D&C 121

In a revelation on the organization and authority of the priesthood, the Lord concluded -

"...now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 107:99 - 100)

There seems to be two important points of those that hold the priesthood. The first being the importance of learning one's duty and the second is then doing ones duty. President Thomas S. Monson recently said -

"We have the hands to lift others from complacency and inactivity. We have the hearts to serve faithfully in our priesthood callings and thereby inspire others to walk on higher ground and to avoid the swamps of sin which threaten to engulf so many. The worth of souls is indeed great in the sight of God. Ours is the precious privilege, armed with this knowledge, to make a difference in the lives of others. The words found in Ezekiel could well pertain to all of us who follow the Savior in this sacred work:" 'A new heart . . . will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. . . ." 'And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them." 'And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God' (Ezekiel 36:26–28)."How might we merit this promise? What will qualify us to receive this blessing? Is there a guide to follow?"May I suggest three imperatives for our consideration. They apply to the deacon as well as to the high priest. They are within our reach. A kind Heavenly Father will help us in our quest."First, learn what we should learn."Second, do what we should do."And third, be what we should be."..." Thomas S. Monson, "To Learn, to Do, to Be," Ensign, Nov. 2008, 61

We are counseled again, "to learn, to do, and to be". In section 121, in what has become known as the "constitution of the priesthood", the Lord taught -

"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:45)

As we strive to come to an understanding of the fullness or doctrine of the priesthood, again we receive much the same guidance. As we learn and live (do) charity, faith, and virtue we are promised that little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, "the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon our soul as the dews from heaven". What a great promise.