*Priesthood Session

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged priesthood holders during the Priesthood Session Saturday evening to avoid the deceptions of Satan by striving for the companionship of the Holy Ghost and by acting on his promptings.

Elder Oaks, who has been serving in the Philippines for the last two years on a special church assignment, began his remarks by addressing the young men of the Church.

“From your positions on the road of life, you have many miles to go and many choices to make as you seek to return to our Heavenly Father,” he said. “Along the road, there are many signs that beckon. Satan is the author of some of these invitations. He seeks to confuse and deceive us.”

Outlining some of Satan’s methods, Elder Oaks warned against “enticing” deceptions in the forms of music, movies, and “the glitter of a good time.” Satan attempts to confuse people about whom they should follow and tries to persuade them that there is no such thing as sin, he said.

He also stressed the importance of avoiding addictions, such as cigarettes, alcohol and pornography.

“Addiction is a condition in which we surrender part of our power of choice,” Elder Oaks said. “When we do that, we give the devil power over us.”

Some people, he said, profess a belief in God but fail to obey his commandments, attempting to deny his justice. Elder Oaks also encouraged church members to avoid the temptation to seek fun at the expense of spirituality, but added that repentance is possible for those who truly seek it.

“Make it right and get on with your life,” he said. “You’ve been taught righteousness and assured of its truth, so stay with it.”

The latter portion of Elder Oaks’ remarks focused on how men in the Church can avoid the deceptions of the devil. With the guidance of the Holy Ghost and by following his promptings, priesthood holders can make decisions that will help them recognize Satan’s traps, but only to the extent that they keep their bodies pure and clean.

“We must never take things into our bodies or do things with our bodies that drive away the spirit of the Lord and leave us without our spiritual protection against deception,” he said.

In his closing words, Elder Oaks called the men of the Church to action, saying belief alone is insufficient.

“It is not enough to know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is our Savior and that the Gospel is true,” he said. “We must take the high road by acting upon that knowledge. The things taught in this conference are not just to fill our minds; they are to motivate and guide our actions.”
Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2004