Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discussed responsibilities Church members have and said blessings from heaven help fulfill them in the March 2 BYU devotional.
He listed four responsibilities of members assisting in God’s work, which are, “living the gospel of Jesus Christ, caring for those in need, inviting all to receive the gospel and uniting families for eternity.” Elder Stevenson promised as members try to fulfill these responsibilities, customized heavenly blessings will pour out from heaven to help.
Along with the responsibility to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, Elder Stevenson said Church programs and materials allow members to receive blessings. He said meetinghouses, Church curriculums and Face to Face events are means to help members live the gospel.
Elder Stevenson said the responsibility members have to care for those in need has been manifest during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters. Church funds and volunteers provided aid to countries all around the world.
The responsibility to invite all to receive the gospel can also be called missionary work, Elder Stevenson said. He spoke of the sacrifices of past missionaries, his own missionary service in Japan and the current missionaries adapting to teaching in a pandemic.
“It seems that each generation of missionaries are blessed to be able to stand on the shoulders of those who proceeded them,” Elder Stevenson said.
He also said temples around the world are increasing in number as part of the responsibility to unite families.
“When the 35 new temples currently under construction and 28 announced temples are completed, the total number of operating temples worldwide will reach 231, and it is estimated that 81% of the members of the Church will be within three hours’ traveling distance to a temple,” he said.
Through stories and examples throughout the world, Elder Stevenson said members are blessed as they fulfill these four divinely-given responsibilities. Rather than using the expression used in ad campaigns “membership has its privileges,” he said for members of the Church, “belonging brings blessings.”
“I would like to invite each of you to consider your role in accomplishing these divine responsibilities and anxiously engage in this work,” Elder Stevenson said. “As you do so, I promise you will be humbled and overcome with joy in recognizing and enjoying the heaven-sent blessings for you to accomplish this work.”
