Chapter 10

Principle #2

The Proper Exercise
of Priesthood Is Learned

It is the nature and disposition of almost
all men . . . to exercise unrighteous dominion.

—Doctrine and Covenants 121:39

The use of the priesthood does not come naturally to most men. A familiar scripture associated with the priesthood makes this penetrating point:

“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” (Doctrine and Covenants 121:39).

Correct use of the priesthood is not instinctive. It is difficult to master and takes time. This challenge is not new. The Savior struggled with His Apostles in ancient days to help them understand how to use priesthood authority correctly. Recall that two brothers, James and John, asked the Savior if they could become the premier Apostles. They each requested to be seated beside Jesus after His glorification. The response of the other ten Apostles was predictable: “And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John” (Mark 10:41).

No surprise there. As James and John jockeyed for position in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, the others became unhappy. The brothers’ pride and their desire to gratify their ambition resulted in resentment and disunity.

The Savior then taught a remarkable principle: Priesthood patterns are not learned by copying examples in the world. Priesthood holders must learn the Savior’s way.

But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:42–45)

The Lord’s priesthood holders are servants. Even those remarkable sibling Apostles needed to learn the principles governing the use of the priesthood. Priesthood is given to help men be better servants. That is the great lesson that each priesthood holder must learn.

The natural man often exercises unrighteous dominion over others. But priesthood holders in the Lord’s kingdom must learn that their calling is to serve. Jesus exemplified this lesson as He humbly served.

Priesthood holders learn to use their priesthood through experience. Then, when asked questions, they often share the experience that prompted the learning. This is characteristic of President Thomas S. Monson’s approach throughout his apostolic ministry. Over the years, President Monson has shared multiple experiences of how he learned his priesthood duty by ministering to others, rescuing the lost, and loving the wandering and wounded sheep in his flock. Priesthood principles and practice are learned as a priesthood holder serves others.

I have learned the application of many priesthood principles over the years. Following any priesthood service, the key for me is to ask, “How could I have done better?” I learned to ask this question from an experienced priesthood holder. On one occasion when I was an Area Seventy, I was assigned to accompany Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve to a stake conference. It was marvelous to be with one of the most remarkable gospel teachers of this dispensation. At the conference, I gained an insight into how he had developed and magnified what was undoubtedly a God-given gift. As we were driving away from the stake center on Saturday evening, he turned in his seat and asked me, “What could I have done better to teach the principles we taught?” I thought he had to be joking. But he kept on grilling me until I mentioned some minor thing that might have been slightly unclear. The next day, in the Sunday general session of the stake conference, he clarified that minor thing I had mentioned. I realized that I was with a humble Apostle of Jesus Christ who welcomed counsel and always desired to be a more effective priesthood holder.

A priesthood holder must continually be open to learning and applying priesthood principles by asking himself, “How can I do better?” When he accepts that priesthood principles are learned line upon line and precept on precept, he will be a better servant of the Lord.