Sunday Lesson: Sept 20th

Pres. Ezra Taft Benson was a wonderful example of how leadership in the Church should work. Pres. Benson encouraged others to always express their ideas and thoughts. He would not let discussions wander and was able to direct and control a discussion. Pres. Benson cared for those he lead and he taught by example. He was always willing to do what he asked of others. Pres. Benson would build others up and he taught and delegated effectively. When we think about an example leader in the Church, Pres. Ezra Taft Benson comes to mind.

Pres. Benson taught that effective leaders stand firm in the faith and set a good example. He said, "If you are to provide future leadership for the Church, [your] country, and your own homes, you must stand firm in the faith, unwavering in the face of evil, and as Paul said, 'Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.'" Pres. Benson also said, "Our young people need fewer critics and more models. You are the models to which they will look for a pattern in life to which they can follow and adhere. They will need the inspiration which can come from you as you square your lives fully with the teachings of the gospel."

In the Church and in our own homes  we need to know that, "There can be no failure in the work of the Lord when [we] do [our] best. We are but instruments; this is the Lord's work. This is His church, His gospel plan. These are His children we are working with. He will not permit us to fail if we do our part. He will magnify us even beyond our own talents and abilities when necessary. This I know." As we lead and build others, we need to remember that the Spirit is key to be able to be God's instrument. "God's work must be done by faith, prayer, and by the Spirit, 'and if it be by some other way it is not of God.'"

There are some attributes to a good leader that are listed in our lesson. They include:

1) Humility - specifically a humble spirit

2) Spiritual strength - inspiration is essential to properly lead

3) Knowledge - study the doctrines of the Church

4) Loyalty - a good leader expects loyalty, she/he in turn gives loyalty

5) Unity - the Savior said, "be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine" D&C 38:27

6) Love and expressions of confidence - Love those whom you serve

Jesus aimed to exalt the individual. There we to be no spectators in His church. All were to be involved in helping build the kingdom. As we build the kingdom, we build ourselves. "The whole purpose of the Church is to build men and women who will be godlike in their attitudes and in their attributes and in their ideals."