Men & Priesthood

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.

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.

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(

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.)

Learn more about the gospel of Jesus Christ, the power of the priesthood and Heavenly Father's plan for your return.

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.

"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)

“Awake, my sons; put on the armor of righteousness. Shake off the chains with which ye are bound, and come forth out of obscurity, and arise from the dust” (2 Nephi 1:23).

We live in a world in a state of chaos. President Gordon B. Hinckley, the living prophet, seer and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, called the men to action in the fall session of General Conference, a bi-annual gathering of Mormons to listen to the prophet, apostles and leaders of the Church.

"There is not a man or boy in this vast congregation tonight who cannot improve his life. And that needs to happen. After all, we hold the priesthood of God. If we are boys who have received the Aaronic Priesthood, we are entitled to the ministering of angels to guide and direct, to bless and protect us. What a remarkable and wonderful thing that is. If we have had conferred upon us the Melchizedek Priesthood, we have been given the keys of the kingdom that carry with them eternal powers. These were spoken of by the Lord when He laid His hands upon the heads of His disciples." (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rise Up, O Men of God,” Ensign, Nov 2006, 59–61)

In his address to the men of the church, President Hinckley issued a call to arms in areas such as:

Appearance

"Some of you young men seem to delight in dressing in a slouchy manner. I know that it is a sensitive subject, but I believe it is unbecoming to young men who have been ordained to the holy priesthood of God. Our language at times matches our dress. We indulge in profanity, taking the name of the Lord in vain. God has spoken plainly against this."

Education - Mormons are an educated people. The Lord's prophets, through the ages, have urged all men and women to educate their mind in matters of religion and all that pertains to living life in a righteous and fulfilling manner. He said:

"Approximately 61 percent of young men enroll in college immediately following high school, compared to 72 percent for young women.

"In 1950, 70 percent of those enrolled in college were males, and 30 percent were females; by 2010 projections estimate 40 percent will be males, and 60 percent will be females.

"Women have earned more bachelor’s degrees than men every year since 1982 and more master’s degrees since 1986.

"It is plainly evident from these statistics that young women are exceeding young men in pursuing educational programs. And so I say to you young men, rise up and discipline yourself to take advantage of educational opportunities. Do you wish to marry a girl whose education has been far superior to your own? We speak of being “equally yoked.” That applies, I think, to the matter of education.

Pornography - He read a letter from a 35-year-old man that was very poignant and disturbing in its truth.

“I think it is ironic that those who support the business of pornography say that it is a matter of freedom of expression. I have no freedom. I have lost my free agency because I have been unable to overcome this. It is a trap for me, and I can’t seem to get out of it. Please, please, please plead with the brethren of the Church not only to avoid but eliminate the sources of pornographic material in their lives. Besides the obvious things like books and magazines, they need to turn off cable movie channels in their homes. I know many who have these services and claim that they are able to screen the bad things out, but this is not true. …

“Pornography and perversion have become so commonplace in our lives that the sources of this material are everywhere. I have found pornographic magazines by the roadside and in dumps. We need to talk to our children and explain how evil these things are and encourage them to avoid looking at them when they come across them. …

“Finally, President Hinckley, please pray for me and others in the Church who may be like me to have the courage and strength to overcome this terrible affliction."

I call to you, each of the men of the Church, even the men of the world, to use men such as Nephi, Captain Moroni, Joseph Smith, Jr. and most importantly our greatest Exemplar, Jesus Christ. It is time for Mormon men to turn from the world and all that world holds up as worthy, and reach into your hearts and spirits and recognize the value of who you are as a son of God and a righteous, worthy priesthood holder.

Of Captain Moroni, we know:

10 And thus he was preparing to support their liberty, their lands, their wives, and their children, and their peace, and that they might live unto the Lord their God, and that they might maintain that which was called by their enemies the cause of Christians.

11 And Moroni was a strong and a mighty man; he was a man of a perfect understanding; yea, a man that did not delight in bloodshed; a man whose soul did joy in the liberty and the freedom of his country, and his brethren from bondage and slavery;

12 Yea, a man whose heart did swell with thanksgiving to his God, for the many privileges and blessings which he bestowed upon his people; a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people.

