Talk on Priesthood and Leadership

(Given yesterday AM at a Stake Priesthood Leadership Meeting)

Good morning, brethren. I am not sure what I did to earn the coveted 6:30 AM speaking time, but I am sure that you are all so very jealous of my opportunity. Don’t worry, your time will come.

Hymn number 320 reads:

1. Brethren, pow’r by earthly standards
Comes by rank or wealth or sword;
But the pow’r above all others
Is the priesthood of our Lord.

2. It is ours, the total armor—
Priesthood held by Christ, our Lord—
If, as brethren, we are worthy
Of the Spirit’s whispered word.

3. Let us venture forth in freedom
With the priesthood as our guide—
Deacons, teachers, priests, and elders,
Seeking virtue side by side.

As usual with hymns, there are many wonderful gems of doctrine contained within these words. Our power comes not by rank, wealth, or sword, but by the divine investiture of authority that is the priesthood of our Lord. We spend much time in the Church speaking about the priesthood and its role in our lives. President Pomeroy asked me to speak about leadership. I have pondered much about this topic and would like to share some of my thoughts with you this morning. Specifically, I would like to share three characteristics that I feel leaders must have in order to be effective.

First, a leader must lead. I know that sounds like a truism, but further reflection will bring the true importance of this statement. Merriam Webster defines the word “lead” as: 1 a : to guide on a way especially by going in advance b : to direct on a course or in a direction; and a (1) : to direct the operations, activity, or performance of <lead an orchestra> (2) : to have charge of <lead a campaign>. These different ideas seem to indicate to me a level of involvement by a leader in the lives of those he is leading. It is difficult to lead those whom we do not know, and it is difficult to instill the necessary trust by those we wish to lead in us if they do not see our examples and lives. As King Benjamin said, “How knoweth a man the master whom he hath not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13).

I am reminded of an experience my grandfather had while travelling in Israel. He was on a tour bus when suddenly the traffic stopped. He did not see any emergency vehicles or hear any sirens, so he wondered what caused the delay. Soon he found the answer – looking ahead of the traffic, he saw that the road was full of sheep. The sheep were being led by an approximately twelve year old boy. They were not being driven, as is the norm here in our country. They were being led by a small boy across a very busy highway. The sheep knew they could trust the boy and the boy knew they would follow him.

As always, it is the Savior Himself who gave the best example of this. In John 10: 3-4 He says, “…the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” Further, in verse 27 the Lord takes ownership of those of us who will follow His voice in saying, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

Brethren, our place is in the front. We lead by example, by our testimonies, and our faith. Our light shines forth, that others may see our good works and come to glorify our Father in Heaven.

The first concept is that a leader must lead.

Next, I would suggest that a leader must laugh. With this idea, I do not wish to suggest that we should be flippant and jovial all the time. But much of our leadership ability will be judged not on what we were able to accomplish but on how we made people feel about getting the job done. As leaders, we are often called to give assignments. These assignments come with responsibility and usually a lot of work. These responsibilities can be onerous and inconvenient for the one who must actually perform the work. Having a positive, optimistic, and even fun attitude about the effort required will go a long way toward making the task more tolerable.

President Hinckley gave us much in the way of light-hearted encouragement. In a speech given at BYU in 1969 he said, “I appreciated very much the music of the band [BYU Symphonic Band, directed by Richard A. Ballou]. You are all awake after that. I will do what can to restore you to your former state. I have come here today without a written talk. I had one, but discarded it. I awoke at five this morning thinking of something else. When I get through, I suppose you will say, ‘He should have slept.’”

I was also attending General Conference in the old Tabernacle on Temple Square as a youth when the air conditioning went out. All the doors and windows were opened in an effort to get some air moving through, but for those of us on the balcony the heat was stifling. President Hinckley, then a member of the First Presidency, got up and said (in effect). “We apologize for the heat. But it’ll be hotter if you don’t repent!”

Elder Jeffrey R Holland said in April Conference, 2007:

I love what Elder Orson F. Whitney once said: “The spirit of the gospel is optimistic; it trusts in God and looks on the bright side of things. The opposite or pessimistic spirit drags men down and away from God, looks on the dark side, murmurs, complains, and is slow to yield obedience.” We should honor the Savior’s declaration to “be of good cheer.” (Indeed, it seems to me we may be more guilty of breaking that commandment than almost any other!) Speak hopefully. Speak encouragingly, including about yourself. Try not to complain and moan incessantly. As someone once said, “Even in the golden age of civilization someone undoubtedly grumbled that everything looked too yellow.”

