27 And know ye that ye shall be judges of this people, according to the judgment which I shall give unto you, which shall be just. Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.
In 3 Nephi, we read about some of the training the Savior provided for His newly called priesthood leaders. In chapter 27, He teaches them about the name of the church, the core doctrines of His gospel, and their responsibility as leaders. Then, He admonishes them to emulate Him as closely as possible: “What manner of men ought ye to be?… Even as I am.”
While all disciples of Jesus Christ strive to follow His example, it is doubly important for those who stand as His representatives. As Boyd K. Packer taught:
While all disciples of Jesus Christ strive to follow His example, it is doubly important for those who stand as His representatives. As Boyd K. Packer taught:
Priesthood is the authority and the power which God has granted to men on earth to act for Him. (See JST, Gen. 14:28–31.) When we exercise priesthood authority properly, we do what He would do if He were present (“What Every Elder Should Know–and Every Sister as Well: a Primer on Principles of Priesthood Government,” Ensign, February 1993)
Today, as I fulfill my priesthood responsibilities, I will strive to emulate the Savior. I will remember that I am doing His work, and I will strive to do what He would do it if He were here.
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