13 Yea, and he was a man who was firm in the faith of Christ, and he had sworn with an oath to defend his people, his rights, and his country, and his religion, even to the loss of his blood.

17 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 48:10-13,17)

How incredible it would be to have that said of you. Yes, Captain Moroni is an incredible man to emulate.

Of Joseph Smith, Jr. it was written:

3 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)

Indeed, if each of you could accomplish a tenth of what Joseph Smith, Jr. accomplished in his lifetime; be as devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ as he was; persevering as he was, then you will have served your God well.

Of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer, the living prophet and apostles have testified:

"As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.

"He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. 'All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made' (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He 'went about doing good' (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

"He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

"We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

"He rose from the grave to 'become the firstfruits of them that slept' (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His 'other sheep' (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised 'dispensation of the fulness of times' (Ephesians 1:10). (The Living Christ)

So what is the measure of a good man? One who is devoted to his God. One who lives his life according to the dictates of the Lord. One who honors his priesthood, his family and his God. One who stands for truth and righteousness in all things and in all places. One who sheds the world and takes on the robes of his priesthood, figuratively speaking, and stands as a witness of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

So shake off the world and stand as you are meant to stand, as sons of God. Arise, awake and rise up, O men of God.

On June 8 of 1978 a monumental revelation was received by President Spencer W. Kimball. Prophets, of modern times, one after another, had begged the Lord for this revelation.

On September 30, 1978 it was presented to the church as an official declaration to be added to the Doctrine & Covenants.

OFFICIAL DECLARATION—2

To Whom It May Concern:

On September 30, 1978, at the 148th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the following was presented by President N. Eldon Tanner, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church:

In early June of this year, the First Presidency announced that a revelation had been received by President Spencer W. Kimball extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members of the Church. President Kimball has asked that I advise the conference that after he had received this revelation, which came to him after extended meditation and prayer in the sacred rooms of the holy temple, he presented it to his counselors, who accepted it and approved it. It was then presented to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, who unanimously approved it, and was subsequently presented to all other General Authorities, who likewise approved it unanimously.

President Kimball has asked that I now read this letter:

June 8, 1978

To all general and local priesthood officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world:

Dear Brethren:

As we have witnessed the expansion of the work of the Lord over the earth, we have been grateful that people of many nations have responded to the message of the restored gospel, and have joined the Church in ever-increasing numbers. This, in turn, has inspired us with a desire to extend to every worthy member of the Church all of the privileges and blessings which the gospel affords.

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.

We declare with soberness that the Lord has now made known his will for the blessing of all his children throughout the earth who will hearken to the voice of his authorized servants, and prepare themselves to receive every blessing of the gospel.

Sincerely yours,

Spencer W. Kimball
N. Eldon Tanner
Marion G. Romney

The First Presidency

Recognizing Spencer W. Kimball as the prophet, seer, and revelator, and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it is proposed that we as a constituent assembly accept this revelation as the word and will of the Lord. All in favor please signify by raising your right hand. Any opposed by the same sign.

The vote to sustain the foregoing motion was unanimous in the affirmative.

Salt Lake City, Utah, September 30, 1978.

I remember the day this revelation was announced to the world. I was traveling back from Shiprock, New Mexico. Radio reception was spotty, at best. But during a moment of clear reception the news came across the airwaves.

All worthy male members had been extended priesthood and temple blessings. Those saints who lived their lives according to the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ rejoiced! We were ecstatic. This was a long-told prophesy and it had come to pass in MY lifetime. Even as the happiness coursed through my body, the Holy Spirit whispered to me . . . It is true.

And I knew . . . God lived. And I knew . . . President Spencer W. Kimbal was a prophet of God. And I knew . . . if I followed the Savior's admonition to "Come follow me," I would find all that our Father in Heaven had in store for His children, you and me.

