Elder Boyd K. Packer on following inspired leaders and preparing for conference

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"In closing, I say again, FOLLOW THE BRETHREN. In a few days there opens another general conference of the Church. The servants of the Lord will counsel us. You may listen with anxious ears and hearts, or you may turn that counsel aside. As in these devotionals, what you shall gain will depend not so much upon their preparation of the messages as upon your preparation for them....

"On one occasion [Karl G. Maesar] was leading a party of young missionaries across the Alps. As they slowly ascended the steep slope, he looked back and saw a row of sticks thrust into the glacial snow to mark the one safe path across the otherwise treacherous mountains.

"Something about those sticks impressed him, and halting the company of missionaries he gestured toward them and said, 'Brethren, there stands the priesthood. They are just common sticks like the rest of us—some of them may even seem to be a little crooked, but the position they hold makes them what they are. If we step aside from the path they mark, we are lost.'

"I bear witness, my brethren and sisters, fellow students, that in this Church men are as they indeed must be—called of God by prophecy. May we learn in our youth this lesson; it will see us faithful through all of the challenges of our lives. May we learn to follow the brethren."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Follow the Brethren," BYU Devotional, March 23, 1965
Click here to listen to the full talk

This is one of the classic messages offered by President Packer, then a young apostle, during a BYU devotional. He points out how critical our personal attitude is, as we prepare for and listen to general conference addresses — generally we are listening either "with anxious ears and hearts" or casually ignoring the counsel. But how do we obtain the most benefit from the messages?

The example from Karl G. Maesar's story is another classic analogy President Packer used. Priesthood leaders may be "common sticks" but their position makes them a critical guide for our lives if we are willing to watch and heed. It's vital to learn that the Church leaders will help to "see us faithful through all the challenges of our lives."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2022)
September 29, 2015

President Ezra Taft Benson on the obligation of fathers to pray in order to bless families

President Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994) was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1943, and served as the 13th President of the Church from 1985 until his death in 1994 at age 94.

"The father must hunger and thirst and yearn to bless his family; he must go to the Lord, ponder the words of God, and live by the Spirit to know the mind and will of the Lord and what he must do to lead his family.

"It is soul-satisfying to know that God is mindful of us and ready to respond when we place our trust in Him and do that which is right. There is no place for fear among men and women who place their trust in the Almighty, who do not hesitate to humble themselves in seeking divine guidance through prayer. Though persecutions arise, though reverses come, in prayer we can find reassurance, for God will speak peace to the soul. That peace, that spirit of serenity, is a great blessing....

"All through my life the counsel to depend on prayer has been prized above any other advice I have ever received. It has become an integral part of me, an anchor, a constant source of strength."

- Ezra Taft Benson, "Strengthening the Father," in Priesthood [Deseret 1981] pp 142-143

This is an inspiring, though somewhat challenging, instruction to fathers everywhere. A father has a profound opportunity to bless his family; but having that occur does not happen automatically. It requires effort, continuing and sincere effort, in order for the sensitivity and inspiration to come that will guide a man on how best to serve:

While the responsibilities of being a father, or a mother, and being ready to provide this kind of blessing and leadership may seem overwhelming, President Benson cautions that we should not fear because the Lord's promises are sure. Once we experience that inspiration, we can know the "soul-satisfying" confirmation "that God is mindful of us and ready to respond when we place our trust in Him and do that which is right." There is truly a profound reassurance in prayer as God will "speak peace to the soul."

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2018)

President Henry B. Eyring on finding strengths instead of faults in others

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"It has always been hard to recognize in fallible human beings the authorized servants of God. Paul must have seemed an ordinary man to many. Joseph Smith’s cheerful disposition was seen by some as not fitting their expectations for a prophet of God.

"Satan will always work on the Saints of God to undermine their faith in priesthood keys. One way he does it is to point out the humanity of those who hold them. He can in that way weaken our testimony and so cut us loose from the line of keys by which the Lord ties us to Him and can take us and our families home to Him and to our Heavenly Father....

"The warning for us is plain. If we look for human frailty in humans, we will always find it. When we focus on finding the frailties of those who hold priesthood keys, we run risks for ourselves. When we speak or write to others of such frailties, we put them at risk.

"We live in a world where finding fault in others seems to be the favorite blood sport. It has long been the basis of political campaign strategy. It is the theme of much television programming across the world. It sells newspapers. Whenever we meet anyone, our first, almost unconscious reaction may be to look for imperfections.

