Standards of Standard-Bearers of the Lord | Russell M. Nelson

Our standards set us apart and enable us to be "standard-bearers" to the world of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
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Russell M. Nelson was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this fireside address was given at Brigham Young University on 6 January 1991.
"I hope my message tonight will help us and the Church to realize our remarkable individual and institutional potential. The title chosen for my message is “Standards of Standard-Bearers of the Lord.” You will note there are three parts to the title. I would like to discuss the last mentioned first, because the Lord is the chief cornerstone on which this Church is based. Next, I should like to discuss his standard-bearers. Finally, I should like to discuss his standards.
Let us first contemplate the Lord Jesus Christ and his atonement. In a very real way, it affects each of our lives and the lives of every human being who ever lived. Understanding the significance of His atonement is fundamental to choices we make in all facets of our lives. The atonement of the Lord is central to our faith.
As his standard-bearers, we are to help the honest in heart to find Jesus. We don’t wave flags. And generally we don’t carry stars mounted on broomsticks. Instead, as standard-bearers for Jesus the Christ, we willingly and gratefully take his sacred name upon us. We enlist in his cause by covenant.
With this background in mind, let us study the fundamental standards expected of us as standard-bearers of the Lord today. At general conference time last fall, announcements were made of the publication of a booklet entitled For the Strength of Youth.
The booklet reviews, in an abbreviated way, specific standards. Although much is included, much more could have been and is not. Sufficient detail is included to allow each of you to know what the Lord expects of you. In addition, you may studiously and prayerfully consult with parents, teachers, and advisors when additional guidance is deemed necessary.
You know in a very real way the prevalence of immorality. You are aware that drugs, alcohol, steroids, and other harmful substances are readily available.
As you live in the midst of much that would harm you, heed this verse of warning that closes chapter four of the Book of Mosiah. A prophet of the Lord is speaking:
If ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard. . . , even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, . . . remember, and perish not. [Mosiah 4:30]
No prophet, no parent, no loving partner or person wants you to “perish.” If you are to be preserved, you must take the responsibility to watch yourself, precisely as the scripture commands.
Living in accord with these twelve standards will help us be worthy standard-bearers of the Lord. Then we can be his means of serving our fellowmen (see John 13:35; Mosiah 2:17).
Recognize the reality of the Redeemer and the power of the Lord’s atonement in your life. Ponder this thought, phrased first as a question then as a testimony: “Did he do all this-for me? Yes, he did all this-for me!”
His atonement is real. He has established standards by which each of us can become standard-bearers of the Lord." - Elder Nelson
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