Since that day in history, every worthy male member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, has received the priesthood and been able to participate in every blessing and ordinance the Lord restored to this earth in the meridian of time.

The mysteries of heaven are vast. The knowledge contained within the scriptures are also vast. And yet, that day in the summer of 1978, the sweetness of the truth of the gospel permeated my soul when this revelation was received. Indeed, there was great rejoicing across the world . . . and rightfully so.

We've already discussed about the restoration of the priesthood authority in 1829. Now we're going to break it down and discuss the Aaronic Priesthood:

"As the Prophet Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon, he found mention of baptism for the remission of sins. On May 15, 1829, he and his scribe, Oliver Cowdery, went into the woods to inquire of the Lord concerning baptism. As they prayed, "a messenger from heaven descended in a cloud of light." This messenger was John the Baptist, the prophet who had baptized Jesus Christ centuries earlier. John the Baptist, now a resurrected being, laid his hands on Joseph and on Oliver and conferred upon each of them the Aaronic Priesthood, which had been taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy. With this authority, Joseph and Oliver were able to baptize one another. (See Joseph Smith—History 1:68–72.)

About this time, Joseph Smith wrote the prayer offered by John the Baptist as the priesthood was bestowed upon him: "Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I confer the Priesthood of Aaron, which holds the keys of the ministering of angels, and of the gospel of repentance, and of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; and this shall never be taken again from the earth, until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” (D&C 13.)

President Gordon B. Hinckley, in an address to young men of the church, for the Aaronic Priesthood is conferred upon worthy young men ages 12 and up, told them the following:

Have you ever realized that in the holding and exercise of this priesthood you are a fellow servant with John the Baptist, the very man who, while he was alive, baptized Jesus, the Savior of the world and the Son of God, in the waters of the River Jordan? It is interesting to me that John spoke to Joseph and Oliver, when they were both young men and when they were not highly regarded by people of the world, as his fellow servants. He did not speak down to them as a king might speak to one of his subjects. He did not speak down to them as a judge might speak to an individual on trial before him. He did not speak down to them as a university president or a high school principal might speak to his students. Rather, he who was a resurrected being addressed these young men as his fellow servants. To me there is something wonderful in this. It speaks of the true spirit of the great and magnificent brotherhood of which we are all a part, the priesthood of God. We are all servants together, regardless of our position in the Church or in the world, regardless of wealth or lack of it, regardless of the color of our skin—we are all servants together, brothers one to another and sons of God as a part of this great body of sacred priesthood. (Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Priesthood of Aaron” Ensign, Nov 1982, 44)

There are three offices in the Aaronic Priesthood. Deacon, Teacher and Priest.

Deacon ? When a young man reaches the age of 12, if he is worthy, he receives the Aaronic Priesthood and is ordained to the office of a Deacon. The responsibilities of a Deacon, some of which, are the passing of the sacrament and the collecting of fast offerings.

Teacher ? When a young man reaches the age of 14 he is then eligible for, if worthy, to be ordained to the office of a Teacher. He has all the responsibilities of a Deacon and is also to to "warn, expound, exhort, and teach, and invite all to come unto Christ." (D&C 20:59)

Priest ? When a young man reaches the age of 16, again, dependent upon his worthiness, he will be advanced to the office of Priest. Once this office is bestowed upon him he is then responsible for the blessing of the sacrament, to preach, teach, expound, exhort, and baptize, and administer the sacrament, visit the house of each member, encouraging them to pray vocally and privately and attend to all family duties. He is able ordain other priests, teachers, and deacons.

Elder Dallin H. Oakes said: "What does it mean that the Aaronic Priesthood holds “the key of the ministering of angels” and of the “gospel of repentance and of baptism, and the remission of sins”? The meaning is found in the ordinance of baptism and in the sacrament. Baptism is for the remission of sins, and the sacrament is a renewal of the covenants and blessings of baptism. Both should be preceded by repentance. When we keep the covenants made in these ordinances, we are promised that we will always have His Spirit to be with us. The ministering of angels is one of the manifestations of that Spirit. (Dallin H. Oaks, “Your Sacred Duty,” New Era, May 1999, 4)

Named after Aaron, the brother of Moses, the Aaronic Priesthood, which is sometimes referred to as the Levitical Priesthood, is an appendage to or part of the Melchizedek Priesthood and that this Melchizedek Priesthood is the power through which every important matter is revealed from heaven.

