The Glory and Grandeur of the Priesthood

We all know that the priesthood is much more than just a name or title. The Prophet Joseph taught that "the Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity … to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years."1 It holds "even the key of the knowledge of God."2 In fact, through the priesthood the very "power of godliness is manifest."3

The blessings of the priesthood transcend our ability to comprehend. Faithful Melchizedek Priesthood holders can "become … the elect of God."4 They are "sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies"5 and can ultimately receive "all that [the] Father hath."6 This may be hard to comprehend, but it is beautiful, and I testify that it is true.

The fact that our Heavenly Father would entrust this power and responsibility to man is evidence of His great love for us and a foreshadowing of our potential as sons of God in the hereafter.

Nevertheless, too often our actions suggest that we live far beneath this potential. When asked about the priesthood, many of us can recite a correct definition, but in our daily lives, there may be little evidence that our understanding goes beyond the level of a rehearsed script.

Brethren, we are faced with a choice. We can be satisfied with a diminished experience as priesthood bearers and settle for experiences far below our privileges. Or we can partake of an abundant feast of spiritual opportunity and universal priesthood blessings.