In almost all athletic
contests of which I know,
there are lines drawn on the floor or on the field
within which every participant must stay
in order to compete.
Well, the lord has drawn lines of worthiness
for those called to labor with him in this work.
In this battle between good and evil
you cannot play for the adversary whenever temptation comes along
and then expect to suit up for the Savior
at temple and mission time
as if nothing has happened.
That my young friends
you cannot do.
God will not be mocked.
Brethren, we speak boldly to you
because anything more subtle
doesn't seem to work.
We speak boldly because Satan is a real being
set on destroying you,
and you face his influence
at a younger and younger age.
(Bishop) "John, I'm really glad
you took the time to come here today,
and share with me what you've shared.
Now with the Savior's help,
we can work through this.
Can you imagine
what it would have been like,
how you would have felt,
if you had gone out on your mission
not having taken these steps here today?"
(Elder Holland) No missionary can be unrepentant
of sexual transgression or profane language or pornographic indulgence, and
then expect to challenge others to repent of those very things.
You cannot do that.
The spirit will not be with you
and the words will choke in your throat as you speak them.
You cannot travel down
what Lehi called "forbidden paths"
and expect to guide others to the straight
and narrow one.
It can't be done.
This is a life and death contest we're in, young men,
and so I'm going to get your face a little, nose-to-nose, just enough fire
to singe your eyebrows a little,
the way coaches do when the game is close
and victory means everything.
And with the game on the line,
what this coach is telling you,
is that to play in this match
some of you have to be more morally clean than you now are.
So we need young men
already on the team
to stay on it
and stop dribbling out of bounds
just when you need to get in the game
and play your hearts out.
I am asking you young men
to be active in the Church and to be clean.
If required,
I am asking you to get active, and get clean.
I ask for a stronger
and more devoted voice;
a voice not only against evil,
and him who is the personification of it,
but a voice for good,
a voice for the gospel,
a voice for God.
Brethren of all ages, unbind your tongues.
and watch your words work wonders
in the lives of those who are only kept from the truth
because they know not where to find it.
With all that there is to do
along the path to eternal life
we need a lot more missionaries
opening that gate
and helping people through it.
In the name of Jesus Christ our master, amen.