As bearers of the priesthood, we have the responsibility
to stand strong with a shield of faith
against the fiery darts of the adversary.
We are role models to the world, protecting
God-given, inalienable rights and freedoms.
We stand in defense of our homes and our families.
When I was in the ninth grade, I returned
from my first out-of-town game with the varsity baseball team.
My father discerned that on the long bus ride home
I had witnessed language and behavior that was not
in harmony with the standards of the gospel.
Being a professional artist, he sat down and drew a picture
of a knight--a warrior capable of defending castles
and kingdoms.
As he drew and read from the scriptures,
I learned how to be a faithful priesthood holder--to protect
and defend the kingdom of God.
The words of the Apostle Paul were my guide
(quote): "Wherefore take [upon] you the whole armour of God,
that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day,
and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt [with the] truth,
and having ... the breastplate of righteousness;
and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel
of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith,
wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts
of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation,
and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God"
(end of quote).
Brethren, if we are faithful in the priesthood,
this armor will be given to us as a gift from God.
We need this armor!
Young men, your fathers and grandfathers
never faced the temptations that you face on a regular basis.
You are living in the last days.
If your father had wanted to get in trouble,
he had to go searching for it.
Not anymore!
Today temptation finds you!
Please remember that Satan desires to have you,
and "sin lieth at the door."
How will you resist his aggressive tactics?
Put on the whole armor of God.