"To keep ourselves grounded in the Lord’s Church, we can and must train our eyes to recognize the power of the Lord in the service of those He has called. We must be worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. And we need to pray for the Holy Ghost to help us know that men who lead us hold this power. For me, such prayers are most often answered when I am fully engaged in the Lord’s service myself."

- Henry B. Eyring, "Faith and Keys," General Conference, October 2004
Click here to read or listen to the full article

Can imperfect people still be instruments in the hands of God? Do "fallible human beings" have callings to serve, even in significant leadership roles? The answer is most certainly yes. But as President Eyring points out, the Adversary uses this fact to undermine our faith in the Lord's Church and its leadership as we sometimes see "the humanity" of those who hold priesthood keys.

The critical skill we must develop is the ability to distinguish between the person and the position. God has only imperfect men and women to work with and through in this life; we all fall short in some way. But in spite of that, He is able to use whatever efforts we offer Him to bring to pass much good. In spite of the mud-slinging tendency of the world, we must never forget that a perfect God may still work His perfect plan using imperfect people.

So it's critical for us to learn to look for the signs of God's power being manifest, regardless of who currently and temporarily holds the keys to direct the work. It is our responsibility to be worthy of the Holy Ghost, who will help us to see God's hand in the actions of others.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Henry B. Eyring on sustaining one another in service

President Henry B. Eyring (born May 31, 1933) served in the Presiding Bishopric from 1985-1992, as a Seventy from 1992-1995, then was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. He has served in the First Presidency since 2007.

"For a leader to succeed in the Lord’s work, the people’s trust that he is called of God must override their view of his infirmities and mortal weaknesses...

"Your leader in the Lord’s Church may seem to you weak and human or may appear to you strong and inspired. The fact is that every leader is a mixture of those traits and more. What helps servants of the Lord who are called to lead us is when we can see them as the Lord did when He called them.

"The Lord sees His servants perfectly. He sees their potential and their future. And He knows how their very nature can be changed. He also knows how they can be changed by their experiences with the people they will lead....

"There is a thread that binds us to the Lord in our service. It runs from wherever we are called to serve in the kingdom, up through those called to preside over us in the priesthood, and to the prophet, who is bound to the Lord. It takes faith and humility to serve in the place to which we are called, to trust that the Lord called us and those who preside over us, and to sustain them with full faith."

- Henry B. Eyring, "The Lord Leads His Church," General Conference, October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

We've all had the experience in the Church at being surprised when a certain person was called to a certain assignment, wondering if they would be able to fulfill the responsibilities. Or, perhaps we've been the one called, and we've felt overwhelmed and inadequate to the task. President Eyring points out that we often see each other, or ourselves, and focus on the shortcomings; but the Lord sees us and focuses on the potential to grow and to do good. And He sees the growth that is needed to help us progress, that could come through that very calling.

The conclusion is that we must learn to trust in the process of callings, and know that regardless of the situation, there is much good that can come as we allow the Lord's hand to work through the established lines of authority.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Dale G. Renlund on the Priesthood and the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Elder Dale G. Renlund (born November 13, 1952) served in the First Quorum of Seventy starting in 2009, until his call to the Quorum of Twelve in October 2015.

"Because of His atoning sacrifice, Jesus Christ has the power and authority to redeem all mankind. To make His atoning power accessible, He has delegated a portion of His power and authority to men on earth. This delegated power and authority is called priesthood. It permits priesthood holders to help Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in Their work—to bring about the salvation and exaltation of God’s children. It does so because it provides His children the opportunity to receive the blessings of the Savior’s atoning power.

"The atoning power of Jesus Christ is essential because none of us can return to our heavenly home without help. In mortality, we invariably make mistakes and violate God’s laws. We become stained by sin and cannot be allowed back to live in God’s presence. We need the Savior’s atoning power so that we can be reconciled to Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ broke the bands of physical death, allowing resurrection for all. He offers forgiveness of sins, conditioned on obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel. Through Him, exaltation is offered. The opportunity to benefit from the Savior’s atoning power is creation’s most important payload.

"For Heavenly Father’s purposes to be accomplished, Christ’s atoning power needs to be made available to God’s children. The priesthood delivers these opportunities. It is the rocket. Priesthood is essential because necessary ordinances and covenants on earth are administered only by its authority. If the priesthood fails to deliver the opportunity to benefit from the Savior’s atoning power, what would be its purpose? Would it just be a complex, attention-grabbing firecracker? God intends priesthood to be used for more than just a class on Sunday or as a service opportunity. He intends for it to deliver the payload."

