Mel. Priesthood 1

I've felt an increased desire and need to study, know, and have a testimony of my priesthood responsibilities recently.

I'm starting by studying through the material on LDS.org/gospel topics/Melchezidek Priesthood.

In the ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, “the power of godliness is manifest” (D&C 84:20).

When a man receives the Melchizedek Priesthood, he enters into the oath and covenant of the priesthood. He covenants to be faithful, magnify his calling, “give diligent heed to the words of eternal life,” and “live by every word that proceedeth forth from the mouth of God.” Those who keep this covenant will be sanctified by the Spirit and receive “all that [the] Father hath.” (See D&C 84:33-44.) 


OK, so I feel a little stupid having had the young men study the oath and covenant of the priesthood a few weeks ago. Oh well, I guess the earlier they know the better off they will be when they receive the Mel. Priesthood.

It's a big responsibility, but a huge privilege too, to hold the priesthood. I know that, though sometime, a lot of times, I  don't act like it. Of all the people on the earth - all the powerful business people and politicians, scientists and authors - I, Corey Burton, the struggling 31 year old college student living in Champaign, Illinois, am one of the relatively few who have been entrusted with this authority. I don't say that trying to build myself up, but to to help me realize how much of a duty I have to magnify my priesthood, and raise my sons to do the same.

This talk:
The Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

Given in Nov. 1985 by:

Elder Carlos E. Asay

IS EXCELLENT in it's discussion of the O&C of the P.

Magnify Callings. President Kimball defines priesthood, in part, as “the means whereby the Lord acts through men to save souls.” (Ensign, June 1975, p. 3.) This definition suggests action, not inaction. It implies that priesthood power is to be exercised in behalf of other people; it is not something to sit upon or to simply glory in. It suggests that priesthood callings are to be magnified.
The transcendent blessings of the priesthood do not come by ordination alone. We are instructed:
“Ordination to the priesthood is a prerequisite to receiving [blessings], but it does not guarantee them. For a man actually to obtain them, he must faithfully discharge the obligation which is placed upon him when he receives the priesthood.” (Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1962, p. 17.)
What does it mean to magnify one’s calling? According to Webster’s Third New International Dictionary, “to magnify” is “to increase the importance of: cause to be held in greater esteem or respect … to make greater.” One magnifies a calling—

• By learning one’s duty and executing it fully. (See D&C 107:99–100.)
  
• By giving one’s best effort in assigned fields of labor.
  
• By consecrating one’s time, talents, and means to the Lord’s work as called upon by our leaders and the whisperings of the Spirit. (See Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, Mar. 1985, p. 5.)
  
• By teaching and exemplifying truth.
  
   Jacob, the Book of Mormon prophet, testified, “We did magnify our office unto the Lord, taking upon us the responsibility, … [teaching] them the word of God with all diligence; … [and] laboring with our might.” (Jacob 1:19.) I underscore the words taking responsibility, teaching the word of God, and laboring with might in this inspired quotation. These are critical actions related to the exercise of priesthood power.
  

 I need to magnify my calling as a priesthood holder. I need to be the priesthood holder that my family needs and deserves. I can start by doing more for at least one part of my personal ministry, home teaching. President Lunt gave us a great lesson about the importance of home teaching. I need to remember how I felt when he was speaking, remember that testimony and put forth the effort to help my families.