“Come unto Christ,” New Era, Jan. 2014, 8–9
Come unto Christ
Young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, this year our Mutual theme inspires you to think about your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, and how you can become like Him. Our theme is “Come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness” (Moroni 10:32).
This is a sacred invitation to draw near to the Son of God. Because of His Atonement, we can gain the power to serve, to deny ourselves of ungodly things in our lives, and to feel His infinite love. As we do so, we will find true peace and happiness.
As you act on the invitation to come unto Christ, you will come to understand your sacred duty to “invite all to come unto Christ” (D&C 20:59) as well. Your hearts will be filled with a desire to lead others unto Him so they can receive the same blessings you have received and continue to receive.
One young man, Michael, fulfilled this duty by helping his friend Jose.
One day, Jose asked him, “Michael, why are you always happy?”
Michael said, “It’s because I serve.”
“Why do you serve?”
“Because I hold the priesthood and it’s my duty,” came the reply.
Jose said, “I would like to know more about the priesthood.”
Michael invited Jose to Church activities and later to Church meetings. Eventually Jose and his family were taught by the missionaries and were baptized. Jose said, “Missionary work is the base of our Church. If we will be just and righteous in our daily dealings, then those around us will take notice and inquire of us like I did. Michael is a vessel in God’s great plan.”
As you draw near to the Lord, you will have a desire to serve others just as Michael did. And as you do, you will find this promise from President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency, to be true: “When you give your heart to inviting people to come unto Christ, your heart will be changed. You will be doing His work for Him. You will find that He keeps His promise to be one with you in your service. You will come to know Him. And in time you will come to be like Him and ‘be perfected in him [Moroni 10:32].’”2
That is the heart of this year’s theme.