- Dale G. Renlund, "The Priesthood and the Savior’s Atoning Power," General Conference October 2017
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

Elder Renlund used the analogy of a rocket delivering a satellite payload into space; the satellite is completely useless on earth, and only becomes a powerful influence when it has been delivered to its appropriate destination. In his analogy, the atonement of Jesus Christ becomes useful and powerful in our lives only when "delivered" by priesthood actions including ordinances and sacred covenants.

We should all be grateful for this divine blessing and seek continually to receive blessings and power from God through the priesthood on earth. Those who are called and ordained to administer those blessings, to "deliver the payload," must never forget what a sacred trust they have that must be exercised in faithfulness.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder Dallin H. Oaks on priesthood authority for men and women

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (b. August 12, 1932) served as president of BYU from 1971-1980.  He was then appointed as a justice of the Utah Supreme Court, and resigned when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984.

"While addressing a women's conference, Relief Society general president Linda K. Burton said, 'We hope to instill within each of us a greater desire to better understand the priesthood' (BYU Women’s Conference, May 3, 2013). That need applies to all of us...

"President Joseph F. Smith described 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' (Gospel Doctrine p. 139). Other leaders have taught us that the priesthood 'is the consummate power on this earth. It is the power by which the earth was created' (Boyd K. Packer, “Priesthood Power in the Home,” worldwide leadership training meeting, Feb. 2012)....

"We are not accustomed to speaking of women having the authority of the priesthood in their Church callings, but what other authority can it be? When a woman—young or old—is set apart to preach the gospel as a full-time missionary, she is given priesthood authority to perform a priesthood function. The same is true when a woman is set apart to function as an officer or teacher in a Church organization under the direction of one who holds the keys of the priesthood. Whoever functions in an office or calling received from one who holds priesthood keys exercises priesthood authority in performing her or his assigned duties.

"Whoever exercises priesthood authority should forget about their rights and concentrate on their responsibilities. That is a principle needed in society at large. The famous Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn is quoted as saying, 'It is time... to defend not so much human rights as human obligations' (“A World Split Apart,” commencement address, Harvard University, June 8, 1978). Latter-day Saints surely recognize that qualifying for exaltation is not a matter of asserting rights but a matter of fulfilling responsibilities."

- Dallin H. Oaks, "The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2014, pp. 49-52
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

This was a very interesting talk by Elder Oaks, as he considered the authority and keys of the priesthood as they relate to all members of the Church. We should all have that "greater desire to better understand the priesthood" described by Sister Burton, and this excerpt gives some excellent material to ponder.

While we often discuss the priesthood as being the power delegated to man to act for the salvation of others, we don't understand the ways in which that "man" is perhaps used in a generic sense and not in a gender-specific way. Elder Oaks helps us understand what it means to act with priesthood authority:

This is a wonderful description of how priesthood authority blesses us all as we function in that authority in our Church service.

The additional key point Elder Oaks shares is the distinction between rights and responsibilities. Sometimes we get so caught up in wanting to clarify and claim our rights, that we forget the obligation and blessing of just focusing on our responsibilities.

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

President Russell M. Nelson on having faith in dealing with life's turmoil

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

"We live in a time of turmoil. Earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising. We have great cause for concern. But we do not need to let our fears displace our faith. We can combat those fears by strengthening our faith.

"Start with your children. You parents bear the primary responsibility to strengthen their faith. Let them feel your faith, even when sore trials come upon you. Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach that faith with deep conviction. Teach each precious boy or girl that he or she is a child of God, created in His image, with a sacred purpose and potential. Each is born with challenges to overcome and faith to be developed....

"How you deal with life's trials is part of the development of your faith. Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth. The Lord has reminded you, your children, and your grandchildren that you are lawful heirs, that you have been reserved in heaven for your specific time and place to be born, to grow and become His standard bearers and covenant people. As you walk in the Lord's path of righteousness, you will be blessed to continue in His goodness and be a light and a savior unto His people (see D&C 86:8-11).

