Rights of the Priesthood Based on Principles of Righteousness
Priesthood power, which is the power our Heavenly Father wields to accomplish His work, cannot be used effectively, or at all, unless based upon righteous use.
Woven into the fabric of the priesthood, an ancient power and method of governance, are forces that can only be mobilized when they are used in connection with pure desires and righteous principles. In fact, the priesthood is not capable of being used inappropriately. It is not in its nature to be used for unrighteous purposes. We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants:
Woven into the fabric of the priesthood, an ancient power and method of governance, are forces that can only be mobilized when they are used in connection with pure desires and righteous principles. In fact, the priesthood is not capable of being used inappropriately. It is not in its nature to be used for unrighteous purposes. We learn from the Doctrine and Covenants:
"That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."
DC 121:36
DC 121:36
This means that the priesthood must be used in connection with righteous desires and with pure, unselfish motives. Thus, a man who attempts to use priesthood power outside these boundaries will not only fail to wield that power, but will also find that his attempt can result in harm to his own soul. This includes attempted use of priesthood power to gratify one's pride, ego, vanity, or to exert dominion over another. Righteous use of the priesthood will always have the singular intent to progress another soul spiritually and bring that soul closer to Christ. Therefore, both the purpose and the wielder of the power must be righteous and have righteous intent, respectively.
"Just as life on earth is connected to physical laws, the priesthood is governed by eternal laws. Violating physical laws without considering the consequences is reckless. Jumping off a building and thinking that gravity will not exert its predictable effect is as foolish as thinking that priesthood can be used contrary to its governing laws."
Elder and Sister Renlund
Elder and Sister Renlund
"That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved;"
DC 121:37
DC 121:37
Man does not have to be perfect. He needs only to connect his use of the priesthood with righteous desires and pure intent to bless others. When these two conditions are met, the power of the priesthood will come about and may be used with great force and effect. Other ingredients that increase the flow of that power are obedience, faith, humility, meekness, and submissiveness. The priesthood holder, and all who are trying to access its power, can wield priesthood power with good effect if he or she is forever trying to assimilate these attributes.
Points to Ponder
- Have you experienced a time in your life, be it in church service or in your role as a member of your family, where you have sought your own interests before first seeking what the Lord would have you do? Have you experienced a time in your life in serving others when you have sought the Lord’s will first and placed it above your own? How did the results from each experience differ?
- As you reflect upon your current need to call upon the heavens to use priesthood power to bless those you have a stewardship over, can you identify areas in your life that need refining which will allow you to be more connected to the powers of heaven?
- As you ponder the question above, ask if you are willing to give up whatever is needed in order to have a deeper connection with the powers of heaven? Be specific. Ask the Lord for help in offering up those things that might help you more fully be connected with the Powers of Heaven and then choose one thing to act on this week.
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