Consider Conference: In the Path of Their Duty

2023 October General Conference, Saturday Morning Session
In the Path of Their Duty
David A. Bednar, Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Main Points

The real strength of the church is those members who are quietly and consistently trying to live the gospel and do their part, even if they are not well-known. They are “no less serviceable” – just as useful – as those whose service is more conspicuous.
Elder Bednar summarizes his feelings for the church members who are on the covenant path by quoting Samuel the Lamanite – these members are “in the path of their duty.”
There are many ways to serve, and they are all valued.

Gospel Principles taught

Faith in Christ, Charity, Service, Obedience, Work and Personal responsibility

Gospel Doctrine taught

The Covenant Path

Scriptures

No Less Serviceable – Howard W. Hunter, Sept 1990

Look for Jesus Christ:

Testimony of Christ.
- I joyfully witness that Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son live and Their promises are sure, in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Description of His Teachings.
- Consider the eternal impact of the service rendered by these devoted disciples—and the marvelous blessings promised to those who minister to children. “And [Jesus] took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, “Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me.”
Description of His relationship with us.
- The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes righteous individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control. I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in “the own due time of the Lord.”

Inspiring Words & Phrases

“uncelebrated heroes”
I now express my love, admiration, and gratitude for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all around the world.
uncelebrated heroes
“They of the last wagon pressed forward, worn and tired, footsore, sometimes almost disheartened, borne up by their faith that God loved them, that the restored gospel was true, and that the Lord led and directed the Brethren out in front.” (Elder Bednar quoting J. Reuben Clark)
“If you feel that much of what you do this year or in the years to come does not make you very famous, take heart. Most of the best people who ever lived weren’t very famous either. Serve and grow, faithfully and quietly.” (Elder Bednar quoting Howard W. Hunter)
Your strong faith in Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ and your unpretentious, consecrated lives inspire me to be a better man and disciple.
I love you. I admire you. I thank you. And I commend you.
I have described only a few selected examples of covenant-keeping and devoted disciples of Jesus Christ like you who are pressing forward “in the path of [your] duty.” Millions of additional examples of Latter-day Saints who offer their “whole souls” unto God are found in Christ-centered homes and in Church units around the world.
Coming unto Christ by returning to the covenant path from sinful detours into “forbidden paths” is spiritually essential and righteously rigorous.

Lists

The phrase “in the path of their duty” describes members who:

Look for and sit next to people who are alone
Strive to comfort others without expectation of acknowledgment or praise
Support family members as they serve in callings
Are returning to Christ and their covenants
Desire to come to Christ and make covenants
Translate scriptures and conferences
Raise children or “wait patiently upon the Lord” when those blessings don’t come
Nursery leaders and Primary teachers 🙂
Children caring for elderly parents, parents caring for and protecting their children
Set up and take down chairs for activities
Invite others thru inspiration to come to church

By the power of the Holy Ghost you:

Invitations/Challenges

You love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify by the power of the Holy Ghost. You fast and pray often, wax stronger and stronger in humility, and grow firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, “unto the filling [your] souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of [your] hearts, which sanctification cometh because of … yielding [your] hearts unto God.”

Blessings/Promises

“…individuals who yearn to become yoked to the Savior through the authorized covenants and ordinances of His gospel—but may be prohibited from doing so by factors beyond their control. I promise your personal anguish will be relieved and your obedience and faithfulness to patiently submit your will to God will be rewarded in ‘the own due time of the Lord.’”
They of the last wagon, all who are no less serviceable, and you who today are pressing forward in the path of your duty are the strength of the Savior’s restored Church.
As the Lord has promised, “all thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Application Ideas

Consider prayerfully asking God how you can become “stronger in humility.” Write down and act upon any ideas you receive.
Choose someone who is an “unsung hero” and send them a note of thanks.
Recognize the ways you are “in the path of (your) duty.” Appreciate what you do to serve!
Make a conscious effort to appreciate equally all the ways and degrees that those around you serve in the Church.
Invite the Holy Ghost to be with you to help you know how to “love and serve, listen and learn, care and console, and teach and testify.”