As I studied the second section in the President Kimball manual today, my eye was drawn to the reference to D&C 84:39. Here, President Kimball speaks of a covenant. Although it doesn’t specifically relate to integrity, I would like to take this chance to explore that covenant. After all, it is difficult to keep up our end of a promise if we don’t know what the promise is.
This section of the Doctrine and Covenants starts in verse 33, and refers to those who are “faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods…and the magnifying their calling.” In short, the people who are making this covenant are the priesthood holders. To those it is promised that “all that my Father hath shall be given to them…according to the oath and covenant which belongeth to the priesthood” (verse 39). That covenant comes through the priesthood, although we are also commanded in verse 43 and 44 “to give diligent heed to the words of eternal life…(and) live by every word that proceedeth from the mouth of God.”
The quote given by President Kimball dwells on the breaking of the covenant, but I stand amazed at the blessings it brings. “All that my Father hath.” What a wonderful gift! I wonder, sometimes, if those who hold the priesthood truly realize the blessing that is within their grasp.
President Kimball states that Melchizedek Priesthood holders have pledged to act, to do righteous works. “Accordingly,” he says, “to break this covenant, one needs only to do nothing.” Wow. In doing nothing, by not acting, by not doing one’s best, we can forfeit all that Heavenly Father has. What an amazing gift! It seems beyond comprehension. It boggles my mind.
In the April 1972 General Conference, President Marion G. Romney repeats President Kimball’s expression when he warns, “Now, I do not think this means that all who fail to magnify their callings in the priesthood will have committed the unpardonable sin, but I do think that priesthood bearers who have entered into the covenants that we enter into—in the waters of baptism, in connection with the law of tithing, the Word of Wisdom, and the many other covenants we make—and then refuse to live up to these covenants will stand in jeopardy of losing the promise of eternal life.”
Priesthood holders have made a solemn covenant to act and to obey. They have promised Heavenly Father that they will serve Him and be His hands upon the earth. In return, they will receive a magnificent and wonderful blessing – “All that my Father hath.”
For other articles on President Kimball’s lesson, click on the RS/EQ Lesson link at right.
Related Articles:
The Blessings of the Priesthood
RS/EQ: Casually But Not Devoutly
General Conference: “A Royal Priesthood”