Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well

This entry is part of my general conference application series.
Priesthood Session

Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well, by Elder Richard G. Scott
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles


One of my fears conflicts with one of my greatest goals: I'm afraid that an outside observer may read some of my blog posts and think I'm looking for self-gratification in a "look at me" sort of way. At the same time, one of my greatest goals is to be a righteous, loving, Christ-like husband and father, and when I have successes (and some failures), I like to share the news to keep me going—the way a person on a diet may give daily reminders of how much weight they've lost, etc.

However, I noticed while reading Elder Scott's address that I'm much more willing to share success stories than failures regarding important questions he asks.

We all love the series of questions that Alma issues to church members, as recorded in Alma 5: Have you remembered the captivity and mercy shown towards your fathers? On what conditions are the saved? Is His image in your countenance? ... and the clincher: "If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?" (v. 26)

Imagine the excitement mixed with fear when a living prophet gave an even longer list of questions to the men of the church.

I loved that I answer positively to questions regarding marital fidelity and loyalty; family support; household chore assistance; expressions of love. (Feel free to leave comments debunking any of my claims, Maryann.) These answers coincide with my goals. However, I must point out that I did leave some questions off of the list—both good and bad; I'm not ready to publicly share my [many] faults and weaknesses, so I'll leave the specifics a mystery.

The questions have purpose, and the course is clear regarding weakness: "Take corrective action now. ... Without attention they will likely get worse."

Returning to my fears/goals: Regardless of what I share and what I withhold, at the end of the day, I know that I can hide nothing from the Lord; He can and will see each of my weaknesses and failures (along with every success). Despite the great revealing power of Christ, I am and will be infinitely grateful for the infinite Atonement.

So, while I can hide nothing from the Lord, I choose to keep some things from you.

No offense.