Elder Gary E. Stevenson on developing a personal playbook

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (born August 5, 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015.

"Great coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of their team as well as those of the opposition. They create a game plan that will give them the best chance for victory. What about you?

"You know what temptations you are most vulnerable to, and you can predict how the adversary will try to derail and dishearten you. Have you created a personal game plan and playbook so that you will know how to respond when faced with opposition?

"As you confront various moral temptations—whether in the company of others or when you are alone staring at a screen—you know your game plan. If a friend suggests you drink alcohol or try drugs, you know the play. You have practiced and know how to react in advance.

"With a game plan, a playbook, and a firm commitment to execute your role, you will find that temptation has less control over you. You will have already made the decision of how you will react and what you will do. You won’t need to decide every time you are confronted with temptation."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Your Priesthood Playbook," General Conference April 2019
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Elder Stevenson used a familiar analogy to teach a concept that has been shared in a number of ways: the importance of establishing, in advance, how we will react to challenging situations, even practicing the reaction, and committing to that plan when the challenge arises. The idea of having a "game plan" for life, with a specific "play book" describing the actions and scenarios, will ring true to many youth and to adults as well. The more explicit and detailed we are able to anticipate in those scenarios and our response, the more successful we will be in carrying out our plan.

I liked the point that we each know what are greatest vulnerabilities are and where we need to focus our greatest efforts in anticipation. Those temptations will come, and the better our preparation, the more likely we will be to succeed.

Decisions and commitments made in advance have great power if our commitment to them is strong and whole-hearted. In effect, Satan is bound (D&C 45:55), since we allow him no access to our hearts.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)