Elder Robert B. Harbertson told a story that illustrates the point and power of the Aaronic priesthood in its purest form:

A priests quorum decided one winter to gather food for the needy as a service project. This event soon developed into a competitive activity with the Laurels to see who could gather the most food.

Jim, one of the members of the quorum, became very excited about participating in this activity. He planned to use a cart he had built for a parade and was determined that he was going to collect more food than anyone else.

The night came, and the priests and Laurels met at the chapel. They went out at the same time and returned at the specified time later in the evening. Much to everyone’s surprise, Jim’s cart was empty. He was rather sober and didn’t seem to want to talk to anyone. Some of the boys made fun of him and asked, “Where’s your food, Jim? We thought you were going to beat us all.”

Seeing the situation Jim was in and knowing that he had an interest in automobiles, the adviser grabbed him and said, “Come outside, Jim, I want you to look at my car. It’s giving me some trouble.”

When they got outside, the adviser said, “What’s wrong, Jim?” Jim began to cry and said, “I don’t know if I want to talk about it.”

“Are you upset?”

“No, not really. But when I went out to collect the food, I really got a lot. My cart was full. As I was returning to the chapel, I stopped at the home of a nonmember woman who is divorced and lives within our ward boundaries. I knocked on the door and explained what we were doing, and she invited me in. She began to look for something to give me. She opened the refrigerator, and I could see there was hardly anything in it. The cupboards were bare. Finally, she found a small can of peaches.

“I could hardly believe it. There were all these little kids running around that needed to be fed, and she handed me this can of peaches. I took it and put it in my cart and went on up the street. I got about halfway up the block when I just felt warm all over and knew I needed to go back to that house. I gave her all the food.”

The adviser said, “Jim, don’t you ever forget the way you feel tonight, because that’s what it is all about.”

Because of the priesthood Jim held, he had received the ministering of angels and through the Holy Ghost had been guided to do something that was far more important than winning the contest. (Robert B. Harbertson, “The Aaronic Priesthood: What’s So Great about It,” New Era, May 1990, 49)

The Aaronic priesthood is one of the things restored upon the conclusion of the Great Apostasy. It is a boon to mankind in the hands of a righteous young man.

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. -- Priesthood, Gospel Topics, www.lds.org

The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood occurred May 15, 1829.

In the Church today, worthy male members may receive the Aaronic Priesthood beginning at age 12. These young men, typically ages 12–17, receive many opportunities to participate in sacred priesthood ordinances and give service. As they worthily fulfill their duties, they act in the name of the Lord to help others receive the blessings of the gospel. -- Aaronic Priesthood, Gospel Topics, www.lds.org.

The restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood occurred some time later.

Through the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood, Church leaders guide the Church and direct the preaching of the gospel throughout the world. In the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, "the power of godliness is manifest" (D&C 84:20). This greater priesthood was given to Adam and has been on the earth whenever the Lord has revealed His gospel. It was taken from the earth during the Great Apostasy, but it was restored in 1829, when the Apostles Peter, James, and John conferred it upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. -- Melchizedek Priesthood, Gospel Topics, www.lds.org.

Once the priesthood authority was restored, then baptisms, confirmations, baby blessings, administering of the Sacrament and all other ordinances were finally being performed with proper priesthood authority and priesthood keys.

The Church was now being administered by the authority of one holding the Holy Melchizedek Priesthood, and Joseph Smith, Jr. understood the magnitude of that authority, both what it represented and how he was required to behave in order to be worthy of that priesthood.

This I know. With the restoration of the priesthood came a direct authority bestowed on mankind by a kind and loving Savior. With that priesthood the lives of men, women and children are blessed beyond any one person's richest imagination.