Priesthood Power

From the moment I heard the talk "The Power of the Priesthood" by President Boyd K. Packer, it directly changed me. I not only felt its power but decided to make steps in my life to abide by its teachings. As a result my family has been greatly blessed and it has only been a week!


He grabbed my attention when he stated that "The priesthood does not have the strength that it should have and will not have until the power of the priesthood is firmly fixed in the families as it should be." In that statement I could see the framework of the church as a collection of families be directed by worthy Priesthood holders. I could instantly see the peril that the Church could be in as a result of the weakening of the Priesthood in families.

Quoting President Joseph F. Smith he said "The father presides at the table, at prayer, and gives general directions relating to his family life whoever may be present." This was one statement that instantly changed me. I saw deciding who should say the prayer as a entitled decision that the Priesthood holder should make, and the result of which should be gracious obedience not contention or statements like "Isn't it your turn?"

I know that sometimes my husband feels inadequate, as we all do when realizing the weight of our responsibilities. I loved how President Packer dismissed such worries with his statement that "We now must awaken in every elder and high priest, in every quorum and group, and in the father of every home the power of the priesthood of the Almighty." He continued: "We need everyone. The tired or worn out or lazy and even those who are bound down with guilt must be restored through repentance and forgiveness. Too many of our priesthood brethren are living below their privileges and the Lord’s expectations."

These statements, though intended and felt by my husband, were very influential to me as well. I need to remember, recognize, and encourage my husband's Priesthood strength. It is important not only to our family but to the Church as a whole and the Gospel as well.

After this talk my husband has been much more confident in directing our family. "There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost."

Last week after I heard news of my Grandmother's passing my husband felt strongly that our family should go visit her home and remember her. While the trip did not make sense on paper financially or work wise, he strongly pushed for it for days. His strength and persistence infected me and gave me the strength to move forward in confidence. The whole time we could feel the strong confirmation that it is what the Lord wanted. We were blessed in countless ways by my husband's Priesthood strength in just that one instance.

Side Note:

In his talk he refers to another talk he gave entitled: "What Every Elder Should Know—and Every Sister as Well: A Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government." I felt strongly that I should read it and while a long read, I now feel a greater understanding for the Priesthood as a Organization.

One specific statement that really opened my eyes was that: "The priesthood is not divisible. An elder holds as much priesthood as an Apostle. (See D&C 20:38.) When a man receives the priesthood, he receives all of it." He discerns the difference from setting apart and ordaining. Every man who has the Melchizedek priesthood has been ordained the same as the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The only difference is how they are set apart and what their responsibilities entail.

To me this understanding should bring hope to all worthy Elders that they have the opportunity to live as righteous a life as the Prophet. They are not so distinctly separate as one might think.