritual development, and is used to help strengthen testimonies, learn priesthood duties, and understand doctrines of the gospel. Some of these goals include speaking about the importance of honesty and integrity in daily life, participating in a baptism, and continuing to add to his missionary fund.

The next category deals with the young man’s physical development. It involves more than just physical activity, like running for 30 minutes 3 times a week. It also encourages him to learn teamwork perhaps by teaching the rules of a sport to another family or class member. He is also directed to practice safety by doing something such as studying the needs of people with disabilities, and planning and carrying out a camping trip (or other activity) that includes those with disabilities.

Next we look into educational, personal, and career development. All of these things can help to make a more confident, more self-reliant young man. Some of the goals included here involve obtaining part-time work (if he hasn’t already done so), obtaining a valid driver’s license (with parental approval), and participating in a church, school or community choir.

The last category looks at a young man’s citizenship and social development, particularly in helping him learn to serve others, improve his social skills, and becoming an involved member of the community. Some of these goals talk about personal hygiene, discussing good conduct in dating, or talking with a priesthood leader about different cultures where full-time missionaries are serving.

Each young man must also complete a Service Project to benefit his family or community. The priest is to plan it out, make any necessary preparations, and then carry out the project personally. These projects can double as Eagle Scout service projects for those who participate in both programs.

At last we come to keeping a Personal Journal. It probably sounds lame, but I can testify to the powerful influence of a journal. Not only is it a great record of your life, as well as spiritual impressions you may have forgotten, but it may become a treasure to your descendants.

If a young man has completed all the goals over the six years he attends the Young Men program in the Church, he is eligible to receive the Duty to God Award. Of course the real reward comes in every single wonderful trait and lesson he has learned over the last six years. These traits and lessons will continue to bless him as he moves on to become a missionary, a husband, and a father. I can testify of this.

When a young man of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church as it is sometimes called, turns fourteen years of age and is found worthy he will be ordained to the office of a 'Teacher.' This is the second office in the Aaronic Priesthood. As a teacher the young man will retain the duties and responsibilities he had as a deacon (12-13 years old) and will gain new ones.

At this same time he will be given a new Duty To God booklet, designed especially to help the teachers progress from their duties as a deacon.

One of these new duties is the opportunity to prepare the sacrament, just as the Savior did for His disciples (see Luke 22:19-20). The young man will also have the chance to become a home teacher in the Church, and with a partner will be in charge of visiting assigned families in their homes to ensure their well-being.

Each young man is required to accomplish a certain amount of goals in several different areas in order to receive a certificate at the end of his two years as a teacher. The first area involves Family Activities.

For a teacher there are a total of eight goals, and each one must be completed. These goals vary from memorizing the words and learning to conduct at least three hymns each year, to learning to prepare and use a simple budget, then keeping that budget for at least two months. Parents are asked to work alongside their young men in order to help them accomplish these goals, and must sign them off as they are completed.

The next area is referred to as Quorum Activities. A quorum is the individual classes for deacons, teachers and priests (all callings within the Aaronic Priesthood). There are seven goals in all, each of which must be completed under the direction of class leaders. These goals include participating in at least one quorum service project each year. They are also encouraged to give at least one 4-5 minutes talk in their class or in the Latter-day Saint Church’s main meeting (sacrament meeting).

In the next area, Personal Goals, four new categories are set up for the young man to work on himself. In each of these four categories a requirement of eight goals apiece is put in place, totaling 32 goals for this one area.

The first category is spiritual development. We believe every young man should focus on his spiritual side, to help strengthen it and, at the same time, him. Some of the goals set up to help in this effort are to write regularly in a journal for three months, to regularly add to his mission fund in preparation to become a full-time missionary, and to develop a list of ten qualities he admires in his father or another adult and then to discuss them.

The second category is physical development. Some of the goals here include hiking for nine miles in one day (can be combined with scouting), teaching a younger sibling or member of his congregation how to play an indoor game or sport, and maybe teaching first aid skills to a family or class member. Not only can these things help develop a young man’s physical health, but it goes a long way toward helping his mental and emotional health as well.

