The Power of the Priesthood

Right now I want you to imagine if you were driving and all of a sudden some random person pulls you over and asks you for 100 dollars because you were speeding. What's your reaction going to be? Would you give them the 100 dollar bill? No........ But now imagine if it was a cop. You would then give it to him because he had the Authority, no? This plays in the rule of the Priesthood. A man can receive the Priesthood Authority by one who has the Authority...

D&C 13:1

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.

and in order for a policeman to wear a uniform, he has to go through many tests and obey the law. In order to receive the priesthood authority, you have to exercise worthiness, love, patience, and obedience. So what's so amazing to have this authority? Well the cop receives authority form the head chief, but the priesthood power authority comes from God. 

Two days ago my companion and I received a phone call from our district leader saying, "a young man that is 17 years old and is named Santiago is interested in coming to church this Sunday with the missionaries." After receiving the phone call we made quick arrangements to go visit him. As we walked passed his house his sister comes around the corner and yells, "are you Mormons?" "Mormons, Mormons, my brother, my brother wants to go to church with you!!" "He's not home right now but can you come in the afternoon." That evening the next thing we knew, he was telling us all about the pamphlet of the word of wisdom which interested him when two chicas dropped it off a month ago. He searched on the mormon.org, website read all about our religion watched the Joseph Smith history video and was so interested in reading this so called book "Book of Mormon". So he went knocking on doors to find one. He has now read to 2 Nephi and can't seem to put the book down. WHAT A MIRACLE and what diligence he had! That night we taught him the whole first lesson, but for the first time it was more centered around "the authority of God." As we explained to him more about it, he became more and more interested. How it can bless him in this life and how it was restored back to the earth and the power it holds. Then the question popped into my head, "Santiago, you and your family can be blessed in so many ways - is this something you want in your life?" Before we could say anything more, the answer was immediate, YES!

That night me and my companion thought a little more about Santiago, only a 17 year old boy, very intelligent, and the effort he took to find a Book of Mormon. Not only that but a little word of wisdom pamphlet interested him in searching the mormon.org website to learn more about it. We forget that just the littlest acts of missionary work can bring someone closer to God.

The power of the Priesthood is a marvelous opportunity in the hands of a worthy male. not only that, but they can fulfill sacred duties and help and strengthen others. It is a wonderful cycle when exercised correctly! Why is it so important for you and your family and in the life of others? This cycle starts with baby blessing, baptism, the girt of the Holy Ghost, partaking of the sacrament every Sunday to renew covenants, priesthood authority, patriarchal blessings, callings you receive in the church, temple ordinances, temple marriages to be sealed for time and all eternity, priesthood blessings in time of sickness, strength, and protection and for your children. The wonderful thing about this power is that the cycle recycles and it's all through the power of God! WHAT A GREAT GIFT!

John 15:16

Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.

I am so grateful to have a dad and two brothers who are worthy priesthood holders who hold this sacred power. It has strengthened me and my family in many, many ways. I'm so grateful that God lead us to Santiago and the people of Argentina to teach the importance of it, and also the blessings it could bring him and the people of Argentina.

Homework: Watch the Mormon message, "Blessings of the Priesthood"

http://www.mormonchannel.org/video/mormon-messages/topics/priesthood?v=1101418649001