"Available to each of you brethren and sisters are blessings obtained through the power of the holy Melchizedek Priesthood. These blessings can change the circumstances of your lives, in matters such as health, companionship of the Holy Ghost, personal relationships, and opportunities for the future. The power and authority of this priesthood holds the keys to all spiritual blessings of the Church (D&C 107:18). And most remarkably, the Lord has declared that He will sustain those blessings, according to His will (D&C 132:47, 59)."

- Russell M. Nelson, "Face the Future with Faith," Ensign, May 2011, pp. 34-36
Click here to read or listen to the full talk

The world "turmoil" is a vivid and descriptive one. It conveys a sense of great uncertainty, disturbance, trouble, or confusion. President Nelson lists examples of the kinds of situations, both natural and man-made, that can create those feelings of desperation.

Instead of fear and uncertainty, President Nelson teaches us to respond to turmoil with faith. I love the statement, "Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth." Regardless what the world throws at us, a person of faith remembers always that he is a child of God bearing those seeds of divinity; and that regardless of what the temporary situation might be, there are promises of an eventual inheritance of unimagined peace and blessings. A disciple who "walk[s] in the  Lord's path of righteousness... will be blessed to continue in His goodness" regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

Those who begin to understand this alternative to fear and uncertainty are asked to teach and inspire others—particularly children. They need examples around them of individuals who confront challenges with faith and conviction. And we also have the responsibility to be a light to the world.

Finally, we should remember that the Priesthood has power to bless and strengthen as we strive to overcome challenges in life. Those blessings can "change the circumstances of your lives" in very real ways!

(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2017)

Elder David A. Bednar on growth and preparation of young men

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Three interrelated words define a pattern of preparation and progression for sons of God: priesthood, temple, mission. Sometimes as parents, friends, and Church members, we focus so extensively upon missionary preparation for young men that we may neglect to a degree the other vital steps along the covenant pathway that must be fulfilled before beginning full-time missionary service. Working as a missionary certainly is one but not the only important building block in the process of creating a strong foundation for a lifetime of spiritual growth and service. Priesthood and temple blessings, both of which precede arriving in an assigned field of labor, also are necessary to fortify and strengthen us spiritually throughout our entire lives....

"As priesthood, temple, and mission blessings are gathered 'together in one... in Christ' (Ephesians 1:10) and synergistically interact in the heart, mind, and soul of a young missionary, he can qualify for the work (see D&C 4:5). His capacity is increased to fulfill the responsibility to represent authoritatively the Lord Jesus Christ. The spiritually potent combination of honoring priesthood and temple covenants, receiving 'the power of godliness' (D&C 84:20) through priesthood ordinances (D&C 84:19–21), serving selflessly, and proclaiming the everlasting gospel to God’s children enables a young man to become 'firm and steadfast in the faith' (Helaman 15:8) and 'rooted and built up in [Christ]' (Colossians 2:7).

"In our homes and at church, we should give balanced emphasis to all three elements of the Lord’s pattern of preparation and progression for faithful sons of God: priesthood, temple, mission. All three require us to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy."

- David A. Bednar, "Called to the Work," General Conference, April 2017
Click here to watch or read the full talk

Elder Bednar spoke during the Priesthood Session of the recent general conference. He was primarily addressing the young men in issues relating to their preparation for future service and growth; but many of the principles apply to young women as well. Elder Bednar discussed the efforts we make to help youth prepare, which are often focused on mission preparation; but he encouraged additional focus on the other important aspects of the young man's development:  priesthood, temple, mission.

When all three of those areas receive attention in a young man's preparation, or in an adult life, then it becomes a "spiritually potent combination" of growth and development.

Elder Bednar also had a subtheme, repeated three times in the talk: "Please learn to love being and remaining worthy. Be worthy. Stay worthy." How critical that is for our happiness in life!

President Wilford Woodruff on keeping oil in our lamps each day

Wilford Woodruff (born March 1, 1807—210 years ago today; died 1898) was called as an apostle in 1839 by Joseph Smith, and sustained as the 4th president of the Church in 1889.  He served until his death in 1898 at age 91.

"The Lord compared the kingdom of heaven to ten virgins; five were wise and five were foolish; five had oil in their lamps and five had not. Now the question is, how can we keep oil in our lamps? By keeping the commandments of God, remembering our prayers, do as we are told by the revelations of Jesus Christ, and otherwise assisting in building up Zion.

"When we are laboring for the kingdom of God, we will have oil in our lamps, our light will shine and we will feel the testimony of the spirit of God. On the other hand, if we set our hearts upon the things of the world and seek for the honors of men, we shall walk in the dark and not in the light.

