When I Was First Given...

Jeffery Smith A Deacon from the Oak Hills 1st Ward, East Sharon Stake ¶

When I was first given this assignment, I thought that my heart would stop beating. In fact, I think it will right now. But then I remembered that whenever we are working to do what is right that our Heavenly Father will help us. This is true with any and all of our actions. When we are striving to do what is right and ask of God for help sincerely, he will help us. ¶

I was asked to talk about what it really means to me to be a deacon. First of all there is the obligation involved. Many of these obligations are also privileges as I will point out later. I must set an example for my family and friends, and help them to do those things which are right. I can do this by using clean language and having clean thoughts at all times, by exercising determination and loyalty in all things that I do, by attending my church meetings. I must also be an active member in the ward and do the jobs I am assigned, like passing the sacrament, collecting fast offerings, helping in genealogy, and helping to clean up the ward when assigned. ¶

As a deacon I must prepare to hold a higher office in the priesthood, along with more challenging responsibilities. This is the one point that I think is of greatest importance as a deacon — that I prepare myself to hold positions of higher service in the Church. Every priesthood holder has started out as a deacon. The deacon is the first office in the Aaronic Priesthood. Here we learn to function properly in the priesthood. This helps us to be able to work to the best of our ability in the other offices in the Aaronic Priesthood and later in the Melchizedek Priesthood. ¶

As a deacon by fulfilling my assignments and keeping the commandments, I receive many special rights, blessings and opportunities. First of all I would like to bring out the point, which many of us forget or don't realize, of why there are deacons and why we must fulfill our assignments. This is one point that I think we should all remember as priesthood holders. This is that our job is to do that work which our Heavenly Father would like us to do for him — to perform ordinances in God's name and with his authority. As an example, I am able to share in a small measure the great atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ as I help to pass the sacrament. Our Heavenly Father needs helpers to perform these duties, so that all of the members of the Church may renew their covenants with him. As a holder of this sacred priesthood I must strive my hardest to be perfect. For this is the way of our Heavenly Father, and we are doing his work as priesthood holders. ¶

As a deacon I gain many privileges. I learn to work with people. This can and does help me in my everyday life. With the knowledge gained in the priesthood by working with people, I am able to gain many new friends. Later, I hope to be able to go on a mission. If I learn to work with people now as a deacon, I think it will be a lot easier. ¶

As a deacon, I gain many new and different friends in the quorum. These boys, all my age, have the same standards that I do. This makes it a lot easier for me to keep God's commandments. With these boys I am able to play in the church basketball and softball programs. Here I am truly able to exercise all of those things which I have learned in the priesthood by working with other members, using good sportsmanship, and many more things, such as clean language. ¶

I also get to go to priesthood meetings. Here we truly learn about God and his Kingdom. We learn what is wrong and how to combat these things. In this meeting and as a deacon we get to memorize scriptures. These scriptures can help us greatly if we search into them and use them wisely. They give us laws to follow so that we can gain eternal life with God. This is the greatest blessing that you could receive, in my mind. ¶

As a deacon I am able to receive help from many sources. The church leaders set an example for me, that, if I follow, will help me to live a clean life, and I will be respected by everyone. My father and brothers have all taught me what is right and the paths that I should follow. This helps me to walk in the priesthood to the best of my ability, seeing that they have already been deacons and know the path that I should follow. My mother and sister prompt me to do those things which are right. The bishop also does this. A good example of this is this talk. First of all, the stake president and his counselors, two very busy men, came to my home to give me this assignment. The bishop then prompted me to do my best. The whole family pitched in and gave me ideas to work on. I think this is a good example of the gospel and priesthood in action. ¶

From all of the things which I have just told you and from those things that I have learned as a deacon, I know that the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods hold the authority of God on this earth today, and there is no other priesthood. This is the path to eternal life and to happiness today. ¶

I am thankful for the family that I belong to that has helped to make it easier for me to do those things which are right, that I should do as a deacon and as a member of this Church. I am thankful that I have the opportunity to be a deacon, and I hope that we might all use our power as priesthood holders wisely. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. ¶