Power

I recently read this talk that confirmed and changed how I look at some things in my life. In 1999, Elder Ray H. Wood gave a talk entitled, "Made Like unto the Son of God."

Many of the principles he speaks to are priesthood oriented. As I read the talk, however, I began to think that it applies to all of us. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ we have all taken upon ourselves covenants through the Holy Priesthood.

Elder Wood said, "There should be nothing casual, nonchalant, or indifferent about holding the priesthood. Once accepted, it should not be ignored, neglected, or cast aside. It is a mantle of honor and power."

It is a mantle of honor and power. Through the scriptures we know, "the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."

When any of God's commandments are violated, He removes his power and influence. And when He leaves, we are left to our own. That is not a good thing because it is easier to conquer the Goliath's of our lives with the help of God.

We "are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people" (1 Pet. 2:9). As such, we should act it.

Last week in Relief Society I read this quote. I knew when the teacher handed me the paper, there was something special about this quote given by President Gordon B. Hinckley at a member meeting in Kenya.

"I think tonight of the great occasion when Paul describes his experience on the road to Damascus. He saw a light from heaven and heard a voice speaking unto him. And he fell to the ground and said, 'Who are thou, Lord?'

"And Jesus said, 'Rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee... to make thee a minister and a witnes... ,

"To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God' (Acts 26:15-16, 18).

"Now, I believe that same injunction given by the Lord to Paul applies to each of us. 'Rise,' He says, 'and stand upon [your] feet: for I have appeared unto thee... to make thee a minister and a witness.'

"Each of you has the responsibility of standing as a witness of the everlasting truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Your responsibility is to open the eyes of others 'and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God.'"

I think of the power of that statement. I couldn't get through it without feeling the Spirit and tears streaming down my face. Each person has been called to be a minister and a witness of Jesus Christ and his restored gospel.

That is only possible if we have the power and influence of God with us. "Choose you this day whom ye will serve... but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Josh 24:15). That is the only true way to get spiritual power in your life.

Chose today!