There’s something powerful about being part of something bigger than yourself. We value personal improvement and self-reliance, but we also recognize that some things can only be accomplished by groups of people working unitedly.
Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught that one reason the Savior organized a church is “to achieve needful things that cannot be accomplished by individuals or smaller groups.” Each of us can and should find opportunities to care for people in need, but when we work together, “the ability to care for the poor and needy is multiplied to meet the broader need, and hoped-for self-reliance is made a reality for very many” (“Why the Church,” General Conference, October 2015).
Alma tells us that Melchizedek “received the office of the high priesthood according to the holy order of God,” and that as a result of his preaching, his people repented, “and Melchizedek did establish peace in the land in his days” (Alma 13:18).
When Alma gave up the role of chief judge, he chose to “[confine] himself wholly to the high priesthood of the holy order of God” (Alma 4:20, see also Alma 5:44, Alma 6:8, Alma 8:4). Later, he and sons went out to preach the word of God. Mormon tell us that they preached “according to the spirit of prophecy and revelation; and they preached after the holy order of God by which they were called” (Alma 43:2).
“The holy order of God” doubtless means multiple things. It surely includes the principle that people who are called of God seek to do things in His way, not in their own. It also conveys a sense of joint action, of organized collective effort. Those who participate in the order of God work together with common purpose and in unity.
Jesus said, “Be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). He wants us to be one because we are happy when we are unified. He also wants us to be one because we must work together to accomplish His purposes.
Today, I will teach and serve “after the holy order of God.” I will strive to submit my will to His and to collaborate effectively with other believers to as we collectively contribute to the work of the Lord.
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