RS/MP Lesson 6: “Sustaining Those Whom the Lord Sustains” (George Albert Smith Manual)

I think many of us underestimate how radical of an idea sustaining our leaders really is, and also the importance of sustaining our leaders. When we sustain people in our wards and stakes we give these people access to teaching our children, our financial records, sinful desires, marriage issues, and a host of other personal information. Sometimes we know these people and sometimes we do not. With one raise of the right hand we willingly give our support to these people endeavoring for our sake. It takes great faith to truly sustain someone despite that individual’s own sinful nature and personal failings. This act of faith brings great blessings for all parties involved. George Albert Smith related, “I will need the help of every man and every woman and every child, not for my blessing, but for your blessing, and for the blessing of the children of men wherever they may be. This not my responsibility, that is our responsibility” (57).