Priesthood Power

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

Priesthood Power, by Thomas S. Monson
President, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints


When the Prophet of God says "I wish not to offend anyone" at the start of his address, you KNOW it's going to be good! It reminds of the preamble to the powerful sermon of Jacob in the Book of Mormon (see Jacob 2:6-10).

In our couple scripture reading session last night, my wife and I read that "it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right" (see Mosiah 29:26-27). This verse comes to mind when we consider the baser elements of society—or whenever it's election time (perhaps they're related...). In his talk, President Monson observed that "the moral compass of the masses has gradually shifted to an 'almost anything goes' position."

What does this mean for us? What does this mean for me? What does that mean for my children?

I'm reminded that my children are growing up because my seven-yr-old asked if he could have a cell phone for his eighth birthday. President Monson's observation/warning isn't necessarily about children with cell phones, though:

I’ve lived long enough to have witnessed much of the metamorphosis of society’s morals. Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider.

President Monson gave a list of types of media and entertainment to avoid, as well as council against taking the Lord's name in vain, staying completely away from pornography and other addictive behaviors and substances. Where there are perils, there is protection. We are charged to "maintain a strong testimony," "read the Book of Mormon," and keep it "vital and alive through obedience."

If you think you're doing well with these things, President Monson has more for you.

While encouraging to seek out an eternal companion, President Monson said something that might look well as a framed cross stitched on the wall:

There is no shame in a couple having to scrimp and save.

See how nice that might look:


I think this is my new mantra. My wife and I have a fun time trying to get by on as little as we can—probably because we've spent the last ten years as students with little-to-nothing to draw from!

Perhaps I should mention here that I think my wife is great. She's really swell! I agree with what President Monson said:

If you choose wisely and if you are committed to the success of your marriage, there is nothing in this life which will bring you greater happiness.

I do find great happiness in my marriage. To maintain these happy feelings, I want to follow President Monson's advice to "be fiercely loyal one to another."


There may be a divide or chasm between the standards of the Church and those of the world. It is scary to look across the divide and see how things are progressing—or digressing—on the other side, but as long as I'm firmly on the Lord's side, side-by-side with my wife, I think we'll be fine protected by priesthood power.