Elder Ray H. Wood: Priesthood carries great responsibility
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Elder Ray H. Wood used an incident from the book of Joshua to illustrate
the principle that "when a person violates any of God's commandments, if
there is no repentance, the Lord withdraws His protective and sustaining
influence.
Elder Wood of the Seventy spoke at the priesthood session Saturday evening. He recounted the incident from Joshua 7 in which the smaller city of Ai routed the Israelite forces. The defeat stemmed from one man's disobedience to the Lord's commandment that no spoils be taken in the conquest of Jericho. Only after the forbidden spoils were destroyed and the offender was put to death did the army's strength return.
"When we lose power with God, we know of a certainty that the problem lies within us and not with God," Elder Wood commented. "Our misdeeds bring despair. They sadden and extinguish the 'perfect brightness of hope' (2 Ne. 31:20) offered by Christ. Without God's help, we are left to ourselves.' "
He applied that principle to the rights of the priesthood, which are connected with "the powers of heaven" that can only be controlled or handled "upon the principles of righteousness." (D&C 121:36.)
When a man, young or old, receives the priesthood, he has the responsibility to magnify it by serving with diligence, teaching with faith and testimony and lifting others, Elder Wood said. "This means that we cannot live only unto ourselves, but we are also responsible for the growth, development and welfare of others."
He counseled: "As we consider the priesthood, let us not forget its true title: The Holy Priesthood after the order of the Son of God. Jesus Christ is the great High Priest of God. He is the source of all priesthood authority and power on this earth."
