Authority - Exercises for the Soul

God gives man authority for his guidance and protection. Without it there would be no order or freedom. God has commanded us to respect the authority of home, church and community.

As a family, make a chart of people in authority.

e.g.
Person in Authority Source of Authority Lord's Instructions
_________________________________________________

Parents God Honor
Bishops or
Church Leaders God Honor

Principal or
School Leaders School Board Honor

Mayor or
Community Leaders The people Honor

Ask: How should we treat those in authority?
Explain: To honor means to obey, esteem, support and sustain.
Discuss some specific ways we can honor some of the people listed on the chart.
Ask: Family members to tell experiences when those in authority helped them.

Story: Relate the following story told by Boyd K. Packer
"On one occasion he [Karl G. Maeser] was going with a group of young missionaries across the alps. They were crossing a high mountain pass on foot. There were long sticks stuck into the snow of the glacier to mark the path so that travelers could find their way safely across the glacier and down the mountain on the other side.
When they reached the other summit, Brother Maeser wanted to teach the young elders a lesson. He stopped at the pinnacle of the mountain and pointed to those sticks they had followed. And he said, 'Brethren. behold the priesthood of God. They are just common old sticks, but it's the position that counts. Folow them and you will surely be safe. Stray from them and you willl surely be lost.' And so it is in the Church. We are called to leadership positions and given the power of the priesthood. And we are just common old sticks, but the position we are given counts. It is separate and apart from us, but while we hold it, we hold it.'
("It Is the Position That Counts,"
NEW ERA June 1977, p. 51)

If desired, invite a community,school, or church leader to your home to explain his responsibilities and duties. Have him tell how he can be more effective when people respect his authority.

(Suggested Song) "Follow the Prophet" Children's Sing With Me book.
Person of the Week: Jacob Hill for being so kind and helpful when I visited their house and helping in his own way even if it was just lifting my legs onto the couch.