“After the Order of His Son”

Alma taught that God ordains priests to operate “after the order of his Son, in a manner that thereby the people might know in what manner to look forward to his Son for redemption” (Alma 13:1-2, 7). In other words, when we exercise the authority of the priesthood, we turn people toward the Savior.

The prophet Nephi told his neighbors in the city of Zarahemla that many prophets before him had testified of the Savior. Moses knew that the Son of God would come. So did Abraham. And even before Abraham, many people “were called by the order of God; yea, even after the order of his Son; and this that it should be shown unto the people…that even redemption should come unto them” (Helaman 8:18).

Joseph Smith learned that the higher priesthood was originally called “the Holy Priesthood, after the Order of the Son of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 107:3). He gave the following description of the blessings we can all receive through this priesthood:

The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church—

To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.

Doctrine and Covenants 107:18-19

After sharing this passage and similar ones, President Henry B. Eyring suggested that we ask ourselves the following questions:

Have I ever felt that the heavens have been opened to me? Would anyone use the phrase “ministering of angels” to describe my priesthood service? Do I bring the “power of godliness” into the lives of those I serve? Have I ever broken a mountain, defied an army, broken someone’s bands, or subdued worldly powers—even if only figuratively—in order to accomplish God’s will?

Such introspection always brings a feeling that we could be doing more in the service of the Lord. I hope it also brings you a feeling that you want to do more—a longing to participate more fully in the Lord’s miraculous work.

“‘Walk with Me,'” General Conference, April 2017

Today, I will strive to serve others in a way that will invite the power of God. I will remember that when I operate according to divine patterns, my service will not only be effective, but it will also lead the people I serve closer to the source of that power: the Savior.