To the Point

What is priestcraft? Is it something I need to worry about?

Detail of the Pharisee from Parables, by James C. Christensen

Nephi tells us that the Lord commands us to avoid “priestcrafts,” and then he defines it:

“Priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion” (2 Nephi 26:29).

Nephi gives us five main traits of priestcraft. It is that people:

Preach. They’re telling people what to believe and how to live their lives.

Set themselves up for a light unto the world. They’re telling people to look to them (not Jesus Christ) for the teachings and example to follow.

Want to get gain. They’re preaching to get money.

Want to get the praise of the world. They’re preaching so that people will tell them how great they are rather than doing it to please God.

Seek not the welfare of Zion. They do not want God’s kingdom on earth (also called Zion or the Church of Jesus Christ) to prosper. In fact, they probably want just the opposite.

Look out for those who do these things. Follow the Lord and His prophets. The Holy Ghost will help you.