Doctrine of the Priesthood

Applying the doctrine of the priesthood
Principle #2

Proper Use of Priesthood is Learned

Certain attributes come upon a man when he uses the priesthood properly, patterned after divine examples. But these attributes are not automatically present in men and women. The prophet Joseph learned this and recorded it in the Doctrine and Covenants:

"We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion."
DC 121:39

Even among the apostles of the Savior, James and John asked if they could become the premier apostles, which when heard by the others made them take exception. As the Savior observed His own apostles jockeying for position, He turned their minds to the leaders of the gentiles and how they lorded over their subjects and exercised great authority over them. And then, He taught His apostles that this is not how they should be.

"But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all."
Mark 10:42-44

What must be learned by men is that exercising the priesthood means that they realize they are much more a humble servant of all than they are a leader or a lord of others. As priesthood holders and sisters accessing the power of the priesthood, this does not mean that we lead timidly or withdraw the leadership that the Spirit is inspiring us to provide. But it does mean that we lead void of pride and ego, with love and a genuine desire for the spiritual success of those we lead.

"Even those remarkable sibling Apostles needed to learn the principles governing the use of the priesthood. Priesthood is given to help men be better servants. That is the great lesson that each priesthood holder must learn."
Elder and Sister Renlund

The key to learning to change from the dominant leading tendency of the natural man to a higher and holier disposition as a holder of the divine priesthood is simply to serve others. In other words, we must practice it by providing continual service, subjecting ourselves as a servant of others even though we may be called as a leader. We continue in this pattern until the new way of being, this new character, distills slowly upon our souls and until we have become a true servant of all.

Points to Ponder

When was the last time you evaluated your service in the church or your family? What questions do you have about ministering or serving that might improve your ability to bless those around you?
Are you willing to ask your priesthood leader and the Lord ways you can be taught more fully to fulfill your calling or role in your family? Are you willing to act upon what you learn? (As you ponder this question, consider taking time during your next ministering Interview with a member of the Relief Society Presidency or elder’s quorum presidency to ask for their counsel and insight)

"We are being prepared for priesthood service that will become more challenging with time. For instance, our muscles and our brains age as we do. Our capacity to learn and remember what we have read will diminish. To give the priesthood service the Lord expects of us will take more and more self-discipline every day of our lives. We can be prepared for that test by building faith through service as we go."
President Henry B. Eyring

Want More?

The principles we are studying together come from the book, 'The Melchizedek Priesthood' by Elder Dale G. Renlund and Ruth Lybbert Renlund. Although there are many books on various subjects, including the priesthood, when an apostle of the Lord and his wife provide such instruction, we feel it important to take notice. While we have attempted to consolidate principles related to the doctrine of the priesthood found in the book, we recommend every individual read this work for themselves to gain even more understanding. As we study personal attributes described herein, we seek not only to learn the doctrine, but also to assimilate these attributes into our character. As we do this, we may discover where we fall short, but such recognition provides focus and helps us to become a better, more deliberate disciple of Jesus Christ.

President Jason Ward
President Dennis Stanley
President Rodney South

< Previous

Next >