The next category involves developments in his career, his education and his personal life. These goals are intended to help a young man become more self-reliant, such as taking a vocational interest test to help him prepare for a potential career. Some goals encourage him to develop his talents, such as learning to play a musical instrument. Other goals help create leadership qualities, such as attending a career night where the steps he will need to apply for a job are described.

The last category focuses on his citizenship and social development. These goals attempt to bring a young man’s focus outside of himself and look toward his community. For example, he could visit a legal court, and share his impressions of the experience with a leader. Or he could discuss ways to help prevent crime in the area. A frequent favorite of youth is to plan and participate in an etiquette dinner.

The Duty to God Service Project can be doubled as an Eagle Scout project if the young man is participating in both programs. These service projects should benefit their family or community and should be planned and carried out by the young man.

Last we come to keeping a Personal Journal. Back in spiritual development one of the goals set there was to keep a journal. You can see how these goals can entwine, helping to accomplish more than one at once.

For example, one goal is to give a talk, while another is to use a computer to prepare a talk. Yet another goal is to give an assigned talk or give a speech at school. These three goals can easily be combined.

There may be times the thought of making and accomplishing all of these goals will feel daunting, but it can be done. With a good support system many young men of this Church have been successful in gaining the certificate at the end of their two years as a teacher. Not only that, but they feel better about themselves, about all they have accomplished, and know that many people out there want to see them succeed.

The first calling in the Aaronic Priesthood is that of a Deacon in the Young Men Program. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormon Church, a Deacon is a young man of the age 12 and 13. If raised in the Church, he has already begun the practice of making and setting goals while attending Primary in the Faith in God program.

Upon entering the Young Men Program the deacons will receive a booklet titled,

Aaronic Priesthood
Deacon
Fulfilling Our Duty to God.

Throughout the booklet are various scripture references to help the deacons understand the spiritual nature of their calling, such as is found in the Doctrine and Covenants.

“Thou art called to assist; which thing if ye do, and are faithful, ye shall be blessed both spiritually and temporally, and great shall be your reward” D&C 14:11.

“To watch over the church, to be standing ministers unto the church” D&C 84:111.

Deacons are asked to accomplish goals under several different categories. Each of these goals is set up as a starting place, so that as they continue on to different positions in the Young Men (teachers, priests) they will be able to more readily complete more difficult goals.

The first category is Family Activities. There are seven goals in all listed, and each one is to be done with the family when possible. Some of these goals include developing a habit of reading the scriptures daily. The deacons are specifically asked to read in the Book of Mormon from 1 Nephi to Mosiah in two years. This can easily be done if the family sets up a regular time to read the scriptures.

Another goal to accomplish with the family can be preparing at least two meals for everyone. If he’s feeling really ambitious (and if Mom and Dad feel daring enough), he can even try washing and ironing his own clothes for a month.

Under the category of Quorum Activities, deacons are taught by priesthood leaders. There are seven goals in all, each intended to help them understand what their calling as a deacon requires, as well as the importance of holding the Aaronic Priesthood. One goal asks them to participate in at least two service projects each year with their fellow classmates. Another asks them to read Isaiah 58 as well as Doctrine and Covenants 59, then explain to their leader the law of the fast, and how fast offerings are used.

Next we come to Personal Goals. There are four different sections under this category, and in each section the deacon is to accomplish eight or more goals.

The first section focuses on spiritual development. Deacons are asked to bear their testimony at least once each year. They are asked to read an account of one of their ancestors and report on what they learned to their family or leader. They are asked to start a journal and write in it regularly for at least two months. Mormon men are encouraged to go on full-time missions (lasting two years) at the age of nineteen. To help them in this goal deacons can set the goal to be financially prepared.

The next section focuses on their physical development. More than ever this is becoming crucial in the health of our children and teens. Some of the goals a deacon can set are to learn a new sport, swim for 50 meters using two different strokes, or hiking for 6 miles in one day. They can prepare the equipment for an overnight camping trip by setting up a tent, cooking on an open fire or camp stove, and restoring their surroundings to what they were before the campout.

The third section teaches them way to develop personally, in their education, and career. Goals vary from making plans to improve basic reading and writing to learning emergency treatment for electrical shock, near drowning, or heat exhaustion among other things. They can learn to play a musical instrument, and follow it up by performing a musical selection in church.

