Mormon Meetinghouses: Relief Society and Primary Rooms
Filed under: Basic LDS Beliefs, Church Organization, Faith in God Program, Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, Scouting
Curious about what is inside a Mormon meetinghouse? Visitors are always welcome in these smaller buildings designed for regular worship and weekday activities. However, you can also tour a building virtually through a new feature on the Mormon’s official website.
Start the Mormon Meetinghouse tour. In the previous article, we explored the foyer and chapel and learned what went on during a service. Learn about the Mormon chapel.
Today, we’ll explore two special classrooms: The Relief Society and the Primary Rooms.
Look below the tour to see the map. The Relief Society room is in the top right hand corner of the map. This room is especially for women and is therefore, usually the prettiest room. It normally has nice curtains, attractive paintings, tablecloths, flowers, and other feminine touches. They are usually the only classroom provided with padded seats.
Mormons meet for three hours each Sunday. The main worship service lasts an hour and ten minutes. Following this, the families go in various directions, with adults and teens having two classes to attend, and children attending their own program. Relief Society is normally held the last hour and is only for the women. The organization was founded in 1842, and centers around providing service to others. On Sundays, the women meet for a class that is especially tailored to the particular lives and needs of women. Some weeks they study the same topic as the men, but with a feminine focus if there is one. Other weeks, they study unique topics. Lessons are drawn from teachings of past church leaders, talks given in semi-annual conferences from current church leaders at the international level, and topics of special interest to women.
During the week, each Relief Society may choose to have special clubs, classes, or meetings to help women perform service, learn new skills, and pursue hobbies and friendships. Examples might include a mom and tots group, a blogging club, a humanitarian aid group, lessons in car and home repair, or craft programs. The choices are as diverse as the women themselves, and vary based on the interests and needs of each group.
A unique feature of the Relief Society is the visiting teaching program. Women, working with an assigned partner, are given three or four other women to visit monthly. They come to the home with a brief spiritual message to discuss, and they also work to build a friendship with these women. They are charged with watching for needs the church can fulfill and are the first person a woman calls when she needs help. A visiting teacher will then either provide the service, or help to find someone who can. For instance, a visiting teacher might bring in a meal when the sister (the Mormon form of address for adult women) is ill, watch her children when she has a doctor’s appointment, or alert leaders the family has nothing to eat. It is reassuring to women to know there is someone they can call when they need help or just a friend.
The Relief Society also operates a literacy program that is tailored to whatever needs the congregation might have. Some groups use a church program to teach reading. Others teach English to immigrants, tutor inner-city children, or help people learn to write their personal and family histories.
Now go back to the map and click on the Primary room, found in the bottom right hand corner. This room belongs to the children of the church, ages three to twelve. In most wards (congregations) the children are divided into two groups, Junior Primary and Senior Primary, with age eight being the dividing line. They will meet in the Primary room all together for opening exercises. During this time, they have a prayer, songs, a scripture and a talk given by a child. Even a three-year-old might stand at the pulpit on a step that allows him to reach the microphone, and give a two and a half minute talk on a gospel principle with the help of a parent. This allows children to learn from their peers, and also helps the children learn poise, confidence and public speaking skills, while encouraging him to share his thoughts on an aspect of his faith.
Following this, most Primaries send the older children off to age-divided classes. Their classrooms are small and usually contain a chalkboard, bulletin board, and chairs sized to the students. The teacher prepares a lesson from a manual that can be read online. Read the lesson manuals used to teach Mormon children.
These older children are called Valiants. They have been baptized and are learning to be valiant in keeping the baptismal covenants (promises) they made to God. Mormon children are baptized at age eight. The lessons are taught through the scriptures, and they follow the same four year plan as their parents and teenage siblings, allowing families to discuss together the scripture stories learned. The children spend two years learning the Bible, one learning the Book of Mormon, and one learning church history and the Doctrine and Covenants. This last book is a collection of revelations received in modern times.
After their lesson, the children return to the Primary room for Sharing Time. The younger children, who were already having sharing time, go to their own classes. The younger children are called CTRs, which stands for Choose the Right. They are preparing to be baptized and are learning enough about their religion to make a wise choice and are also learning to become like Jesus. In their lessons, they follow a two year program. When it is repeated, they are more mature and can handle the same lesson taught at a higher level. They spend one year on the Bible. The second year covers the Book of Mormon and the Doctrine and Covenants.
Also included in Junior Primary are the Sunbeams, who are three at the start of the year. Their lesson manual is used for only one year and contains stories from all the scriptures taught in simple ways.
In Sharing Time, the children receive a fifteen minute lesson from a member of the Primary Presidency, a group of three women who run the program. There is a theme for the entire year, such as “I Am a Child of God” or “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.” Each month, they study an aspect of the theme during Sharing Time. They also have fifteen minutes of singing with a music leader. Much of this music is focused around the theme as well. Near the end of the year, the children do a program for the entire congregation, taking over the regular service to sing and to teach the adults what they’ve learned.
The Primary room has chairs in a variety of sizes placed in rows. Children sit with their own classes and teachers. It usually includes a piano and pictures of Jesus with children. There is a chalkboard and decorated bulletin boards.
The Primary oversees a nursery, as well. This is for children who are eighteen months old to age three. If they are three years old January 1, they graduate to the Sunbeam class. This is not just child-care. It is a true class. The children have a lesson manual with simple lessons that teach them about God and Jesus in easy to understand ways. They generally have about ten minutes of lesson time, a fifteen minute singing time, crafts, group play, stories, and a play time. At least two teachers are present at all times.
