Serving Together with Priesthood Power

By President M. Russell Ballard

Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

From an April 2013 general conference address.

Several years ago, my wife, Barbara, and I looked up in awe at the night sky. The millions of stars seemed especially bright and beautiful. I then turned to the Pearl of Great Price and read what the Lord God said to Moses: “And worlds without number have I created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten” (Moses 1:33).

The power that created the heavens and earth is the priesthood. The source of this priesthood power is God Almighty and His Son, Jesus Christ. It is the power the Savior used to perform miracles, to provide an infinite Atonement, and to overcome physical death through the Resurrection.

In our Heavenly Father’s plan, men have the unique responsibility to administer the priesthood, but they are not the priesthood. It is crucial for us to understand that Heavenly Father has provided a way for all of His sons and His daughters to have access to the blessings of and be strengthened by the power of the priesthood.

The same priesthood power that created worlds, galaxies, and the universe can and should be part of our lives to comfort, strengthen, and bless our families, our friends, and our neighbors—in other words, to do the things that the Savior would do if He were ministering among us today (see Doctrine and Covenants 81:5).

The primary purpose of this priesthood power is to bless, sanctify, and purify us so we can live together with our families in the presence of our heavenly parents forever. In this way, all men, women, and children—no matter what our circumstances—can participate in the marvelous work of God and Jesus Christ (see Moses 1:39) and enjoy the blessings of the priesthood.

May we be wise and seek to strengthen our own lives, the lives of our families, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through the power of the priesthood of God.