The concept of priesthood can be a bit puzzling for many. It’s a term laden with various components, from offices and keys to authority and divine power. According to President Oaks, “the priesthood is a divine power and authority held in trust to be used for God’s work for the benefit of all of His children” (The Melchizedek Priesthood and the Keys). This definition is crucial as it forms the foundation of what priesthood represents. It’s a divine power and authority, a tool given to us by God to accomplish His work, which is centered on bringing salvation and exaltation to His children.
Priesthood Knows No Gender
One important point to emphasize is that priesthood is not confined to specific offices or gender. It’s not merely about those who have been ordained to a particular priesthood office or men who exercise its authority. Instead, it is an all-encompassing divine power and authority available to all Saints, irrespective of gender. “Men who hold the priesthood are not the priesthood” (Oaks). Men and women are part of and perform work within the priesthood, actively participating in the work of salvation.
Priesthood Beyond Offices
While we often associate the priesthood with specific offices, it’s essential to understand that the priesthood extends beyond these traditional structures. Any calling within the Church also represents a form of priesthood, authority given to act under direction of priesthood keys. When you are called and set apart, you are given authority and stewardship over your responsibilities. This means you have access to receive revelation on behalf of those you serve, making it an essential component of exercising priesthood.
Priesthood and Revelation
As we dive deeper into the concept of priesthood, it becomes apparent that it is intrinsically connected with revelation. Those who hold priesthood authority also receive the gift of revelation, which enables them to carry out God’s work effectively. This revelation is facilitated by the Holy Ghost, guiding and enlightening those who are called to act within the authority of the priesthood. Thus, priesthood and revelation go hand in hand.
Empowering Leadership
Leadership positions held by both men and women within the Church are vital to the functioning of the priesthood. These leaders exercise priesthood authority in their callings under the direction of the priesthood leader who holds the keys for that specific area. It’s not limited to specific offices; rather, anyone with a leadership position, which includes all callings, has the responsibility to act within their authority autonomously. This encourages self-reliance, reliance on the Lord, and collaboration to achieve God’s work.
The Temple and the Ward: A Common Thread
It’s essential to dispel the notion that the priesthood operates differently in the temple and the ward. Both settings are exercising priesthood in the same way, with the same end goal: the work of salvation. While the temple may make the concept of priesthood delegation more apparent in that women in the temple lay hands and perform priesthood ordinances, the same principles apply within the ward.
Conclusion
Understanding the priesthood as a divine power and authority that extends beyond offices and encompasses all faithful individuals, regardless of gender, is key to unlocking its full potential. As we strive to execute God’s work, we must embrace revelation, autonomy, and collaboration within our leadership positions, recognizing that we all have access to this divine power. Whether it’s in the temple or the ward, the priesthood is a unifying force, making us instruments in God’s hands as we humbly seek to do His work.