"If we do not value our priesthood, and the work of this priesthood, the building up of the kingdom of God, the rearing of temples, the redeeming of our dead, and the carrying out of the great work unto which we have been ordained by the God of Israel—if we do not feel that these things are more valuable to us than the things of the world, we will have no oil in our lamps, no light, and we shall fail to be present at the marriage supper of the Lamb."

- Wilford Woodruff, Conference of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion, Salt Lake Assembly Hall, Jan. 9, 1881; see JD 22:208
Click here to read the full talk

In our day, even though oil lamps are ancient relics, the parable is still a valuable scriptural analogy. We might talk instead of having fresh batteries in our flashlights, having the lithium power cell always recharged, or having electricity flowing to the LED. But the analogy still works; we can relate to the need of having an appropriate source of energy for devices that help us see or do essential tasks.

The answer to the all-important question changes only superficially over the millennia: "How can we keep oil in our lamps?" The answer includes obedience, worship, and service. This is not a task to be done once and then forgotten; the parable is helpful in reminding us of the ongoing need to be resupplying the fuel source.

Keeping the proper perspective on priesthood ordinances and service becomes a measuring standard for our readiness in the Lord's work. When "the things of the world" creep in and take too high a precedence, President Woodruff warns that "we shall fail to be present at the marriage supper of the Lamb."

Jeffrey R. Holland on effective and powerful home teaching

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (b. 1940) served as Church Commissioner of Education from 1976-1980, as the president of BYU from 1980-1989, as a Seventy from 1989-1994, and as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles since 1994.

"Brethren, the appeal I am making tonight is for you to lift your vision of home teaching. Please, in newer, better ways see yourselves as emissaries of the Lord to His children. That means leaving behind the tradition of a frantic, law of Moses–like, end-of-the-month calendar in which you rush to give a scripted message from the Church magazines that the family has already read. We would hope, rather, that you will establish an era of genuine, gospel-oriented concern for the members, watching over and caring for each other, addressing spiritual and temporal needs in any way that helps.

"Now, as for what 'counts' as home teaching, every good thing you do 'counts,' so report it all! Indeed, the report that matters most is how you have blessed and cared for those within your stewardship, which has virtually nothing to do with a specific calendar or a particular location. What matters is that you love your people and are fulfilling the commandment 'to watch over the church always' (D&C 20:53)."

- Jeffrey R. Holland, "Emissaries to the Church," General Conference, October 2016
Click here to read or hear the complete talk

In speaking to the Priesthood session of the recent general conference, Elder Holland shared a vision and understanding of how "watching over" one another, particularly in areas of priesthood stewardship, can make a profound difference in lives. With poignant personal examples and inspired instruction, he lifted the vision of how this service ought to be making a difference in lives, both spiritually and temporally.

As we "lift our vision" to include the power of this program, we will understand that it goes far beyond a monthly message and a routine visit. It means that we are reaching out in true love and concern, bearing one another's burdens, caring and serving in every way as the Lord inspires us to do so.

And in a broader sense, this principle applies to our general Christian duty to love and serve one another.

Neil L. Andersen on blessings from the Priesthood

Elder Neil L. Andersen (b. August 9, 1951) served as a Seventy beginning in 1993, and was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2009.

"We sometimes overly associate the power of the priesthood with men in the Church. The priesthood is the power and authority of God given for the salvation and blessing of all—men, women, and children.

"A man may open the drapes so the warm sunlight comes into the room, but the man does not own the sun or the light or the warmth it brings. The blessings of the priesthood are infinitely greater than the one who is asked to administer the gift.

"To receive the blessings, power, and promises of the priesthood in this life and the next is one of the great opportunities and responsibilities of mortality. As we are worthy, the ordinances of the priesthood enrich our lives on earth and prepare us for the magnificent promises of the world ahead. The Lord said, 'In the ordinances ... the power of godliness is manifest' (D&C 84:20).

"There are special blessings from God for every worthy person who is baptized, receives the Holy Ghost, and regularly partakes of the sacrament. The temple brings added light and strength, along with the promise of eternal life. (See D&C 138:37, 51.)

"All of the ordinances invite us to increase our faith in Jesus Christ and to make and keep covenants with God. As we keep these sacred covenants, we receive priesthood power and blessings."

