"Sacred Keys of the Aaronic Priesthood" -- Larry M. Gibson

I was having a bit of a hard time connecting personally to a talk directed towards Aaronic Priesthood holders, especially quorum presidents. But I did appreciate the talk, and it helps me respect those young men more.

Towards the end of his talk, he says:

"The Lord taught...that priesthood means reaching out to serve others."

Thomas S. Monson is quoting, saying:

"The priesthood is not really so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others."

Many people criticize the church for not allowing women to hold the priesthood, as if the priesthood was a source of dominance in the men.

Joseph Smith the Prophet said it perfectly in Doctrine and Covenants 121:41:

"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."

A man cannot use his priesthood to bless himself, but only to bless others.

I have been blessed by the power of the priesthood before in many ways. I know it is God's power given to man on earth.