A Priesthood Holder Recognizes and Follows Righteous Patterns
As the doctrine of the priesthood distills upon the souls of the priesthood holders and sisters who access priesthood power, they will recognize and adopt certain attributes in the way they live, communicate, and serve others. When providing leadership, these attributes help others to feel confidence in whom they are following. When acting as a minister to all people, in all places, at all times, these same attributes have a tendency to soften hearts and help others to receive ministering efforts. Elder and Sister Renlund expound on this with these thoughts:
"For a priesthood holder to trust another's judgment, he should be able to observe that an individual is obedient, has complied with the ordinances of the gospel, has a contrite spirit, speaks in an edifying manner, is clearly influenced by God, and is not self-congratulatory. Others will be edified by his speech."
Elder and Sister Renlund
Elder and Sister Renlund
In the early days of the church, some members unrighteously postured for position or power. To the elders of the church, the Lord provided clarity when He said,
"And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—
Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. "
DC 52:14-16
Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.
He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances. "
DC 52:14-16
When a priesthood holder goes forward with these attributes, he will never become frustrated by the work, regardless of the outcome. He will remember that:
"For God doth not walk in crooked paths, neither doth he turn to the right hand nor to the left, neither doth he vary from that which he hath said, therefore his paths are straight, and his course is one eternal round.
Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;"
DC 3:2-3
Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men;"
DC 3:2-3
1
Obedience to Commandments
He who does not seem to be attempting to be obedient is suspect in the eyes of others and does not influence others to follow.
2
Contrite Spirit
A contrite spirt will always negate any air of superiority, self-righteousness, self-aggrandizing, or self-promotion. In his dealings with others, especially in leadership, he does not dominate, demand, or debate. The contrite priesthood holder lives with a constant sense of his own nothingness before God and therefore recognizes that he is never 'above' other souls.
3
Edifying Speech
Communication will always lift and build others and will be faith-promoting, not fear-inducing. Use of crushingly brutal, harsh, demanding or derogatory speech is not edifying. Both the communication and the genuine feeling behind that communication is one of love unfeigned and a bright, positive vision of the worth of a soul. He speaks to and about people as if they have already achieved their spiritual potential, despite their current state of imperfection. And, he decides beforehand to assume people around them act with good intentions.
4
Influenced by the Power of God
The priesthood holder will often demonstrate the ability to let go of his own opinions and desires as he allows the influence of the spirit to change his direction. He demonstrates a greater desire to follow God than his own way of thinking. He understands that God's ways are not like man's ways - they are higher and holier. He lives with a kind of desperate desire to abandon his own self to learn and apply God's ways in his life. This attribute, though deeply internal, is discernable by others.
Points to Ponder
- Survey your life. What personal opinions do you have that are not aligned with what the Lord wants for you and/or your family? Consider sacrificing a position or opinion that may be hindering your growth.
- What righteous, divine pattern can you identify that is found in the life of Jesus Christ but may be lacking in you or your family? Be willing to honestly face the truth about yourself and decide how you can begin to transition to a more righteous pattern.
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
President Dennis Stanley
President Rodney South
Gerrit W. Gong