Senior nursery children have weekday programs. The boys participate in Cub Scouts and the girls have a similar program called Activity Days.
In the next article, we’ll learn about the Youth program for teenagers, and about the cultural hall.
God’s Diversity of Gifts
Filed under: Doctrine & Covenants, Finding joy within the gospel, Gospel Principles, Practices & Precepts, LDS Practices, Men & Priesthood, Priesthood, Priesthood, Self-Worth, Service, Uncategorized, Women
Mormon scriptures teach that every person God creates is given gifts, talents, traits, and experiences from Him, to be used to help others, as well as to bless our own lives. They are His gifts to us. What we choose to do with them is our 
gift to God. It does no good, for instance, to be given a gift to teach powerful spiritual messages if we refuse to learn about Jesus or turn down an opportunity to teach Sunday School.
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. (See Doctrine and Covenants 46: 11-12.)
Everyone, male and female, can receive spiritual gifts. The scriptures list many of these gifts, and it can be interesting, as we read, to highlight each gift mentioned. The gifts bless the holder of the gifts if he uses them wisely, but they can also be used to bless others. A person who has the gift of faith can use it to find the truth among conflicting and confusing choices. This gift can be used to help that person become a member of the Savior’s church. It comes to her through the Spirit of Christ. After receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost, her faith grows even more. She might then choose to use that gift to pray for others or to share her faith with those who were not given as strong a gift as she received.
We’re taught that it is appropriate to pray for certain gifts, if we are prepared to use them wisely in the service of others, rather than to glorify ourselves. A person who is invited to teach a class, but lacks the gift to teach can begin to pray for it. While praying, of course, she must do what she can to improve her teaching skills, but God will step in and honor righteous requests if they are part of His plan for us. A prayer to become the greatest teacher in the world is not likely to be honored, because this is a prideful request, but a prayer to have the ability to teach the class one has agreed to teach will be honored.
The diversity of the human race is one of God’s best ideas. If we all had the same talents, gifts, and assignments, most things wouldn’t get done. The world needs writers, but it doesn’t need everyone to be a writer. It needs gardeners, but everyone doesn’t need a talent for gardening. Because each of us has different talents and passions, everything that needs doing gets done. If we each had all the talents possible in equal proportion, we might find ourselves spread too thin, and most things wouldn’t get accomplished. We’d all be doing whatever was easiest or created the most wealth, given human nature.
In the same way, God divided up certain tasks and assigned them to specific genders. Only women were given the ability to give birth. This doesn’t mean God loves men less; it only means that doesn’t happen to be one of the tasks assigned to them. Only men hold the priesthood, but that does not say women aren’t worthy or capable of holding it. Priesthood is an office, not a gender, but assigning it to men keeps it focused, just as assigning childbirth only to women keeps that aspect of life focused.
Within the Mormon Church, there are a great many tasks to be completed, because we have a lay religion and very complex programs. Everyone is asked to take on his or her share of the work. Tasks are assigned in various ways that make the church run more smoothly. Some are assigned by age: Only a twelve or thirteen year old girl may serve as a youth leader in the Beehive Program. (Beehives are girls of that age in the Young Women’s program for teenagers.) Others are assigned by gender: Only women can serve as Primary or Relief Society Presidents. (These are, respectively, the organizations for children and women.) Some tasks are open to anyone who is an adult: Anyone may teach the children or the literacy classes, even though only women can lead those programs. Some tasks are assigned by office: Only a person who holds the office of a high priest can serve as a bishop (the leader of a congregation.) It might appear that the rule is that only men can be bishops, but actually, the rule is that only high priests can be bishops. A good and worthy man who does not hold the office of high priest in the priesthood cannot be a bishop, no matter how qualified he is otherwise.
While it’s true that only men are to hold the Mormon priesthood (as we see from even a casual study of the Bible), this does not limit a woman from serving God, anymore than not being able to be the Primary president limits a man’s ability to serve God. There are many ways to serve, and God does not love the priesthood holders more than the Primary president—or the door greeter. We don’t get bonus points for serving in certain kinds of positions. God asks us to serve wherever He needs us, and if we do this well, we are blessed for our attitude and willingness to serve, not for the specific task accomplished.
Men holding the priesthood receive no special blessings over the women. It isn’t about power or blessings, or God’s love. It is, rather, about our trust in God and His plan. If we have a testimony that the Savior is at the head of the church, and that He sees with a vision greater than our own, we won’t waste valuable mortality hours fretting over what gifts or offices we don’t have. Instead, we’ll work hard to develop those God has asked us to take on. As with every other aspect of the gospel, it really comes down to a testimony. How much do you trust God?
When I was first investigating the church, the priesthood issue concerned me. As a teenager raised in the 1970s, I thought women’s lib was what I was supposed to be living, even though I was known for my love of taking care of children. In other words, my nature was fairly traditional, if you leave out housework. The missionaries, when asked about priesthood at the first lesson, told me they’d be happy to discuss it with me, but I needed more background and training in prayer first. They asked me to learn to pray, and to continue to study, and then we’d discuss it. By the time I was able to understand the answers, I no longer needed to ask the question. I had learned to get my own answers through prayer and I had come to see how much God valued the woman’s place in His kingdom. I understood that being told I had to turn into a man was degrading to women and insulting to God, who created gender. It was no longer a problem for me. I had become proud of the person God created in me.
