Individual Responsibility

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Priesthood session of the October 2003 conference.

Even though then Elder Russell M. Nelson's talk was to the priesthood I think what he said was, and is, appropriate for all members of the church. ". . . the strength of the faith within each of us is developed individually, not as a group."

Through the parable of the ten virgins Jesus taught us that we each need to be prepared and can't rely on the supply of others to get us through. Elder Nelson said, ". . . the responsibility to develop power in the priesthood is personal. Only as an individual can you develop a firm faith in God and a passion for personal prayer. Only as an individual can you keep the commandments of God. Only as an individual can you repent. Only as an individual can you qualify for the ordinances of salvation and exaltation." 

Even the phrase "power in the priesthood" echos what we are taught in the temple about our relationship with God and it applies to both men and women. And Elder Nelson says, "Now is the time to prepare for your own ultimate interview." 

Elder Nelson talks a lot about responsibility, which is the opposite of what we hear in the news and on social media, where the clamoring is for "rights" without any personal responsibility or consequences. Elder Nelson says, "You cannot exercise agency and escape accountability and responsibility for each choice." What a message for today!