Doctrine of the Priesthood

As I read for a few moments before my lovely wife returns with our children, on our 7th anniversary, I read in D&C 121. It is the night before I am made 2nd counselor in our Bishopric. I am confident nobody reads this blog. A few used to, but I killed it for a time and am now picking it up again as kind of a journal of thoughts. I was pondering on what it would take for me to be able to fulfill that calling, and there is some good instruction in that section.

(Vs. 21, 22) That the rights of the priesthod 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. 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degree of unrighteousness, behold, the eavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.

I have never known a time when I have to be able to listen more than I do now. To understand, and gain people's trust. To be able to listen to the Spirit. To arm myself with the word of God. If I hope to do what the Lord wants me to do in this calling, I have to be a better person. Does this mean I have to change? Yes, but only the aspects of me that need to. Hopefully I'll be able to listen to the Spirit and be able to increase in my understanding of the "Doctrine of the Priesthood."

(Vs. 45, 46) 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. 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.