Holders of the priesthood need to learn their playbook (the scriptures and words of modern prophets) well enough to follow the plays instinctively when faced with challenges, temptations, or calls to serve.
“The Lord has declared that the weak and simple things will break down the mighty. Do you feel weak and insignificant? Congratulations, you just made the team.”
Having enjoyed sports throughout my life, I have always admired those who develop their athletic abilities to the point where they perform at high levels. For someone to be really good at anything, it takes, in addition to natural talent, great discipline, sacrifice, and countless hours of training and practice. Such athletes often hear the sometimes-harsh criticisms of coaches and willingly put aside what they want now for something greater in the future.
This is evidence that choice trumps chance every time.
In team sports, plays are developed for certain game situations and compiled into a playbook. Athletes learn their specific assignment for each play. Successful players study the playbook so thoroughly that when a play is called, they know exactly, almost instinctively, where to go and what to do.
In a similar way, we holders of the priesthood also have a team (a quorum) and a playbook (the holy scriptures and words of modern prophets).
What differences are there between a team sport and an individual sport?
As you confront various moral temptations—whether in the company of others or when you are alone staring at a screen—you know your game plan. If a friend suggests you drink alcohol or try drugs, you know the play. You have practiced and know how to react in advance.
With a game plan, a playbook, and a firm commitment to execute your role, you will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time you are confronted with temptation.
There is a difference in pressures when facing a temptation with other teammates compared to facing temptation alone.
I asked a few of the Brethren to recommend plays you might include in your playbook. Here are some of their inspired suggestions:
- Pray every day for greater light and a testimony of Jesus Christ.
- Listen carefully to the teachings of your parents, your bishop, and your Young Men and quorum leaders.
- Avoid pornography and immoral social media content.
- Remember the promises you have made to God, and work to keep them.
- Study scripture stories of great prophets, and emulate their good qualities.
- Bless Heavenly Father’s children through service.
- Seek good friends to help you become the person you want to be.
- Become an expert in the FamilySearch app, and research your own family history.
- Plan places of retreat where you can escape evil influences.
- Love and help strengthen other members of your priesthood quorum.
Do you recognize your higher and holier identity as a son of God, a bearer of His holy priesthood? With this eternal identity in mind, create your game plan and priesthood playbook that will guide you during times of temptation and adversity. Consider both offensive and defensive strategies.
Offensive strategies help strengthen testimonies and increase resolve to stay on the strait and narrow path. Examples include regular prayer, scripture study, church and temple attendance, paying tithing, and following the counsel found in the For the Strength of Youth booklet.
Defensive strategies include planning ahead how you will face temptation. When tempted to compromise your personal standards, you know beforehand what you will do.
You need a playbook for that.
Offensive strategies are largely the same for individual and team sports. Defensive strategies can be very different in individual situations vs group situations.
Listen to your trusted coaches, such as your parents, bishop, and Young Men leaders. Learn the playbook. Read the scriptures. Study the words of modern-day prophets. Create your own game plan of how you will prove yourself as a disciple of Christ.
Now, there may be some who detach themselves from the gospel and wander away. Others may sit in the stands and watch the game from afar. Some may choose to stay on the bench, even though the coach has tried to send them in. I invite you to rescue, support, and love them as a fellow team member!
Others want to get in the game—and do. What matters most is not how talented they are but their willingness to put themselves on the field. They do not wait to have their number called, because they know the scripture that says, “If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work.”
You can put yourself in the lineup.
You do this as you study and execute your priesthood playbook.
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