The Priesthood
“Yea, wo be unto him that hearkeneth unto the precepts of men, and denieth the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost!” - 2 Nephi 28:26
The power of God comes through the Holy Ghost and is an extension of its power. Without the Holy Ghost, the power of God is not manifest among men.
When a person is acting under the direction of the Holy Ghost, they are acting for God. When they are not, they are acting for themselves and against God.
Although a person may be given the priesthood by the laying on of hands by those in authority over the church, they do not necessarily have the power of God through the Holy Ghost.
If the spirit withdraws from them for any reason, they are no longer working for God. Without the spirit, regardless of priesthood ordination and position, they are left to themselves without revelation or power, but remaining in their position. In this sad state, they aren’t even aware that they are persecuting the saints, and fighting against God.
“36. 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.
37. That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38. Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.” – D&C 121:36-38
How often does this happen that a leader in the Lord’s church or other organizations exercised unrighteous dominion in the least degree and thereby loses the spirit and the power of God?
“39. We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
40. Hence many are called, but few are chosen.” – D&C 121:39-40
The statement “all most all” is very specific. If you were to attempt to qualify “all most all” into a percentage, what number would you assign it?
“None” would of course be 0%. “Half” would be 50%. The word “All” means 100%. So, what do you think the Lord mean when he tells us;
“it is the nature and disposition of almost 100% of men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.”
Why do almost 100% of the Lord leaders begin to exercise unrighteous dominion? Because they do not realize that no power or influence ought to be maintained by virtue of their priesthood or position in the priesthood. A leader should never use his or her priesthood position or authority as a reason for you to obey them or be influenced by them. They should only teach correct principles and allow others to govern themselves.
“36. No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;
37. By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
38. Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;” - D&C 121:36-37
Without the spirit of God, a person does not have power or authority from God. Exercising control or dominion over others in any degree is unrighteous and will cost a person the spirit and without knowing they are persecuting the saints and fighting against God.
Only those who have the spirit can act for God regardless of their position, calling or ordination.
The only priesthood we should recognize comes from God through the Holy Ghost. It does not matter who God has given the spirit, male or female, whether by his own voice or the voice of His servants, it is the same because it comes through the voice of the spirit.