Brethren there is an oft-used scripture that all of us know in the D&C that states:
There is a law, irrevocably decreed in the heaven before the foundation of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated –
And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated.
We as Latter-day Saints are a covenant making people. The gospel is a covenant!
I hope that all of you read President Romney’s talk on the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood.
We started our covenant making while in the pre-existence, then on this earth in the waters of baptism, when we partake of the sacrament, received the priesthood and entered the temples of God.
A covenant in a promise between God and ourselves. (Do we really understand its importance and the responsibilities that come with it?)
(STORY)
(I love to watch basketball – to a fault. One day I wanted to see a certain basketball game - I found out what network it was suppose to be on. I sat down on my bed with the remote to see if I could find it. I found out that it wasn't part of my viewing options.
But on the station that was right next to it was something that caught my interest. There was a televangelist that made me think I was at a Aggie basketball game - he was standing behind the pulpit jumping up and down - with his arm out stretched saying I believe. His congregation wasn't as in sink like the Aggies student section - a few of them had their hands in the air and were saying Amen.
After he was done he pulled out a large key ring about six inches in diameter and some large skeleton keys on it. He started to shake them - and said these represent the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. He proceeded to say that they are give to all followers of Christ and those that believe in the Bible. HE then pulled out a small plastic set of keys (baby's toy) and shook them and said they represent the keys that Satan holds.)
I'm sure he got his reference from Matt 16:19
I give unto you the key of the Kingdom of Heaven.
He didn’t quote the rest of the verse or those before it, that put it into context.
These words were spoken by the Savior to Peter the chief Apostle. After the Savior asked who do men say that I am? Peter answered – “Thou art the Christ the Son of the Living God.” The Savior told him he received that knowledge by revelation.
He then told him he would give unto him the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven.
This was the man that would be at the head of the Church – that would be given all the authority and responsibility after the death of the Savior.
When each of us gets our Temple recommend we are asked the question –
Do you sustain the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a Prophet, Seer and Revelator – and the only person on the earth that holds and is authorized to exercise all priesthood keys?
Brethren, not only was this authority given to Peter, but has also been given to President Thomas S. Monson. These keys are then delegated through the lines of authority to those called to exercise them.
President Larsen has the Keys for this stake –
Each of the Bishops hold the Keys for the individual Wards –
Elders Presidents, Teacher and Deacons Presidents are given authority for their individual Quorums.
Each of us has callings and responsibilities that have come under the direction of these Keys.
- With these callings come promises, blessings and covenants between each of us and God.
Unlike the televangelist said – this power and authority doesn’t come to all professors or followers of Christ or because of one belief in the Bible.
- Simon saw that through the laying on of the Apostles hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money.
Saying, “give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.”
I think that on occasions we don’t understand or appreciate what having the priesthood means or can do for yourself and our families.
Is it because every young man in the Church receives it – and that it is commonplace or seems like a formality?
Numerous Prophets have told us that those that receive the Priesthood were foreordained to receive such. Is it a coincidence that you were born into a covenant home and the area in which we live – or that you received the missionaries message and knew of its truthfulness?
Those that are holders of the priesthood are in the extreme minority.
- There is great responsibility that is given.
- But, there is even great promised blessing.
Those faithful to the lesser priesthood are promised to the ministering of Angels.
President Romney reading from the 84 sections of the D&C told us that it is also available to the Melchizedek Priesthood as well.
As we magnify it - our blessing are: Sanctification, Renewing of our Bodies, we can become Princes and Kings, Members of his Church and Kingdom, the Elect of God and are given all that the Father has.
Who wouldn’t want those blessings?
We must magnify that priesthood to receive the promised blessings.
President Romney stated that we must do three things to magnify our priesthood:
1) That we obtain the knowledge of the gospel.
2) That we comply in our personal living with the standards of the gospel.
3) That we give dedicated service.
We must learn our duty – live in accordance with that knowledge – and serve diligently.
All throughout the scriptures there are wonderful examples of the results of Truly Dedicated Service.
- Angels were sent to help them, hearts were softened, seemingly impossible tasks were accomplished, and mountains were moved before them.
President Romney stated -
The nature of this service is spelled out in detail in the revelations and by the living prophets. The burden of it the Lord has laid upon his priesthood. It can be done properly only by men who are magnifying their priesthood—who know the gospel, conform their lives to its standards, and enthusiastically give dedicated service in the spirit of the divine proclamation that “men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness; for the power is in them” (D&C 58:27–28).
Elder Perry has asked us to do curtain things – that if accomplished can save hundreds of souls for eternity – many more missionaries will be sent throughout the world to bring truth and righteousness to a troubled world.
We all know the blessing that will come from bringing one soul unto God – lets start with the one closest to us – our own, by magnifying the priesthood opportunities we have been given.