Over the years, I’ve longed for certain gifts. Some I’ve been able to receive, such as an improved ability to teach. Others were not my calling, such as a desire to sing. Over the years, as I’ve grown and matured, I’ve stopped wasting time fretting over what I don’t have, and have begun to be thankful for what I do have. God gave me a most interesting gift box of traits, talents, and experiences. I would be ungrateful and unworthy of those gifts if I wasted my life whining they weren’t good enough.
Let Us Be Men
Filed under: Becoming More Christlike, Finding Happiness, Men & Priesthood, Service
The term “real men” is a popular one to bounce around, but the definition of a real man varies from culture to culture, even in the same country. Too many people equate true manhood with being rough and tough, liking freedom, doing as he pleases, and even being immoral. The Mormons have a different idea of what true manhood means.
In 2006, D. Todd Christofferson gave a talk in General Conference, a semi-annual international conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on the subject of true manhood. He said:
“Though he will make some sacrifices and deny himself some pleasures in the course of honoring his commitments, the true man leads a rewarding life. He gives much, but he receives more, and he lives content in the approval of his Heavenly Father. The life of true manhood is the good life.” D. Todd Christofferson, “Let Us Be Men,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 46–48
Elder Christofferson told the story of his mother, who had a dangerous surgery that caused her great pain when she used her arms for quite some time afterwards. One day his father took her to a shop and asked the shopkeeper to demonstrate a new machine that ironed clothing. It utilized peddles operated by the leg, not the hands. She was shocked when he purchased it and paid cash. She was extremely worried because it was very expensive and she was concerned about how they were going to manage after having spent so much. He eventually admitted that he knew what she had tried to hide—that when ironing, she had to go into the bedroom and cry until the pain subsided, and so he had quietly gone without lunch for a year to save the money for the machine.
Elder Christofferson said that this was a true man—one who took care of his family even when it meant great sacrifice. A man makes his family and his responsibilities to God his priority in life, and everything else is secondary. This means that while his peers may be out playing, he may find himself hard at work during the day, and then come home to chores, helping his wife with her responsibilities, and playing with his children. For a real man, one who honors his role as a servant of God, this is not a hardship, even if it is sometimes tiring or frustrating.
Mormons are old-fashioned in some aspects of gender—meaning they stay with what God taught us men and women should be. The Family: A Proclamation to the World says of a man’s role:
By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
Notice that it says men and women help each other in their duties. This means a Mormon man will often be found
washing the dishes or changing the diapers, even though it might be primarily the wife’s role. A real man isn’t embarrassed to be found doing this, nor does he feel that a long day at the office protects him from the responsibilities of the home, because he knows a mother is putting in a much longer day than he is. Parenting is a two-person job.
Men who have doubts about his role as a real man is counseled, Elder Christofferson says, to turn to the Book of Mormon for advice. When Jesus Christ visited these people, he asked
Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am (3 Nephi 27:27). This scripture tells us that a man who wants to understand his role in life should look at the Savior to see what sort of man He was. We know from many stories told us in the Bible that Jesus Christ was very respectful of women. He included many women among His friends and followers. He respected their ability to learn and He taught them individually. He didn’t save all the learning for the men, as we see in the story of Mary and Martha. This example shows us that a man should respect his wife’s intelligence and treat her as an important person, his equal, just as Jesus treated the women in his world as equals.
Jesus refused to allow his apostles to send children away who had come to see Him. Even though he’d worked a very long day and was tired, he put aside his need for rest and spent meaningful time with children, teaching them and building a relationship with them. His example tells fathers and other men what their attitude toward children should be. Although Jesus did not have children of His own, He demonstrated that a man’s children should be a priority, no matter how busy or tired they might be. He also demonstrated the responsibility to teach children the gospel.
Throughout the scriptures, Jesus is shown to be kind and gentle, not afraid to cry or to show compassion. At the same time, he had the courage to stand for the right against everyone, regardless of the cost to himself. He stood up for the downtrodden and those rejected by the world. He served those who were good and those who were “bad.” He defended the gospel without hesitation and refused to water it down to be politically correct or in tune with the times.
Elder Christofferson’s title comes from a Book of Mormon scripture that says, in part, “arise from the dust, my sons, and be men (2 Nephi 2:21).” To learn more about what it means to be a Mormon man, read the entire talk at LDS.org or watch the video below.
Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man
Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man by Robert L. Millett, speaks strongly of the advantage of having a righteous man in the home. He sounds the clarion call to men around the world to live up to their divine heritage and priesthood responsibilities.
In the book, he quotes Bruce R. McConkie who speaks to every priesthood holder in the world:
We can stand in the place and stead of the Lord Jesus Christ in administering salvation to the children of men. He preached the gospel, so can we. He served as missionary, so can we. He went about doing good; so can we. He performed the ordinances of salvation; so can we. He kept the commandments, so can we. He wrought miracles; such also is our privilege if we are true and faithful in all things. We are his agents; we represent Him; we are expected to and say what He would do and say if He personally were ministering among men at this time.” (Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man, Bruce R. McConkie as quoted by Robert L. Millet, Deseret Book, Salt Lake City 2007 3)
Indeed, Men of God have been called to minister to His kingdom because He is not here, in person, to do it. Therefore, Jesus Christ has called a living prophet to administer to His Kingdom. That prophet, Thomas S. Monson, called counselors and is surrounded by the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who are surrounded by the Quorums of the Seventy, who are surrounded by Area Presidents, who are surrounded by stake presidents, who are surrounded bishops . . . who are surrounded by all of the membership of the Church.