- Neil L. Andersen, "Power in the Priesthood," Ensign, Nov 2013, pp. 92-95
Click here to read the full talk

This was an interesting exploration by Elder Andersen of how the priesthood blesses lives—both men and women. Men are the instrument by which the priesthood is enabled, but the power of the priesthood is much greater than any individual. This was a great analogy:

It is up to each individual, man or woman, to receive the power and blessings of the priesthood in his or her individual life. We do that through receiving ordinances, keeping covenants, and growing in faith in Jesus Christ.

Boyd K. Packer on the sacred, eternal role of fathers

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"Now, fathers, I would remind you of the sacred nature of your calling. You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power. You will receive direction from the Lord by way of the gift of the Holy Ghost.

"The adversary is not actively disturbing our Church meetings—perhaps only occasionally. By and large we are free to assemble as we wish without much disruption. But he and those who follow him are persistent in attacking the home and the family.

"The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is that a man and his wife and their children might be happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood.

"Every law and principle and power, every belief, every ordinance and ordination, every covenant, every sermon and every sacrament, every counsel and correction, the sealings, the calls, the releases, the service—all these have as their ultimate purpose the perfection of the individual and the family, for the Lord has said, 'This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man' (Moses 1:39)."

- Boyd K. Packer, "The Power of the Priesthood," Ensign, May 2010, p. 6-10
Click here to read the full talk

It's the "sacred nature" of the "calling" of a father that is often forgotten in today's world, and this is a good reminder from President Packer. The need for priesthood power in protecting the home has never been greater; what a profound and prophetic statement this is: "There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary's mischief will be that power." How critical for every father to honor the gift he has been given!

I liked the strength of that final paragraph, clarifying and summarizing the "ultimate purpose" of all we do in the Church—"the perfection of the individual and the family." That, too, is far too often forgotten in our many programs, efforts, and initiatives!

Gary E. Stevenson on the importance of priesthood keys

Elder Gary E. Stevenson (b. 1955) was called as a Seventy in 2008, then as Presiding Bishop in 2012. He was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2015..

"My heart is filled with overwhelming gratitude for the restoration of priesthood authority and priesthood keys. Without this restoration, we would be locked out from the vehicle necessary to transport us on our journey home to loving heavenly parents. The performance of every ordinance of salvation comprising our covenant pathway back to the presence of our Father in Heaven requires appropriate governance through priesthood keys....

"The priesthood, or priesthood authority, has been defined as 'the power and authority of God' (Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010), page 8.) and “the consummate power on this earth' (Boyd K. Packer, 'Priesthood Power in the Home.' worldwide leadership training meeting, Feb. 2012; see also James E. Faust, 'Power of the Priesthood,' Ensign, May 1997, 41–43). Priesthood keys are defined for our understanding as well: 'Priesthood keys are the authority God has given to priesthood leaders to direct, control, and govern the use of His priesthood on earth' (Handbook 2, 2.1.1). Priesthood keys control the exercise of priesthood authority. Ordinances that create a record in the Church require keys and cannot be done without authorization. Elder Dallin H. Oaks taught that 'ultimately, all keys of the priesthood are held by the Lord Jesus Christ, whose priesthood it is. He is the one who determines what keys are delegated to mortals and how those keys will be used' (Dallin H. Oaks, 'The Keys and Authority of the Priesthood,' Ensign, May 2014, 50)."

- Gary E. Stevenson, "Where Are the Keys and Authority of the Priesthood?," General Conference, April 2016, Saturday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

This talk, given in the first general session of conference, was a good review of basic priesthood concepts. It might have been a talk shared in a priesthood session, but I think it was wonderful to have it shared with the general membership. I think the concept of priesthood keys continues to not be well understood in the Church; discussions like this one will be helpful.

This is a key concept: "Every ordinance of salvation" is governed and directed by priesthood keys. In other words, no priesthood holder can perform such ordinances on his own, unless authorized and directed by one who holds appropriate keys to direct the performance of those ordinances. This helps maintain order, ensures that proper records are kept, and demonstrates that authority is delegated and not "owned." Great principles!

Russell M. Nelson on growing in Priesthood power

President Russell M. Nelson (b. Sept 9, 1924) was an internationally-renowned heart surgeon when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1984. He was set apart as president of the Quorum of Twelve on July 15, 2015.