I have often thought that Nephi’s being bound with cords and beaten by rods must have been more tolerable to him than listening to Laman and Lemuel’s constant murmuring. Surely he must have said at least once, “Hit me one more time. I can still hear you.” Yes, life has its problems, and yes, there are negative things to face, but please accept one of Elder Holland’s maxims for living—no misfortune is so bad that whining about it won’t make it worse

We have all seen this in action – for the positive as well as for the negative. We have all been inspired by leaders who will pitch in, sharing burdens and making things possible, seemingly lightening the load while lightening the spirit. We have also felt the empty and dismal feelings of discouragement and isolation that come through lack of oversight, a kind word or action, or even a disparaging comment. Brethren, these things ought not to be. We should take upon ourselves the idea of the pioneer, putting our shoulders to the wheel, never shirking, pushing along and doing our duty with a heart full of song.

Again, I would cite your minds to the words of the Savior. In D&C 78: 17-18 He says, “Verily, verily I say unto you, ye are little children (and he spoke this to the prophet Joseph!), and ye have not as yet understood how great blessings the Father hath in his own hands and prepared for you; And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.”

This path led Joseph to many dark days. Perhaps in the darkest hour of his life, he cried to the Lord, “O God, where art thou?” And in his hour of distress the counsel that was given was, “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment.” (D&C 121: 1, 7). Thus we see that those called to endure difficult tasks may find their burdens lightened by a positive word, even if it only lets them know they are not alone – that their troubles are known. President Hinckley said that there is loneliness in leading others, but that men of our kind have to live with our principles. “A man has to live with his principles. A man has to live with his convictions. A man has to live with his testimony. Unless he does so, he is miserable—dreadfully miserable. And while there may be thorns, while there may be disappointment, while there may be trouble and travail, heartache and heartbreak, and desperate loneliness, there will be peace and comfort and strength.” (BYU Speeches, 1969)

The second concept is to laugh.

Finally, brethren, may I humbly suggest that the most important thing we can do is love. The concept of love is one that is at once intimately familiar and yet immeasurably complex. How does one love another? How does one show love for God? What is the best way to lead one whom you love?

I have been through graduate-level courses on leadership, read countless books on the subject, and have had opportunities to lead both in the Church and outside of it. But the greatest lessons on leadership I have ever found are contained in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do you want to lead people? Love them. Do you want to influence attitudes and behaviors? Love them. Do you want people to love you? Love them first. Do you want to love the Lord? Love His children. It’s really just that simple. Ours is a gospel of love.

How do we demonstrate that love? Through our selfless service, our dedication of our time, abilities, and our lives to the pursuit of loving each other. When we abandon our selfish desires, submitting willingly to the Lord, we find ourselves free again because we have obtained that which we really, really wanted anyway. Consider D&C 50:26: “He that is ordained of God and sent forth, the same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all.”

The scriptures are replete with examples:

Ammon, leading the king’s sheep out to the watering place defeated the enemies and could possibly have left the field of battle to return to some well-earned honor, if not just rest. But his example of love and service in NOT returning, but continuing the tasks set to him, demonstrated his love for the king. Ultimately we know that this act of service touched the king’s heart and Ammon was able to see the entire household converted.

Captain Moroni, leading his men into battle, thought not of his own life but of the freedoms of his country. His country was threatened, so he went. There was no talk of remuneration. There was no selfish grasping at titles or power – just a righteous desire to serve and love and maintain freedom. It was even said of him that “…if all men had been and were, and ever would be, like unto Moroni, behold the very powers of hell would have been shaken forever; yea, the devil would never have power over the children of men. Behold, he was a man like unto Ammon, the son of Mosiah, yea, and even the other sons of Mosiah, yea, and also Alma and his sons, for they were all men of God.” (Alma 48: 17-18).

Again, brethren, we have the ultimate example of this in that of the Master. His love is so excellent, so pure and glorious, that it saves all of us. His love for us is the perfect example of the love we must have for those we lead. He taught us that:

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?

35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—

36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.

37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.

39 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.

40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen.

41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned;

42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—

43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;

44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

Let us be clear, brethren. None of us are perfect, but that is the mandate we have been given – to be perfect; to be like Christ. Will we ever attain that in this life – no, I don’t think so. But it is the ideal that we must strive for if we would improve ourselves, our situation, and the world around us. We must pattern our lives after the Savior, following His example of leadership, if we want to be effective leaders ourselves.

I know that God lives. I know that He loves us enough to send His Son to live, die, and yet live again for us. We have been given an opportunity to learn from Him, following His example in righteousness, faith, and humility. In so doing, we are becoming more like Him. We will become more effective, more loving, kinder, gentler, and more pure. Our leadership will be followed because we are servants. We will lead, laugh, and love our way through our lives. Elder Ballard stated: “I charge you to prepare spiritually and in every other way to be prepared for the important work ahead for you to do…. It will require your full energy, clear thinking, best efforts, and utmost faith.” (BYU Speeches 18 Jan 2000). I testify that if we pursue this course that God will bless our efforts and make us the kind of leaders he wants us to be.

In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.