The power of a righteous man in the home, the neighborhood and the ward is of far reaching influence and deep impact. I was very blessed to have a righteous father who made his daughters and sons feel extremely privileged to be his children. You might ask how he did that?
Every morning and night my father would gather us together and we would kneel as a family and have prayer. This was not prayer by rite or rote, but heartfelt gratitude and love poured out to our Heavenly Father for all the gifts and blessings we enjoyed as a family. My father, who survived the horrors of Hitler invading his homeland, even marching down the streets right past the building my father lived in as a child, had more understanding of gratitude than most people I know. He instilled that in each one of his sons and daughters.
Without fail, if his wife or children needed a priesthood blessing, whether of healing or comfort, he always responded with an, “Of course, let’s go somewhere quiet.” He never balked, he never refused. God had given him the priesthood that he might share it, not hoard it. And share it he did.
Day in and day out, my father was an example of a righteous man in thought, deed and action. He loved and helped his fellowman, almost without reservation or doubt. He was a good, kind, loving father who was firm with his sense of right or wrong, in perfect concert with my mother.
He adored my mother and was not shy about holding her hand or kissing her in front of their children. He always put my mother’s wants and needs ahead of his own, and she did the same for him. He treasured her and constantly told us how much he loved her. What this did for his daughters was insure we would seek men to marry who would treat us the same and allow us to return that same respect, affection and love.
I have lived in a home with no righteous priesthood holder and lived in one with a righteous priesthood holder. From personal experience, may I tell you that our home was much happier, peaceful and loving with that righteous priesthood holder than without?
Millett concluded his book with,
Those called to bear the holy priesthood are charged to be constant and consistent, to be tender and teachable, to be loyal and loving. Few of us are called upon to move mountains or part the Red Sea, but we are called upon to establish peace in our homes, to be examples of the believer at our places of work, and to live in such a manner that our words and deeds become the words and deeds of Him who has called us. Like the early Apostles, we are ordained to bring forth fruit and told that our fruit should remain (John 15:16). We have enlisted in the Army of Jehovah and committed to follow Him into battle for the souls of our brothers and sisters. While we speak of the priesthood as that which has been delegated to mortal men, we must never forget that it is in fact the power of God–the power by which worlds came rolling into existence, the power by which all things were created and made, the power by which the inhabitants of those worlds are baptized, confirmed, ordained, endowed, redeemed, married for eternity, sealed up unto eternal life, and glorified hereafter.
This is the power we hold. We receive it with sobriety, for it is sacred. We accept it with humility for it is solemn. (Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man, by Robert L. Millet, Deseret Book, Salt Lake City 2007 131-132)
30th Anniversary for Mormons
This Sunday, June 8th, commemorates the 30 year anniversary of the proclamation granting the full blessings of the priesthood to all worthy male members. That day was a time of great rejoicing in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, often referred to as the Mormons. The official proclamation reads:
Aware of the promises made by the prophets and presidents of the Church who have preceded us that at some time, in God’s eternal plan, all of our brethren who are worthy may receive the priesthood, and witnessing the faithfulness of those from whom the priesthood has been withheld, we have pleaded long and earnestly in behalf of these, our faithful brethren, spending many hours in the Upper Room of the Temple supplicating the Lord for divine guidance.
He has heard our prayers, and by revelation has confirmed that the long-promised day has come when every faithful, worthy man in the Church may receive the holy priesthood, with power to exercise its divine authority, and enjoy with his loved ones every blessing that flows therefrom, including the blessings of the temple. Accordingly, all worthy male members of the Church may be ordained to the priesthood without regard for race or color. Priesthood leaders are instructed to follow the policy of carefully interviewing all candidates for ordination to either the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood to insure that they meet the established standards for worthiness. (Official Declaration 2: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)
Many in the world have called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints a “white church” or a church of racists. Nothing could be further from the truth. Oh, there are definitely members of the Church who are racist, but the leadership and vast membership of the Church are not, nor have they ever been racist. This day in 1978 was one long awaited by the prophets, apostles and membership of the Church. I was only a teenager, but it was something I prayed for often, that this prophecy would finally come to pass. There was celebration in the Church, while those who vehemently disagreed did what so many had done before, walked away instead of accepting the words of a living prophet.
I remember hearing Thurl Bailey, former NBA star, talk about being baptized a Mormon. Being black, he too had questions as to why blacks were not allowed to hold the priesthood prior to that day in June. After questioning missionaries, studying and praying for himself, he finally asked the Mission President “why.” The answer returned to him was so simple it was beautiful.
“It wasn’t time until then,” he replied to Thurl.
To many who don’t understand the history of the Bible and the world this might seem strange. But until Jesus Christ was born into the world and began His mission at the age of 30, no one was taught the Gospel outside of the Hebrew people. After Jesus Christ’s resurrection and ascension He commanded His apostles to take the Gospel to the Gentiles, it was time.