Citizenship and social development round it out. Goals for this section can be explaining to a leader or parent what makes a good friend, including how to maintain that friendship as well as how to resolve conflicts. Another goal could be teaching the family to play a new game or sport. They could even clean up a part of the neighborhood.

Next we come to the Duty to God Service Project. Deacons are encouraged to choose a service project that will benefit their family or community. They need to be able to plan it out, prepare for it, and then accomplish it. All projects must be approved by both parents and leaders.

The last category promotes keeping a Personal Journal. This can be accomplished by setting a previous goal to keep a journal for two months.

It all probably seems like a lot, but remember they have two whole years to accomplish all of this. With the help and support of both parents and Church leaders, these deacons can accomplish every single one of these goals. I can testify it will only bless them in their lives, and in the lives of those they come in contact with.

The Duty to God program is intended to help the young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church) to achieve the purposes of the Aaronic Priesthood. There are several different areas of development to aid the young men in accomplishing this.

Priesthood Duties and Standards

In order to receive the certificate for deacons, teachers, and priests, other requirements are also asked. For the most part these duties and standards are the same for each age group.

1. Keep the commandments.

2. Live the standards in For the Strength of Youth.

3. Have daily personal prayer.

4. Read the scriptures.

5. Attend sacrament meeting, priesthood meeting, and other Church meetings.

6. Keep the Word of Wisdom.

7. Pay a full tithe.

8. Perform other assigned priesthood duties.

The next three duties differ for each class. For example, deacons are asked to pass the sacrament while priests are allowed to bless it. Deacons gather fast offerings while both teachers and priests are assigned to go out with priesthood leaders as home teachers (visit different families in the congregation). Both teachers and priests are also asked to enroll in the seminary program.

Family Activities

Under this category parents are asked to help their young man complete each goal. Some of these goals differ by age, though some remain constant. For example deacons, teachers, and priests are all asked to read For the Strength of Youth, and then discuss with their parents the importance of these standards and values.

Family participation in helping a young man achieve these goals helps keep the family closer together.

Quorum Activities

A quorum is the individual class in the priesthood. The teachers and leaders directly over deacons will help accomplish certain goals. The teachers and leaders over teachers will do the same, as will those over the priests. These goals are geared more towards helping the young men learn what their priesthood responsibilities are.

Personal Goals

Under personal goals are four new categories. In each of these categories eight goals must be completed (totaling 32 for personal goals alone). While there are many goals suggested, the young men are allowed to modify them if they are not possible. This can only happen with the approval of both parents and leaders.

The first category is Spiritual Development. These goals are intended to help each young man strengthen his testimony, to learn his priesthood duties as well as to understand the doctrines of the gospel. A goal could be something like identifying four scriptures that testify of Jesus Christ, and then talking about it with a parent or leader. They could start a journal, or start a family group record.

The second category is Physical Development. These goals are intended to help each young man develop healthy habits, to become physically fit, and even to practice safety and learn good sportsmanship. One goal I like which progresses as the young man gets older is to, as a deacon, run 2 kilometers (or 1 ¼ miles), and set a goal for improvement. As a teacher he would then be asked to run 10 kilometers (or 6 miles) in an hour or less. From there priests are to set a goal of running 5 kilometers (or 3 miles) in 30 minutes or less. You can see how starting out with 2 kilometers can easily progress to 5 in thirty minutes if the goal has been set and steadily worked on over the course of six years.

The next category is Educational, Personal, and Career Development. These goals are intended to help a young man become more self-reliant, discover and develop talents, and gain leadership qualities. The goals can be anything from improving reading skills to learning to play a musical instrument.

The fourth category is Citizenship and Social Development. These goals are intended to help the young men serve others, to improve their social skills, and to become an all-around better person. This can be done through things like learning to practice proper hygiene, or volunteering for several afternoons at a hospital, or even attending a community council meeting.

Duty to God Service Project

The young men are required to choose, plan, and carry out an approved service project that will benefit their family, their congregation, or their community. The great thing about these service projects is they can double as an Eagle Scout project for those also doing Scouting.

Personal Journal

Last, but certainly not least, is the keeping of a journal. Journals are to be treasured. They are a record of our personal lives. The young men are encouraged to keep details of spiritual impressions and feelings.

