General Conference (October) 2011 - Jeffrey R. Holland's Inspirational Talk "We Are All Enlisted"

     I apologize for the lateness of this post.  As I revisit the numerous notes I took during this past October's General Conference, I feel most inclined to discuss Jeffrey R. Holland's candid talk entitled "We are All Enlisted."  This talk was given during the priesthood session (following the two regular sessions), but one would be able to figure this out by the specific subject matter of his sentiments.  In all my time as a priesthood holder and attendee of these sessions, I have NEVER heard an Apostle speak with such sternness and authority.
     Many have heard of the concept of "Raising the Bar" and the message it implies.  For those of you who don't, it simply indicates that the caliber of missionaries has been "raised" over time.  As the spreading of the work is more pivotal and harder than ever before, the dedication and preparation before and during the mission has been elevated.  This high expectation is taken a step further, in my opinion, by Elder Holland.  One of the highlights of the talk was the way he began it.  He begins by elaborating on the fact that Satan is real, and his opposition is strong.  He even specifically mentions that Joseph Smith was overcome by Lucifer's power in the Sacred Grove.  Joseph Smith said that he could not even find the strength to speak.  This allusion helped to appeal to the pathos and logos of the listener(s).  It is only logical that if the prophet of the restoration was tempted and overcome by Satan, that any other person (morally upright or not) could fall into the same snare.  This also appeals to the emotions of the listener(s), as all LDS members know of/can relate with the story of Joseph Smith (and the vision in the Sacred Grove).
     Another point that I wish to elaborate on is the fact that he focuses many of his remarks on the Aaronic Priesthood.  The candid and blunt nature in which he addresses and demands of their worthiness is shocking.  I say this not because it is a foreign concept (for Aaronic priesthood holders to live diligently in worthiness and seek to stay upright in the eyes of the Lord), but because the mission is served with the Melchizedek priesthood.  I believe that he opened up with this encouraging admonishment towards Aaronic priesthood holders for multiple reasons.  First, he sought to instill a sense of responsibility within the young priesthood members of the church.  We have all heard these words before, that the young are to be the future at some point.  But the personal tone and conversation-like ability to connect with the listener, truly packed power behind his words.  I am not even an Aaronic priesthood holder and I could feel the sense of urgency from Elder Holland to live up to unprecedented standards.  Secondly, I think that this awakened the Melchizedek priesthood holders.  If these standards were expected of Aaronic priesthood holders, the Melchizedek priesthood holders (including myself) felt that more was expected of them (without it even being said).  This was a big literary strategy, as it taught lessons without actually doing so.
     In conclusion, Holland's talk was not only constructed with literary and rhetorical tools, but was very direct and forward.  His comments were extremely blunt and harsh, but not in an abrasive way.  I feel that I have been enlightened by this talk and am glad to be reminded of the things/standards expected of me.