Priesthood Power Poem

A hurricane gains impact, comes on with mighty force,
Wreaking mass destruction, along its chosen course.
The waters of a mighty flood will make men run in fear,
As does the black tornado, when its funneled wrath appears.

Earthquakes cause much damage, arising from its berth,
And man claims nuclear weapons can eradicate the earth.
But of all the mighty powers, there’s one that stands alone
For its power stems from righteousness and claims a mighty throne.

The priesthood of God long missing, from churches of our time
Is now restored and shall prevail, in every tongue and clime.
The priesthood sets our church apart from every other church
And through its restoration, has ended many a search.

All the keys to God’s kingdom, through the priesthood now restored
And it is through this priesthood power, men work and serve the Lord.
The priesthood is a privilege, not just a right of men
Which must be earned and then upheld, through covenants entered in.

It’s through the laying-on-of-hands that the priesthood is conferred
By those who have authority, to preach and teach His word.
Not by man, but through God it came, and Peter, James and John,
Returned to earth, to confer the keys, so Christ’s gospel might roll on.

Mighty or simple the miracles, the priesthood power brings,
It can raise the dead or bless a child; still they’re both inspiring,
And both bring the powers of heaven, down on the heads of men,
As it baptizes, administers, holy ordinances enters in.

But because men hold the priesthood, are women inferior beings?
Subject to every wish of man, as though he were her king?
No, the role of woman is different; she’s co-creator with God,
Bears a child then nurtures, teaches children the path to trod.

- Carolyn Perry Fife

When I first read this poem I loved the first couple of stanza’s that talk about all the amazing forces of nature out there that can cause so much pain and suffering, but then holds that in juxtaposition to  the awesome power of the priesthood.  A power that is predicated on the righteousness of the person that holds it.

I really love the lines “The priesthood is a privilege, not just a right of men / Which must be earned and then upheld, through covenants entered in.”  Growing up in the church and following the traditional path of priesthood ordination too often holding the priesthood was merely a cultural step to manhood, and not the privilege that it should have been.

Today I strive to live up to my covenants and really think about what it means to be a priesthood leader in my home (not a ruler as the final stanza implies).  Although I have certainly not arrived at a full understanding, I am grateful for the priesthood in my life, especially as I can reach out and bless the lives of my wonderful wife and children.  I’m also grateful for wonderful priesthood leaders as I grew up that taught me what it means to hold the priesthood.

References:

• John 15:16
• James 5:14-15
• “The Priceless Gift of the Priesthood”
• “Priesthood Power”