There is no doubt in my mind the young men of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are blessed by being asked to accomplish so much in their youth. Focusing on the spiritual side can only help in making them good missionaries, strong husbands, and compassionate fathers.

The Duty to God program was set up several years ago as a guide for the Young Men Program (boys age 12-17) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) to help in their spiritual progression. Specifically its purpose is to prepare them to obtain the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage, and fatherhood. No pressure, right?

Fortunately we’re not talking about our young men doing all of this tomorrow. At the age of twelve, and if found worthy, all young men may receive the Aaronic Priesthood and are then ordained to the office of a Deacon. From this point on through the next six years they are encouraged to participate in the Duty to God program.

Each young man will receive a four by six booklet. Unlike the Young Women who will keep just one book in their own Personal Progress program for all six years, the Young Men will be given a new book every two years as they advance in their callings. The first book is for the Deacons, age 12-13. The next book is for those who are Teachers, age 14-15, and the last book is for Priests, age 16-17.

In all three books there is a message from the First Presidency, or the President and his 1st and 2nd counselors who preside over the entire Latter-day Saint Church. I’d like to share a portion of this message.

“You have been called to make a difference in the world. As a son of God, with the power of the Aaronic Priesthood, you can be a wonderful force for good… You have a responsibility to learn what Heavenly Father wants you to do and then to do your best to follow His will… The Lord believes in you and has an important mission for you to do. He will help you as you turn to Him in prayer… You will feel a great sense of accomplishment as you fulfill your duty and prepare for the exciting challenges of the future.”

Over the next few posts I hope to enlighten you who are unfamiliar with the program as to all it can do for the young men of our Church. It requires a lot in regards to time, energy, commitment, and personal study. There are many goals to be met in various areas. Some of these will be done with the help of parents, others with the help of church leaders. Most of these goals need to be done on a personal basis.

One of the wonderful things about the Duty to God program is how well it fits in with Scouting. For those who have access to the Scouting Program it may feel burdensome to add the Duty to God program as well. As we explore some of the areas in the program I hope you’ll see just how well the two areas compliment one another.

“Our effort was to find something that would be compatible with priesthood principles and also with Scouting. Duty to God embraces Scouting, which is wonderful for our young men…. Duty to God focuses more on the spiritual – bringing young men to Christ. Scouting is primarily an activity program with some spirituality as well” (“Teaming Up for Youth,” Ensign, Jan 2002).

The Duty to God program blesses the lives of so many young men. It can help keep them grounded in the spiritual things at a time when the pleasures of the world are constantly being thrust in their faces. Brother Charles W. Dahlquist, current General President of the Young Men Program spoke of this very thing.

“With the challenges that are bombarding young men today – Satan’s attempts to weaken them and lead them astray – there has never been a greater need for the blessings that come through achieving the Duty to God Award. A young man who is dedicated…will not only be more focused on that which is good and right and true, but he will be more prepared to shun evil” (Charles W. Dahlquist II, “Fulfilling Our Duty to God: A Window of Opportunity,” Ensign, Sep 2006).

As a young man proceeds through the program he may receive a certificate for every book in which he has accomplished all the required goals. If at the end of the six years he has received all three certificates he can receive the Duty to God Award. will help them remember to pray, listen for answers to prayers, keep the commandments, and prepare to become a worthy missionary, husband and father.

“I will have the moral courage to make my actions consistent with my knowledge of right and wrong” (Young Women Personal Progress, p.54).

I have to admit it hasn’t been easy putting something together for Integrity. As a youth and member of the Young Women organization in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (more commonly known by the nickname “Mormons”) I always found it difficult to understand the deeper meanings of the word. I knew integrity had a lot to do with things like not cheating, or stealing, or breaking your word. I knew it meant we shouldn’t be hypocrites, like saying we should love our families when our everyday acts show we don’t love them at all.

Over the years I’ve also heard integrity described as those things we do when no one’s looking. Are you a person who takes those quiet, solitary times to read the word of God and other uplifting books, or do an unseen act of service for a loved one, or perhaps study for school? Or are you the person who delves into immoral acts, or wastes hours in front of the television, or reads unwholesome books?

In Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary we can read this definition of integrity:

“Firm adherence to a code of moral or artistic values: incorruptibility; an unimpaired condition: soundness; the quality or state of being complete or undivided: completeness.”
(italics added.)

One of the value experiences the young women of our church are asked to complete deals with discovering a deeper meaning of integrity:

“Look up the word integrity in a dictionary. Interview your mother, grandmother, or another woman you respect about her understanding and application of the word. Make a list of ways you can make your actions consistent with your knowledge of right and wrong, and record in your journal what it means to you to have integrity.”

When you consider the words incorruptible, sound, and complete, of whom do you think? Is there a man or a woman in your life who seems to encompass these words? Why do you think they adhere to these qualities? What do you notice about how they treat others, how others treat them, and their state of happiness?

The scripture chosen by leaders of our Church to go along with the value of integrity can be found in the book of Job.

“Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me” (Job 27:5).

Job had it all: wealth, a wife, and family. He never let it go to his head, and continually supplicated to the Lord on behalf of his family in case they had sinned. The Lord allowed Satan to test Job. In an instant his wealth was gone, then his children, and lastly his health. Three of his friends, even his wife, repeatedly attempted to get Job to curse God for allowing all of this to happen.

Certainly Job mourned for the loss of his wealth and grieved the passing of his children. With all that his body had been inflicted with he must have wondered why God asked it of him. Yet never did he utter any accusations against the Lord. Things could hardly have become worse for this man, yet through it all his faith in God remained intact. He was incorruptible, sound, and complete when the Lord saw fit to heal him. He maintained his integrity.

In the Book of Mormon - another testament of Christ - we are asked to “stand as witnesses of God, at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9), not allowing outside forces to determine how we will respond. We must not become hypocrites, who praise God and follow His ways when everything goes right, yet turn tail at the first sign of hardships.

Becoming a person of integrity may come easily for some. For others it can appear daunting, perhaps even impossible. I can testify this is not impossible. I can also testify that as we practice choosing the right in our dealings with our fellow men, with ourselves, and with God, we will find ourselves a happier people. God blesses us when we stand up for Him, especially when times have been tough.

“I will help others and build the kingdom through righteous service” (Young Women Personal Progress, ‘Good Works,’ p. 47).

I am particularly passionate about doing good works. There is such an amazing feeling of utter joy that comes to me when I am able to do something for someone I love. In fact, the more I love someone, the more I want to do things for him or her.

Service is the hallmark of every Christian religion, and is certainly no different for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormon Church, as it is often called). Service is encouraged in the various programs of the Church, beginning in Primary for children, going on through the teen years in the Young Men and Young Women programs, and continues on through our adult programs as well. It is perhaps one of the most powerful tools in spreading the love of God.

The scripture that goes along with the Young Women value of ‘Good Works’ can be found in the Book of Mormon – another testament of Christ.

“Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (3 Nephi 12:16).

Giving service sets you apart, makes you shine, causes you to become extra special in the eyes of those you serve. There are so many people in my neighborhood and my church who have become dear to me because of the services they’ve proffered over the years in my behalf. The thought that someone else in this world might think of me in the same way makes my heart sing.

You might be surprised at how many people serve you. The first Value Experience offered in the Young Women Personal Progress book encourages our teen girls to consider what acts of service are performed for them every day.

“Learn why service is a fundamental principle of the gospel. Read Matthew 5:13-16; 25:34-40; Galatians 6:9-10; James 1:22-27; Mosiah 2:17; 4:26; and 3 Nephi 13:1-4. Others often give service you may not notice, such as preparing meals, reading or listening to younger children, repairing clothing, or helping a brother or sister. For two weeks record in your journal the quiet acts of service your family members and others perform. Acknowledge their service in some meaningful way.”

Other value experiences encourage the girls to do other things. One is to plan, shop for, and cook the meals for two weeks. Another is to read Mosiah 18:7-10 and think of ways to comfort others.

I especially appreciate value #5, which asks the girls to read Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28, and think of ways to apply the scripture to her own family. She is to pick a member of the family (I would encourage her to look at the one she gets along with the least) and serve that person for a whole month. One of the quickest ways to create a bond with someone is to serve that person. Service can work miracles.