To each people, throughout the history of the world, it has “become time” until finally the whole world is being taught the Gospel. Instead of focusing on why this blessing and opportunity came in phases, let us focus on the beautiful fact that the priesthood of God is now given to all worthy male members. Even more, I invite you to kneel and ask for yourself “why” it took so long.
Black Mormons still face difficulties when they run across individual pockets of prejudice within the Church. But it is my contention that more accept all worthy members of the Church as rightful heirs to the throne of God than those who see color before they see a child of God.
Do we believe every single human being who has ever lived, currently living or yet to be born on the face of this earth is a child of God? Yes.
Do we believe every person who has ever lived, currently living or yet to be living on the earth will be perfect in all things, in all places and in all times? Nope. Only Jesus Christ accomplished that.
Do the leaders of the Church, including our prophets, teach that every worth member of the Church is equal in the eyes of God? Yes, they do.
Are there still Church members who are prejudice? I’m certain there are. But they are not condoned by other members, the leadership, the Prophet and most certainly not Jesus Christ.
In 2006, Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th called prophet in these modern times, said:
“I am told that racial slurs and denigrating remarks are sometimes heard among us,” he said. “I remind you that no man who makes disparaging remarks concerning those of another race can consider himself a true disciple of Christ.”
Focusing on what used to be instead of the beauty that lies ahead only robs those who look behind of a bright and beautiful future. Many believe that the Church has not done enough to explain policies of the past. Yet others disagree:
“You’d be hard-pressed to find an organization more earnest in its outreach and more inclusive and effective at integrating people of African descent into its membership and leadership,” said Ahmad Corbitt, who is African-American and director of the church’s New York Office of Public and International Affairs. (Black Mormons straddle two worlds on 30th anniversary, Tim Townsend, St. Louis-Post Dispatch, 2 June 2008)
Angela Carson of New York City says:
“I was approached by two younger African-American Mormon missionaries, and it made me think about the church in a different way,” she said. “So many people have asked me why I joined a racist religion, which makes me sad that people would think this faith teaches hate.” (”A new beginning: Blacks giving the Mormon Church a second look,” By John Dorman – Columbia News Service, 30 May 2008)
The article goes on to say,
Ahmad Corbitt, the stake president of Mormon churches in southern New Jersey, is black. The congregations he oversees are predominantly white, and he said there is a lot the church can do to reach out to other blacks. He converted in 1980 and has nine other siblings, all of whom also became members of the Mormon church.
“The church decries racism and teaches equality among all citizens, and the average African-American member in our church wants to be here and feels a bond to what the church stands for,” he said. … “I believe the church will actually be known as a model of diversity for the ability to bring people together, especially people of color, around Jesus Christ,” he said. (Ibid)
For me, this Sunday will be the anniversary of a great and marvelous day and is cause for celebration. It is my fondest hope that people cease to see color and start seeing the faces of the children of God that we really are. Let’s look to the future and make it a very bright one, while we’re at it.
The Everlasting Priesthood
In 1842, twelve years and five months after The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized, the Melchizedek Priesthood was restored and at that point, every key to the kingdom of God was restored upon the earth.
In September 1842, the Prophet wrote a letter to the Church expressing his joy as he contemplated the knowledge and priesthood keys now restored to the earth: “And again, what do we hear? Glad tidings from Cumorah! Moroni, an angel from heaven, declaring the fulfilment of the prophets—the book to be revealed. … And the voice of Michael, the archangel; the voice of Gabriel, and of Raphael, and of divers angels, from Michael or Adam down to the present time, all declaring their dispensation, their rights, their keys, their honors, their majesty and glory, and the power of their priesthood; giving line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, and there a little; giving us consolation by holding forth that which is to come, confirming our hope!” (D&C 128:20–21). (“Chapter 8: The Everlasting Priesthood,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007),101–13)
By that point, one thousand eight hundred and nine years had passed since the death and crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Not many long years after that, the keys to the kingdom of God slowly slipped away until only a fraction of the truth and no priesthood power or authority existed on the earth. And in 1842, Peter, James and John conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, at which point, each of the prophets of the dispensations stepped forward and presented to Joseph Smith, Jr., the prophet of the Restoration, confirmation of truths which had been revealed to him, and then revealed yet more, line upon line.
From Joseph Smith we learned:
“The Priesthood was first given to Adam; he obtained the First Presidency, and held the keys of it from generation to generation. He obtained it in the Creation, before the world was formed, as in Genesis 1:26-28. He had dominion given him over every living creature. He is Michael the Archangel, spoken of in the Scriptures. Then to Noah, who is Gabriel; he stands next in authority to Adam in the Priesthood; he was called of God to this office, and was the father of all living in his day, and to him was given the dominion. These men held keys first on earth, and then in heaven. (Ibid)
To me, there is such power and comfort in the knowledge that the Priesthood of God was held by Father Adam, the Ancient of Days, and was handed down from prophet to prophet throughout the millennia. Many people never stop to think and consider that when Adam and Eve left the Garden of Eden, they left with our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood as well as the keys to the kingdom of God. From Adam, the first to ever live on this earth, to Joseph Smith, Jr. when the full kingdom of God was restored and returned to the earth, one continual chain, unbroken, even through almost seven thousand years.
