Lesson Recap: Sustaining the Priesthood

Sustaining the Priesthood as the authority of God on the earth.

Taught by Nancy Martin

Growing up in Utah County Nancy had to the opportunity to visit Timpanogus Cave. At some point in the middle of the tour the guide would ask everyone to notice the exit and entrance, Then they would turn the lights off. In the pitch dark, again they would ask everyone to point to the exit and entrance. When the lights were turned on again it was surprising the many different directions fingers were pointing.

The priesthood can be compared to a flashlight. It keeps us safely on the path, helping us and others return to God.

We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity...
“...who sustain the Priesthood as the authority of God on the earth.”

Why was that statement included in the Relief Society declaration?

It's a truth that a house divided against itself cannot stand. As members of the church we are here to be one in purpose and progress under God's direction with the administration of saving Priesthood ordinances, and in blessing the lives of others.

D&C 121:36 states, “That 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.”

That power can be felt in our lives.

Sustaining
Perhaps the batteries can be compared with the worthiness necessary for men to exercise the Priesthood. We as sisters and fellow saints can do much to sustain and support those who hold the Priesthood, to encourage their worthiness, to “charge their batteries”.

How do we sustain our brethren who hold the priesthood?

Suggestions given by the class include showing gratitude for their service, for their worthiness, for the power of God in our lives. It's especially important that we not be critical. Prayer is also a powerful way to support and sustain one another in callings, as husbands are away from the family, and in behalf of our leaders. We can notice our husband's and son's good efforts, express confidence in them, make it easy for them to serve and be appreciative.

His power is available to all
All sisters have equal claim to the blessings of the Priesthood as the men. We can receive all saving ordinances of the Gospel. We can serve faithfully in church callings and leadership positions. We can receive blessings of comfort and healing.

Men and women can influence one another “only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile” (D&C 121:41-42).

If men of the Priesthood and the women that support them are “full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish [their] thoughts unceasingly; then shall [their] confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon the soul as the dews from heaven” (D&C 121: 45).

Thanks Nancy for your lesson, today.

Ellen



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