“Introduction to Duty to God,” New Era, Sept. 2011
Introduction to Duty to God
When Joseph Smith was 17 years old, Moroni, a messenger sent from the presence of God, appeared to Joseph and said that God had a work for him to do (see Joseph Smith—History 1:33).
Dear brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood, God has a work for you to do as well. It probably won’t be to translate ancient records on gold plates—rather, it will be something that fits your unique talents and circumstances. How will you know what your work is? Part of it is described in your Aaronic Priesthood duties, which are found in the scriptures and summarized in your Fulfilling My Duty to God booklet (see pages 23, 47, and 71).
Learn about those duties. Study them prayerfully. As you do, the Spirit will whisper to you specific things you can do to fulfill them. Is there someone in your family who needs your service? Do you have a friend who needs to hear your testimony of Christ? Is there something you can do to make the ordinance of the sacrament a more spiritual experience for ward members? Write down what the Spirit tells you to do. Carry out your plans, and then share your experiences with your quorum members.
You will be richly blessed as you fulfill your duty to God, but instead of focusing on the blessings you will receive, focus on the blessings you can share. People all around you need your priesthood service. That is the work God has for you to do.
We have seen the marvelous good you are doing as priesthood men. We testify that the priesthood is God’s power. He shares it with you because He loves you—and because He loves the people you serve.
The Angel Moroni Appears to Joseph Smith by Tom Lovell; photographs by Church Media Services