The continuity of the Everlasting or Melchizedek Priesthood is unending, Adam was the prophet of the first dispensation, just as Joseph Smith, Jr. was the prophet of the last dispensation.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is described as such:
“Its institution was prior to ‘the foundation of this earth, or the morning stars sang together, or the Sons of God shouted for joy’ [see Job 38:4–7], and is the highest and holiest Priesthood, and is after the order of the Son of God, and all other Priesthoods are only parts, ramifications, powers and blessings belonging to the same, and are held, controlled, and directed by it. It is the channel through which the Almighty commenced revealing His glory at the beginning of the creation of this earth, and through which He has continued to reveal Himself to the children of men to the present time, and through which He will make known His purposes to the end of time.” (Ibid)
The Lord gave very specific instructions to His priesthood holders who do not remain worthy of that holy office:
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; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man. (D&C 121:37)
It is a great privilege and responsibility to hold the power of the Melchizedek Priesthood, which is the Priesthood of God. A priesthood holder is a part of something everlasting, playing a role in the kingdom of God, solely at the behest of our Savior Jesus Christ and His appointed prophets and servants. To live up to this holy office, is to serve as Jesus Christ served the sons and daughters of God, each of us, by suffering the Atonement, the Crucifixion and triumphing over death with the Resurrection. There is no other way and no other power by which man may bless others with the priesthood. Only by following the example of the Great Exemplar, acting in humility, righteousness and obedience.
Righteous Priesthood Holders
Men kind of get a bad rap in this world. It is a sad statement, but true. Of course, some of them do all they can to foster that bad rap. But they aren’t who I want to talk about. I want to talk about the benefit of having a righteous priesthood holder in my life.
I grew up with a man who was rather stingy with the priesthood, my biological father. He and my mother divorced when I was 14 and I still really had no idea what a righteous priesthood holder was supposed to do in a family.
On November 8, 1980 my mother married Fritz Hendrik Sluyter the man who came to be the father of my heart, but also the man who truly helped me to understand the power and strength of a righteous priesthood holder in the home.
First, I think we should define the priesthood:
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. Through this power He redeems and exalts His children, bringing to pass “the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). God gives priesthood authority to worthy male members of the Church so they can act in His name for the salvation of His children. Priesthood holders can be authorized to preach the gospel, administer the ordinances of salvation, and govern the kingdom of God on the earth. (Gospel Topics, “Priesthood,” www.lds.org)
This then, is the power a man holds when he remains worthy.
However, there are those who choose to betray these covenants with God and family, and of these men, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the 15th called prophet in this modern days, said:
Personal worthiness becomes the standard of eligibility to receive and exercise this sacred power. It is of this that I wish to speak tonight.
I begin by reading to you from the Doctrine and Covenants, section 121:
“The rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and … the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
“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; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:36–37).
That is the unequivocal word of the Lord concerning His divine authority. What a tremendous obligation this places upon each of us. We who hold the priesthood of God must stand above the ways of the world. We must discipline ourselves. We cannot be self-righteous, but we can and must be decent, honorable men.
Our behavior in public must be above reproach. Our behavior in private is even more important. It must clear the standard set by the Lord. We cannot indulge in sin, let alone try to cover our sins. We cannot gratify our pride. We cannot partake of the vanity of unrighteous ambition. We cannot exercise control, or dominion, or compulsion upon our wives or children, or any others in any degree of unrighteousness.
If we do any of these things, the powers of heaven are withdrawn. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved. The very virtue of our priesthood is nullified. Its authority is lost. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Personal Worthiness to Exercise the Priesthood,” Liahona, Jul 2002, 58–61)
With that being said, let’s leave it behind and concentrate on the incredible reward of having a righteous priesthood holder in the home.
As mentioned before, my father, Fritz Sluyter, is the one who taught me the value of a righteous priesthood holder. He was the one who parented with love and gentleness, but with firmness. He was the one who was with me as my father in the toughest times I faced in my young life (open heart surgery just being one of those things.) He was the one who became the model for the man I wished to marry.
Because of him I wanted a man who loved his wife, treating her with love, respect and gentleness. Just like he did my mother.
Because of him I wanted a man who honored his priesthood and covenants made with Lord. Just as he did with God.
Because of him I wanted a man who was generous with the priesthood, giving blessings of comfort, healing or strength as the need arose, always responding in the affirmative if a blessing was asked of him. Just as he did with us.
Because of him I wanted a man who stood with strength and conviction for his beliefs, standards and testimony of Jesus Christ. Just as he was until the day he died.
And because of Fritz Hendrik Sluyter and the example he was to me I married the love my life. I am married to a man who loves, honors and respects me. He is generous with the priesthood. And because of his worthiness he makes me a better woman. Because of his worthiness a protection and shield have a physical presence in our home. He is generous with the use of the priesthood, as his Heavenly Father intended him to be.
That, my friends, is the value of a righteous priesthood holder. Let us close with the words of our prophet, Thomas S. Monson:
My brethren, let us ever remember that the priesthood of God which we bear is a sacred gift which brings to us and to those we serve the blessings of heaven. May we, in whatever place we may be, honor and protect that priesthood. May we ever be on the Lord’s errand, that we might ever be entitled to the Lord’s help.
There is a war being waged for men’s souls—yours and mine. It continues without abatement. Like a clarion call comes the word of the Lord to you and to me and to priesthood holders everywhere: “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.”
May we each have the courage to do so, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Thomas S. Monson, “The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift,” Liahona, May 2007, 57–60(
What is a Man of God?
It is interesting what people expect from men of God. Having just seen Evan Almighty, I saw an interesting take on what Hollywood expects of a man God talks to in addition to more realistic reactions over time.