These remarks were part of President Nelson's address in the Priesthood session of the most recent conference:

"I fear, brethren, that some among us may one day wake up and realize what power in the priesthood really is and face the deep regret that they spent far more time seeking power over others or power at work than learning to exercise fully the power of God (D&C 121:36)....

"How else can we increase our power in the priesthood? We need to pray from our hearts. Polite recitations of past and upcoming activities, punctuated with some requests for blessings, cannot constitute the kind of communing with God that brings enduring power. Are you willing to pray to know how to pray for more power? The Lord will teach you.

"Are you willing to search the scriptures and feast on the words of Christ (2 Nephi 32:3)—to study earnestly in order to have more power? If you want to see your wife’s heart melt, let her find you on the Internet studying the doctrine of Christ (2 Nephi 31:2–21) or reading your scriptures!

"Are you willing to worship in the temple regularly? The Lord loves to do His own teaching in His holy house. Imagine how pleased He would be if you asked Him to teach you about priesthood keys, authority, and power as you experience the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood in the holy temple. (D&C 84:19–20) Imagine the increase in priesthood power that could be yours.

"Are you willing to follow President Thomas S. Monson’s example of serving others? For decades he has taken the long way home, following promptings of the Spirit to arrive on someone’s doorstep and then hear words such as, 'How did you know it was the anniversary of our daughter’s death?' or 'How did you know it was my birthday?' And if you truly want more priesthood power, you will cherish and care for your wife, embracing both her and her counsel.

"Now, if all of this sounds excessive, please consider how different our relationships with our wife, children, and associates at work would be if we were as concerned about gaining priesthood power as we are in progressing at work or increasing the balance in our bank account. If we will humbly present ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to teach us, He will show us how to increase our access to His power."

- Russell M. Nelson, "The Price of Priesthood Power," General Conference, April 2016, Priesthood session
Click here to read the full talk

President Nelson's address to the Priesthood Session of conference was a good review of "priesthood power" as opposed to "priesthood authority," and a challenge to men everywhere to work to grow in priesthood power. His message was that this growth in priesthood power doesn't happen routinely or coincidentally; it requires a conscious choice by each man who bears the priesthood.

So then real growth in priesthood power comes as we:

• Develop the Christlike virtues that enable us to serve more effectively
• Pray with diligence and sincerity
• Search the scriptures, feasting on the words of Christ
• Worship regularly in the temple
• Serve others unselfishly
• Cherish and care for our wife
• Allow God to teach and guide us

That presents a good challenge for every holder of the priesthood, and indeed for every member of the Church, to actively choose to change and grow.

Boyd K. Packer on following inspired leaders and preparing for conference

President Boyd K. Packer (1924-2015) served as an Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve (a position that no longer exists) from 1961 to 1970, when he was called to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles.  He served as president of that Quorum from 1994 until his death on July 3, 2015 at age 90.

"In closing, I say again, FOLLOW THE BRETHREN. In a few days there opens another general conference of the Church. The servants of the Lord will counsel us. You may listen with anxious ears and hearts, or you may turn that counsel aside. As in these devotionals, what you shall gain will depend not so much upon their preparation of the messages as upon your preparation for them....

"On one occasion [Karl G. Maesar] was leading a party of young missionaries across the Alps. As they slowly ascended the steep slope, he looked back and saw a row of sticks thrust into the glacial snow to mark the one safe path across the otherwise treacherous mountains.

"Something about those sticks impressed him, and halting the company of missionaries he gestured toward them and said, 'Brethren, there stands the priesthood. They are just common sticks like the rest of us—some of them may even seem to be a little crooked, but the position they hold makes them what they are. If we step aside from the path they mark, we are lost.'

"I bear witness, my brethren and sisters, fellow students, that in this Church men are as they indeed must be—called of God by prophecy. May we learn in our youth this lesson; it will see us faithful through all of the challenges of our lives. May we learn to follow the brethren."

- Boyd K. Packer, "Follow the Brethren," BYU Devotional, March 23, 1965
Click here to listen to the full talk

This is one of the classic messages offered by President Packer, then a young apostle, to a BYU devotional. He points out how critical our personal attitude is, as we prepare for and listen to general conference addresses — either "with anxious ears and hearts" or casually ignoring the counsel.

The example from Karl G. Maesar's story is another classic analogy President Packer used. Priesthood leaders may be "common sticks" but their position makes them a critical guide for our lives if we are willing to watch and heed. It's vital to learn that the Church leaders will help to "see us faithful through all the challenges of our lives."