Obtaining the Best Version of Ourselves
A Report from the Hurst Stake General Priesthood Meeting
On Saturday August 27th, 2022 all male priesthood holders in the Hurst Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, gathered together at the Hurst Stake Center to hear inspiring words of instruction from their priesthood leaders. Topics included: how to be a good example of goodness, hearing the Lord, what it means to hold the priesthood and obtaining the best version of yourself.
The warm, sultry 4:30 p.m. meeting began with a refreshing ice cream social served up by Tom Rogers from the River Trails Ward (congregation.) At 4:50 p.m., the Hurst Texas Stake organ pipes began to bellow hymns of the restoration of the gospel with Ken Haynie of the Hurst Ward at the keys.
Chandler Growald, President of the Hurst Stake Presidency, introduced the lineup of heavy hitters to teach the full chapel of priesthood holders, young and old, from around the Hurst area.
Be an Example of Goodness
Bob Collins, Second Counselor in the Hurst Stake Presidency, inspired us with his words about how to be examples of goodness in the community. He shared a story about how several brothers in the Hurst Texas Stake served our community by removing a fallen tree off a citizen’s home.
President Bob Collins.
He also reminded us how sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with just one soul can lead to a dozen in just two years. How can we do that? President Collins answered by saying, we must strengthen our testimonies regularly. His challenge to us was to memorize and recite the Aaronic Priesthood theme.
President Collins also admonished us not to waste time on things that do not benefit others. He gave us a question to ask ourselves: “Who have I assumed is not interested in the gospel today?”
We should be continually looking to help those around us and bring others to Christ.
And he also instructed: “Don’t forget to repent of any sins before you go to bed and once they are repented of, let them go. Satan wants you to keep them. Cut him short.”
He said we must take passing the sacrament seriously as did Tanner Christian Lund, son of Elder Steven J. Lund, the Young Men General President. Young Tanner fought through the pain of bone cancer after high doses of pain medication. He struggled with getting dressed for church, yet was determined to fulfill his priesthood assignment and pass the sacrament to his congregation. The young man said, “I see how people look at me when I pass the sacrament. I think it helps them.”
President Collins concluded with this call to action, “Let us be found fulfilling our responsibilities faithfully.”
Hearing Him
President Samuel Keil.
Samuel Keil, President of the Elders Quorum in the Young Single Adult (YSA) Ward (congregation) spoke next. His topic was, “Hearing Him: God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost.” He instructed that the first step is:
1. Know they are there for us.
2. Know we are the Lord’s children.
3. Have a broken heart and a contrite spirit.
President Keil said we all hear Him in our own ways, and finding that, is of great consequence. And added that he personally hears the Lord best through music and the spoken word.
What Does it Mean to Hold the Priesthood?
The third speaker, Tommy Hamilton, First Counselor in the Hurst Stake Presidency, began by defining the priesthood. He referenced President Henry B. Eyring who said the priesthood is the authority to speak and act in the name of God. The apostle Peter called it a “royal priesthood” and we are a chosen generation. However, in President Boyd K. Packer’s words: “The distribution of the priesthood has outpaced the power of the priesthood.” Meaning, that having the authority does not guarantee the power thereof.
President Tommy Hamilton. Image courtesy of Kirk Cannon.
President Hamilton quoted President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who said many priesthood holders “often live below the privileges of the priesthood.” Quoting Doctrine & Covenants 107:99–100, he read, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence. He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand.”
President Hamilton also quoted NFL coach Bill Parcells, saying, “You are what your record says you are.”
Hamilton taught we need everyone to rise up and exercise the priesthood according to the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood in Doctrine and Covenants section 84. President Hamilton went on to teach about the importance of being humble as taught by Ammon in The Book of Mormon, Alma 26:12.
He concluded by teaching the need to pray before filling a priesthood assignment. President Russell M. Nelson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints taught, “The full scope of the priesthood is beyond mortal comprehension.” The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “Shall we not go on in so great a cause!... Go forward and not backward. Courage brethren; and on, on to victory!” Let us love, share and invite.
Obtain the Best Version of Yourself
President Growald, who was the final speaker, stirred us with remarks on six suggestions to obtain the best version of ourselves. How can we improve the physical, mental, emotional, occupational, intellectual and spiritual qualities in ourselves?
President Chandler Growald. Image courtesy of Kirk Cannon.
Physical
Of course, having mastery over our diet and exercise as well as hearkening to the Word of Wisdom in Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 will bless our physical nature.
Mental and Emotional
Improving our mental and emotional selves is critical. The free Life Help classes offered by the Church have a standing track record of success in these areas. We can help others suffering with these challenges by helping them to feel welcome and loved. We must love genuinely. If we can’t do that it’s best to hold our peace until it’s genuine. Strengthening our mental and emotional selves can be done by noticing the beauty and grandeur of Earth and sky and pondering the immense majesty and healing power of Jesus Christ, our Creator and Savior.
Occupational
“The definition of success is when you love your work.” The Lord wants us to use the talents He has given us for our occupations and not to go off on likable whims, said President Growald.
Intellectual
We have been taught in scripture to “seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith.” President Nelson and Dieter F. Uchtdorf said that education is a commandment and a religious responsibility. President Growald urged, “Don’t stop improving your knowledge.”
Spiritual
Mortality presents a wide range of experiences and opportunities to exercise faith and master appetites. Where do we use the principle of “return and report?” It is to the Lord every day, in our prayers, in our thoughts and in our study.
President Growald’s final assertion was to look at the first and second great commandments a little differently:
Love God with all our hearts, might, mind and strength. And love ourselves enough to love our neighbors in a great and glorious way.
He promised that if we read the Book of Mormon every day, then we will find the help we need.
President Growald concluded his statements in the name of Him, who is the Master Healer of all, even Jesus Christ.
Article by Barry Dick, Hurst Stake High Counselor
Barry Dick is a nurse by profession and spends most days on the medsurge floors of various Baylor hospitals in the area. He owes the occupation to God who showed him the way after choosing to put God first.
During his free time he serves in his church, goes on dates and vacations with his wife Joan and family. He enjoys home improvement, golf, tennis and equestrian sporting activities.