Joseph Smith, Jr. also suffered from this:
“I was this morning introduced to a man from the east. After hearing my name, he remarked that I was nothing but a man, indicating by this expression, that he had supposed that a person to whom the Lord should see fit to reveal His will, must be something more than a man. He seemed to have forgotten the saying that fell from the lips of St. James, that [Elijah] was a man subject to like passions as we are, yet he had such power with God, that He, in answer to his prayers, shut the heavens that they gave no rain for the space of three years and six months; and again, in answer to his prayer, the heavens gave forth rain, and the earth gave forth fruit [see James 5:17–18]. Indeed, such is the darkness and ignorance of this generation, that they look upon it as incredible that a man should [speak] with his Maker.” (History of the Church, 2:302)
Another instance in Brother Joseph’s life was a time when he was wrestling in the streets with some boys. A newly converted family rolled into town on their wagon and saw the prophet of God wrestling, laughing and generally having a good time. Without thought to their testimonies, their conversions or anything else, they turned around and went home because that was not how they expected a prophet of God to act.
And yet of this man, it was said: “Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!” (D&C 135:3.)
And so to each of you men: How does a man of God appear and act? It’s important to remember that you are human. Each of you has your weaknesses and your strengths. Jesus Christ expects you to overcome the first and build upon the second.
Do you believe Captain Moroni came into this world perfect with no weaknesses and failings. I can assure, he did not. What he did was devote his life to Jesus Christ, and as such, it is written in the scriptures of this man: “Yea, verily, verily I say unto you, if all men had been, and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold, the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the hearts of the children of men.” (Alma 48:17.)
I’m a woman and I want that to be said of me. So how does a man go about becoming a man of God so that those seeking, truly seeking, will recognize you? I believe it comes straight down to the basics.
Behaving and acting according to the inspiration of the Holy Ghost will get you to that state quicker than anything else. Studying your scriptures, daily prayer, church and temple attendance, treating your families with love and care as well as your fellow men, serving both, and prayer. Pray with all your heart, mind and soul that His countenance is stamped in your face, your actions are His and your thoughts remain pure. Pray for strength, understanding and the courage to continually move forward toward Him. When you have done all that and are living your life accordingly, then you have become the man of God your Father in Heaven and your Savior, Jesus Christ, need you to be . . . now your spirit will be felt, you heart will be heard and you will be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with all the other men of God and raise a standard unto the world.
Laying On of Hands
In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, casually known as the Mormon Church, we have what is known as the “laying on of hands” by one holding the proper priesthood authority. What is it exactly?
Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. (James 5:14-15)
Priesthood blessings may also be given in times when comfort, strength or counsel is needed.
The priesthood is the eternal power and authority of God. Through the priesthood God created and governs the heavens and the earth. And through this same priesthood, given to all worthy and ordained members of the priesthood (ordained by one having the authority,) is what enables them to lay their hands on the heads of those who are sick and afflicted and bless them according to the will of God.
May I share an experience of my own?
As has everyone who has ever lived on the earth, I’ve had my fair share of trials and tribulations. What I like to call my turn in the Refiner’s Fire. Being married to a man worthy to hold the priesthood of God is a blessing beyond all measure. This experience is not one of the greater experiences that burned away the dross in my soul, but one of sweetness that remains in my memory.
I was raised away from my maternal grandmother. She’d made choices in life that made her dangerous to the emotional, physical and mental health of her grandchildren. Because of that my parents decided to separate us from her for our own safety.
I was 37-years-old when my grandmother died. I hadn’t seen her since I was eight-years-old and watched her sew over her finger because she was so drunk. I didn’t know her. I didn’t love her, because I didn’t know her. And yet when I heard of her death I grieved. I cried so much I couldn’t seem to gain any sense of balance in my emotions. I was also confused that I was mourning the loss of someone I didn’t even know.
Days went by and I still found no solace. My greatest grief lay in the decisions she willfully made in life which I knew she would have to pay for eventually. For eternal laws demand justice, and if we do not avail ourselves of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in mortality, we must pay for our own sins afterward. I knew how she’d lived her life, for she’d done so unashamedly, and I knew she’d lived in direct opposition to the laws of God.
One day I came home for lunch and my husband was there. We talked about my inability to stop bursting into tears at the drop of a hat and the continued grieving I was doing for such a hardened, drunken, bitter old woman who was a stranger to me. He offered to give me a priesthood blessing of comfort.
As my husband laid his hands upon my head, I felt a certain peace begin to fill my soul. He spoke the opening words of the blessing, which is a prayer with priesthood authority unto God, and the grief melted away. Through my husband, Heavenly Father explained that my grandmother had made choices in life, but that He loved her and she would end up where she was happiest. I was reminded to keep my own covenants and keep my eye single to God. Many other wonderful and precious words and promises were given to me that day, but of the most precious was the sense of peace that pervaded and remained with me.
The power of priesthood blessings is great. Heavenly Father has given us a direct means by which we may communicate with Him and heal, comfort and inform when His knowledge and power is needed. Which, by the way, is a lot more than anyone asks for blessings and inquires through prayer.
I testify that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored in its entirety and is functioning as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I testify that the power of the priesthood is the authority to act in God’s name and is one of the greatest blessings He has given us in mortality.
