In his talk “He Trusts Us!” Elder Stanley G Ellis speaks about the trust that God has for each of man who holds the Priesthood. He points out that the Priesthood is the power and authority to act in God’s name. Elder Ellis begins his talk by sharing an experience he had as he prepared to serve as a mission president. He and his wife felt prompted to keep their home and business, in order to leave the country, they needed to assign someone power of attorney over their possessions. This was a difficult decision to make because the person could sell their property, borrow money and do other things in their names. They needed someone they could trust.
Elder Ellis goes on to say that each man proved himself to the Lord by completing the steps necessary to receive the Priesthood. This includes the steps of faith in Jesus Christ, repentance and baptism. Each man was interviewed, and each decision prayed about before he was ordained.
Elder Ellis goes on to talk about the serious responsibilities each Priesthood holder has. He speaks of being worthy and prepared to use the Priesthood at all times. He also stresses that the Priesthood can only be exercised in righteousness. He stresses the importance of studying the scriptures, especially Doctrine and Covenants 121, to learn how to use the Priesthood correctly. He says:
“Surely we want to avoid priestcraft. But the Apostle Paul warned us of another danger. He warned that in our day there will be those “having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3:5). How can we as priesthood holders have a form of godliness but deny the power thereof? Could it be that we hold the priesthood but do not exercise it? visit our families rather than home teach them? pray for someone in an ordinance or ordination instead of blessing them? do the Lord’s work the best way we know how without first pleading to know and do His will in His way?”
Elder Ellis shares a story of when he needed someone to assist in giving his injured son a blessing and the Priesthood leaders were available to assist him in this. He also speaks of the parable of the talents. He uses this story to point out that it is important to go out and make a difference with the Priesthood. Elder Ellis also stresses the importance of praying before exercising the Priesthood.
This is a wonderful talk that gives guidance on how to use the Priesthood correctly. It speaks of the responsibilities that each Priesthood holder has to remain personally worthy to hold the Priesthood and to be able to use it when called upon. I hope you will read it.
Related Articles:
General Conference: “Let Us Be Men!”
General Conference: “Our Sacred Priesthood Trust”
General Conference: “A Royal Priesthood”