The Counterpart to Elders Quorum
To grasp the importance of women in the priesthood, it’s essential to recognize that Joseph Smith organized the Relief Society as the counterpart to the Elders Quorum. In our modern context, it’s akin to having an Elders Quorum presidency and a Relief Society presidency, each with its leadership. These presidencies are not mere placeholders but wield authority to officiate.
Equal and Divine
The key lies in the understanding that women in the Relief Society are not waiting for someone from the Elders Quorum to kickstart their meetings. They have authority delegated to them, stemming from the priesthood, to work in the salvation of God’s children. Emma Smith’s revelation in Doctrine and Covenants 25 solidifies this notion.
The revelation refers to Emma as an “elect lady,” a term synonymous with having your calling and election made sure. In essence, this revelation hints at women reaching the highest office in the priesthood with their husbands. The Lord entrusted Emma with an “office” within her calling, reflecting the idea that every woman in the church has a unique role to fulfill.
The Divine Attributes of Both
D&C 25 brings us to a compelling realization: Joseph Smith couldn’t have fulfilled his role as a Prophet without Emma. She was divinely called and appointed to support him, comfort him, and assist in expounding the scriptures and exhorting the church. It underscores the importance of the divine partnership between man and woman in the gospel.
The concept of man and woman being one flesh in marriage isn’t just about companionship; it’s about completing each other. Both possess unique, divine attributes that are necessary for the full exercise of the priesthood. As we grow in the gospel, we come to understand that the greatest manifestation of God’s work occurs when men and women work together in harmony, guided by the Lord’s will.
The Temple: A Source of Power
President Nelson’s frequently affirms the idea that the heavens are open to women who are endowed with God’s power from their priesthood covenants, just as they are to men who bear the priesthood (for example: Spiritual Treasures). This reiterates the profound truth that women and men can access the same priesthood blessings through the temple endowment.
Understanding these principles is life-changing for both men and women. It makes the priesthood more accessible and empowers us to take an active role in the work of the Lord. When we realize that the endowment gives us power from on high, it transforms how we view our roles and the power we possess.
It cannot be emphasized enough that women have a divinely ordained and appointed role within the priesthood. While nomenclature and cultural contexts might sometimes limit our understanding, we are beginning to unravel the deep significance of these roles.