Timely Words from Thomas S. Monson Part I

The following is from a piece created by Elder Thomas S. Monson entitled Personal Promises.

"May we ever remember that the mantle of leadership is not the cloak of comfort, but the robe of responsibility.

As we lead, let us be true shepherds.  Most of us in the western part of the United States and Canada can, on occasion, see sheepherders driving their flocks to summer pastures or returning from the mountains as winter approaches.  At times the sheepherder is slouched over the saddle, trailing his flock, with a host of anxious dogs yapping at the heels of the sheep and driving them onward in a determined course.  How different is this scene from one that I viewed in Munich, Germany, where a true shepherd, with staff in hand, walked in front of his flock.  The sheep recognized him as their leader, and indeed their shepherd, and followed him willingly where ever he would lead them.

When we, as leaders, set before others a proper example, they will follow us as sheep follow the true shepherd.  Should our assignment be with youth, perhaps a few suggestions would assist us.

First, may we consider the problems we face.  Second, may we listen to the pleas of youth.  And third, may we promise to be leaders worthy of emulation.  The problems facing youth today are more serious than in previous generations.  All about us we see a lowering of moral standards.  We see, accepted on every hand, the permissive society and all that goes with it.  Fractured families likewise contribute to the problems we must meet and solve.

As we note the deterioration in moral standards, we think back to the great classic The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon.  He stated the reasons for the dissolution of the great political force that had held the civilized world together for more than five hundred years.  The principal reasons included:

1. Excessive spending by the central government.
2. Unwillingness of the young men to bear arms in defense of their country.
3. Overindulgence in luxury.
4. Widespread sexual immorality and easy divorce, which destroyed the integrity of family life.
5. Disregard for religion.

That was Rome, fourteen hundred years ago.  Does the picture seem to apply to us today?" (Thomas S. Monson. Be Your best Self. Deseret Book. 1979. pgs 144-5)