In all our acts of service we must do as the scripture in 3 Nephi quoted above says, and do so with the purpose of glorifying our Father. It should be in His name that we accomplish these works, as Christ often did. Just as we should be willing to serve others, it is also important that we give others the chance to serve us.

My husband and I are trying hard to impart to our children the joy service can bring. Sometimes the object of our service knows it’s us, other times we try to keep it a secret. It’s not always easy to convince a four-year old he really does want to help rake up a giant pile of leaves, but our efforts over the years have begun to show great rewards. I can already see in my oldest the desire to help others, not with the thought of being given praise or money, but because she loves those she serves.

I can testify of the joy doing good works can bring into your life, if you do it for the right reasons. The feeling that comes of doing it can give more in the way of rewards than any earthly prize. I believe one of the most wonderful things about serving others is the more you do it, the happier you become.

“I will choose good over evil and will accept responsibility for my decisions” (Young Women Personal Progress, p40).

Every day we are faced with choices. Some are easy: what to watch on TV or DVD, what books we read, saving a little of the money we’ve earned. Other choices can change the course of our lives: what friends we choose, who we date, if we will remain morally clean.

As teens of today you are frequently faced with choices your parents and grandparents never did. My mother recently told me that anorexia, something we frequently hear about, wasn’t even a concept when she was a teen. Now it’s the first thing a young woman will turn to when she doesn’t feel as though she has the world’s concept of a “perfect” body. Yet the consequences of this disease are horrendous, at times deadly.

Consequence is a word rarely used by those who would encourage us to make bad choices. Smoking can lead to yellowed teeth, emphysema, and even lung cancer. But the so-called friend who wants you to “just try one” isn’t listing all of the possible consequences. Credit cards are frequently tossed through the mail, even to teens. But they don’t come with warnings to not spend more than you can afford to pay back, guides to help you see just how much you’d have to pay in interest, and how using credit cards recklessly has caused many to lose their cars, homes, and even families.

Every choice we make will lead us on a different course. What we need to do is decide which path we want to take, and be prepared to accept the consequences. If you choose to dress a little less modestly, how will it change your actions, your speech, and the way others perceive you? If you choose friends who hold the same basic morals, values, and ideals, how will this strengthen your own resolve to stay strong in important things?

In all our decisions we should be ever mindful of what God wants for us. We must study any choice out in our minds, taking time to read scriptures and spending much time in prayer. Even our little decisions can lead to big outcomes. It’s important for us to begin this method of bringing the Lord in on all our decisions starting with the little ones, so that when the big ones hit we’ll be much more prepared to choose the right.

“Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

This is the scripture the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chose to put with the Young Women Value of Choice and Accountability. Through it our teen girls are encouraged to learn how to make decisions that will lead them further along the path the Lord would choose for them, rather than down whatever frightening and destructive path Satan would have them take.

Several of the Value Experiences in the Personal Progress program help guide them along the way. #5 brings in several scriptures to help them learn about the Holy Ghost.

“With a parent, Young Women leader, or friend, read and discuss Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:26; 16:13; Galatians 5:22-25; 2 Nephi 32:5; Moroni 10:4-5; and Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-14. Then record in your journal how the Holy Ghost can help you make good decisions in your daily life. Pray for and live worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost.”

In value experience #7 the young women are encouraged to practice money management, but they are also given insight into the gift of agency.

“Making choices is part of Heavenly Father’s plan for us. Read Moses 4:14, 7:32 (found in the Pearl of Great Price), and 2 Nephi 9:51. Establish a pattern of wise money management by making a budget for saving and spending your money, including the payment of tithing. Live within your budget for at least three months. Set priorities that allow you to meet your most important needs before satisfying your wants.”

Learning to make good choices, and learning to involve the Lord, is only the first part of this value. Few people these days choose to take responsibility for their bad decisions and would rather blame everyone including God when it’s time to accept the consequences. Being accountable for the outcome of our choices is a hard lesson to learn, but vital for our spiritual growth. It’s an important link in training teens to become competent adults.

We have all been given agency, but it’s not free. It comes with a price. If we decide to make wrong choices, we must be prepared to pay that price. Choosing to make the right choices may not always be the easy path, but it is the one that will keep us close to the Lord.