A Sermon on Reverence

When I was fourteen, Elder Bednar attended my area’s stake conference and afterward held a question and answer session for the youth. It was a wonderful meeting and at its conclusion, I felt spiritually enriched. I, along with every one else in the chapel, stood up and began to socialize animatedly—and rather loudly—when Elder Bednar again took the stand and made a statement that would be shared recalled time and time again over the pulpit and in other meetings of wards in our stake. With all possible clarity and conciseness, Elder Bednar informed us that if we continued to be irreverent, he would revoke the blessings of heaven he had placed on our heads in the closing prayer. His manner was direct, bold, authoritative and unmistakable.

I remember the sharp indignation I felt in the moment of complete silence that followed. This was not how an apostle of the Lord was meant to act! He was being mean! I conjured up images in my mind of gentle grandfatherly men without so much as a strong word for anyone—telling myself that this was how apostles of God should be.

But after this initial emotional reaction, I realized how idiotic this model of apostles was and allowed myself to be taught by his words. Elder Bednar’s statement was powerful because he did not try to dilute its seriousness. He did not pad it well-intentioned platitudes to soften the meaning nor did he speak softly or unsurely. There was no room for misunderstanding. This form of speaking demanded a reaction in its listeners. He caused me to rethink my usual chapel behavior and my conception of church leaders. For these very reasons, this succinct sermon on reverence has influenced and continued to teach me over the years since.