The Duty to God program was set up several years ago as a guide for the Young Men Program (boys age 12-17) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) to help in their spiritual progression. Specifically its purpose is to prepare them to obtain the Melchizedek Priesthood, the temple endowment, a full-time mission, marriage, and fatherhood. No pressure, right?
Fortunately we’re not talking about our young men doing all of this tomorrow. At the age of twelve, and if found worthy, all young men may receive the Aaronic Priesthood and are then ordained to the office of a Deacon. From this point on through the next six years they are encouraged to participate in the Duty to God program.
Each young man will receive a four by six booklet. Unlike the Young Women who will keep just one book in their own Personal Progress program for all six years, the Young Men will be given a new book every two years as they advance in their callings. The first book is for the Deacons, age 12-13. The next book is for those who are Teachers, age 14-15, and the last book is for Priests, age 16-17.
In all three books there is a message from the First Presidency, or the President and his 1st and 2nd counselors who preside over the entire Latter-day Saint Church. I’d like to share a portion of this message.
“You have been called to make a difference in the world. As a son of God, with the power of the Aaronic Priesthood, you can be a wonderful force for good… You have a responsibility to learn what Heavenly Father wants you to do and then to do your best to follow His will… The Lord believes in you and has an important mission for you to do. He will help you as you turn to Him in prayer… You will feel a great sense of accomplishment as you fulfill your duty and prepare for the exciting challenges of the future.”
Over the next few posts I hope to enlighten you who are unfamiliar with the program as to all it can do for the young men of our Church. It requires a lot in regards to time, energy, commitment, and personal study. There are many goals to be met in various areas. Some of these will be done with the help of parents, others with the help of church leaders. Most of these goals need to be done on a personal basis.
One of the wonderful things about the Duty to God program is how well it fits in with Scouting. For those who have access to the Scouting Program it may feel burdensome to add the Duty to God program as well. As we explore some of the areas in the program I hope you’ll see just how well the two areas compliment one another.
“Our effort was to find something that would be compatible with priesthood principles and also with Scouting. Duty to God embraces Scouting, which is wonderful for our young men…. Duty to God focuses more on the spiritual – bringing young men to Christ. Scouting is primarily an activity program with some spirituality as well” (“Teaming Up for Youth,” Ensign, Jan 2002).
The Duty to God program blesses the lives of so many young men. It can help keep them grounded in the spiritual things at a time when the pleasures of the world are constantly being thrust in their faces. Brother Charles W. Dahlquist, current General President of the Young Men Program spoke of this very thing.
“With the challenges that are bombarding young men today – Satan’s attempts to weaken them and lead them astray – there has never been a greater need for the blessings that come through achieving the Duty to God Award. A young man who is dedicated…will not only be more focused on that which is good and right and true, but he will be more prepared to shun evil” (Charles W. Dahlquist II, “Fulfilling Our Duty to God: A Window of Opportunity,” Ensign, Sep 2006).
As a young man proceeds through the program he may receive a certificate for every book in which he has accomplished all the required goals. If at the end of the six years he has received all three certificates he can receive the Duty to God Award. will help them remember to pray, listen for answers to prayers, keep the commandments, and prepare to become a worthy missionary, husband and father.