President Joseph F. Smith, the sixth called prophet, seer and revelator in the modern age, defined the priesthood as,
the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, … by which [men] may speak the will of God as if the angels were here to speak it themselves; by which men are empowered to bind on earth and it shall be bound in heaven, and to loose on earth and it shall be loosed in heaven. . .[The priesthood] is sacred, and it must be held sacred by the people.” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 139–40.)
What is the Melchizedek Priesthood?
“There are, in the church, two priesthoods, namely, the Melchizedek and Aaronic” (D&C 107:1). The Melchizedek Priesthood, which is “after the Order of the Son of God” (D&C 107:3), is the greater of these. It “holds the right of presidency, and has power and authority over all the offices in the church” (D&C 107:8). It also holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church” (D&C 107:18). It is named after a great high priest who lived during the time of the prophet Abraham (see D&C 107:2–4; see also Alma 13:14–19).
The offices of the Melchizedek Priesthood are Apostle, Seventy, patriarch, high priest, and elder. The President of the High Priesthood is the President of the Church (see D&C 107:64–66). (Gospel Topics – Melchizedek Priesthood)
To those who don’t understand that the priesthood is actually an official office in the Lord’s priesthood, this might come as a surprise.
In 1829 Christ’s apostles, Peter, James and John, restored the Melchizedek Priesthood to the prophet, Joseph Smith, Jr. and Oliver Cowdery. With the restoration of the highest order of the priesthood, all keys were restored to the earth. The Great Apostasy was officially over and the priesthood was once again on the earth.
There are several offices in the Melchizedek Priesthood and we’ll go over each one now:
Prophet ? The senior Apostle is the prophet, seer, revelator and President of the High Priesthood and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He, and he alone, may exercise the full keys of the priesthood of God. He receives revelation for the entire world, although, often, only Church members pay attention. He is the mouthpiece of the Lord and as such, has the authority to act in His name in all places and in all things. The living prophet of the Church is Gordon B. Hinckley. God has not left us alone.
Apostle ? An Apostle is one who is sent forth unto the world as a special witness of Jesus Christ. At this very time, we have 15 such men who hold the office of Apostle. The job of an apostle, other than the most important one, which is to be a special witness of Christ, is to administer the affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world and to expound on revelation received by the prophet. Each Apostle holds all the keys of the kingdom, but only the senior Apostle, the prophet, can exercise all the keys. The living Apostles are: Elder Boyd K. Packer, Elder L. Tom Perry, Elder Russell M. Nelson, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Elder M. Russell Ballard, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Elder Richard G. Scott, Elder Robert D. Hales, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Elder David A. Bednar, and Elder Quentin L. Cook. Each member of the First Presidency is also an Apostle, Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson and Henry B. Eyring.
Seventy ? A Seventy is called under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Seventies administer missionary work, genealogy and numerous other affairs of the Church directly under the First Presidency and Apostles. Seventies may be released at some point in their lives and receive emeritus status.
Patriarch ? The office of Patriarch is held on the stake level to give patriarchal blessings to the worthy members of the Church. These blessings are personal revelation to each member of the Church to guide them throughout their lives.
Prophet, Apostle and Patriarch are callings for life. If the Patriarch becomes too aged or infirm to complete his duties, someone else may be called as a Patriarch to fulfill the responsibilities of that office.
High Priest ? High Priests are the officiators of the church. They hold callings such as stake president, bishop, patriarch, mission presidents, etc. They have a separate quorum from the Elders and attend to different responsibilities, which includes caring for the widowed and orphaned.
Elder ? Elders are ordained to this office at the age of 18 or later. Their responsibilities are to baptize, confirm members of the Church and give the gift of the Holy Ghost, administer the sacrament, give blessings of comfort and healing, and watch over the Church.
Each worthy man in the Church holds one of these offices in the priesthood, or one of the offices in the Aaronic Priesthood.
Men in the Church must be worthy Melchizedek Priesthood holders in order to receive the temple endowment and be sealed to their families for eternity. They have the authority to administer to the sick and give special blessings to family members and others. With the authorization of presiding priesthood leaders, they can bestow the gift of the Holy Ghost and ordain other worthy men to offices in the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthoods.
When a man receives the Melchizedek Priesthood, he enters into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” Those who keep this covenant will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive “all that [the] Father hath.” (See D&C 84:33–44.) (Gospel Topics – Melchizedek Priesthood)
What a special gift God has granted us in the priesthood. His Church is organized in such a fashion that great efficiency is possible, and revelation to each, within their stewardships, is available. Joseph Smith, Jr. was assassinated, but not before he was able to have restored on his shoulders, and then bestow upon the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, all the keys of the kingdom of God.
Upon the completion of this teaching and ordaining, Joseph rolled his shoulders as if a massive weight had been lifted. He said, in essence, “Now all the keys are bestowed upon the twelve. No matter what happens to me, the kingdom of God will never be taken from the earth again.”
Father Abraham recognized the value of this grand key as he recounted his experience: “I sought for the blessings of the fathers, and the right whereunto I should be ordained to administer the same; having been myself a follower of righteousness, desiring also to be one who possessed great knowledge, and to be a greater follower of righteousness, and to possess a greater knowledge, … and desiring to receive instructions, and to keep the commandments of God, I became a rightful heir, a High Priest, holding the right belonging to the fathers.” (James E. Faust, “The Key of the Knowledge of God,” Ensign, Nov 2004, 52)