Love the Brotherhood

I am so grateful for the kindness and love I felt from so many of you after my last post. I really do find solace in writing and appreciate those of you who responded with such care and concern. It means the world to me. 

I am grateful for all of the recorded communication that I have with Jake- through email, texts, video and pictures and find great comfort in having so many ways to remember him. This last week I spent some time reading through old emails we'd written to each other and came across this talk Jacob gave at a church training meeting in 2011. I appreciated reading his thoughts and hope you will too.

Love the Brotherhood

Jacob Robertson

I.         Introduction

It’s good to come here every week and see friends, familiar faces, and get caught up.  It’s good to shake hands.  A convert to the Church once remarked in a fast and testimony meeting, “The Mormons are the handshakingest group I’ve ever met.“ [1]  In our culture, we haven’t adopted the New Testament direction to “[s]alute one another with a holy kiss,”[2]  but in some cultures, like where I served my mission in Spain, exchanging “besos” is common.

So, why do we smile and shake hands so much?  Why are we the handshakingest group?  Arriving at church is like meeting up with a group where there has been inclement weather.  If I’m running inside during a downpour, it seems like there always bigger smile and a bigger “glad you made it.”  When we shake hands with our friends each week we seem to acknowledge glad you’re here, glad you made it another week.  Or, if someone new visits we seem to say, “glad you made it in from the storm, welcome.”  That’s how we should aspire to feel and help everyone to feel.

The storms of life around members of the Church are nothing new.  In ancient times, the apostle Peter gave counsel to a group of Saints in Asia Minor who were weathering the storm of outside persecution and misunderstanding.  Among many inspired words, he wrote, “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood.  Fear God. Honour the king.”[3]

Those are four profound sentences packed in one verse. We are to honor, that is to respect, all persons and our governmental leaders.  We are to fear, or worship, God.  And we are to love the brotherhood.

Today, I want to talk about why I “love the Brotherhood.”  Now, the term “brotherhood” as used in the verse I believe applies to the whole Church, including its investigators and friends.   Indeed, Elder Wirthlin gave a talk a few years ago in which he applied the term “brotherhood” to include the sisters.[4]  But over the next few minutes, I want to specifically focus on loving the brotherhood as it relates to men and the Priesthood.  I’m sure sisters love the Brotherhood of the Priesthood and what it does for the boys and men in their lives.

II.        Why I Love the Brotherhood

So, why do I love the brotherhood?  Well, if this were an Elder’s Quorum Lesson, this is the point where I would toss out that question out for brainstorming, “Why do you love the brotherhood?”  The answers would pour in and be filled with insight from all different perspectives.  The answers would include things I’d never thought of nor could have thought of.  And that right there is the first reason why I love the Brotherhood that I want to talk about.

1.    I love the Brotherhood because the God-given talents, abilities, concern, and inspiration of Priesthood brethren bless my life and the lives of those I care about.

We live in a unique time in world history in that any worthy male member of the Church age 12 and older is encouraged to join the Priesthood.  In joining the Preisthood, we become part of what Peter called “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.”[5]  Heavenly Father designed his royal priesthood such that the membership varied in age, size, life experience, or just about any other characteristic you could think of.  Heavenly Father made us all different for a reason!  Every priesthood holder has something to give.  Every Priesthood holder has the opportunity to make a unique contribution to this worldwide brotherhood.  Every priesthood holder has duties.  Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses, and he also knows our strengths.

Priesthood brethren have helped me throughout life probably more than I know in both mundane and spiritual ways.  As a youth, my wonderful home teaching companion, who was a high priest, hired me to move furniture at his store when I needed a job even though I was scrawny, maybe 135 pounds soaking wet.  He also wrote me a generous recommendation letter when I applied to college.  Many young men’s leaders shepherded me through the never-easy teenage years.  Good friends and priesthood holders who were older than me honored their priesthood and set the standard for me to follow.  A wonderful man and his family walked away from his business back in the United States to preside over my mission in Spain and helped turn hundreds of boys into men in their service.  Priesthood leaders and brethren in student wards committed to the Cause helped me along through my college years.  Jordan’s dear grandpa sealed us with the Priesthood power in the temple.  It comforts me now to know that home teachers are watching over our family.  These are only a few ways I have benefited from the Brotherhood of the Priesthood.

I’m sure each of us can point to loving, faithful Priesthood holders who have helped us in our spiritual and temporal journey on this earth.  It may have been a father, friend, home teacher, bishop, but we all need help.  We shouldn’t be afraid to call on the talents and abilities of those in the Brotherhood.  God designed it for our benefit.

In addition to the variety of talents and abilities in the Brotherhood, there are three more reasons I love the Brotherhood that come to mind.

2.    I love the Brotherhood because it gives me the opportunity to serve

God reserves his most choice blessings for those who serve faithfully in the Priesthood. Doctrine and Covenants 84:33–38 reads:

“For whoso is faithful unto the obtaining these two priesthoods of which I have spoken, and the magnifying their calling, are sanctified by the Spirit unto the renewing of their bodies.

“They become the sons of Moses and of Aaron and the seed of Abraham, and the church and kingdom, and the elect of God.

“And also all they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord;

“For he that receiveth my servants receiveth me;

“And he that receiveth me receiveth my Father;

“And he that receiveth my Father receiveth my Father’s kingdom; therefore all that my Father hath shall be given unto him.”

I have felt sanctified and renewed in service.  Some of the deepest joy and sense of worth I have experienced has come through service.  I suspect we would all be amazed if we took a step back and could see as God sees all the service of the people in this room given because of the Priesthood.  To most, it is probably so ingrained that you don’t even recognize much of the service they do.  I know the promise in Doctrine and Covenants 84 is true, and I hope one day to be worthy to see it fully fulfilled in my and Jordan’s lives. 

3.    I love the Brotherhood because my Brothers are Merciful

We all love God and want to serve him and become better people.  We all have foibles and follies.  The more we put ourselves out there, trying to serve, the greater our faults will be magnified.  Indeed, by accepting ordination to the Priesthood, we take on a whole other level of commitment that we will inevitably come up short.  I love how we are taught in the Priesthood not to be critical or judgmental.  We must show one another mercy.

Joseph Smith taught:

“Ever keep in exercise the principle of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us.” ⁵

“Bear and forbear one with another, for so the Lord does with us. Pray for your enemies in the Church and curse not your foes without: for vengeance is mine, saith the Lord, and I will repay [see Romans 12:19]. To every ordained member, and to all, we say, be merciful and you shall find mercy. Seek to help save souls, not to destroy them: for verily you know, that ‘there is more joy in heaven, over one sinner that repents, than there is over ninety and nine just persons that need no repentance.’”[6]

One of the most touching stories from church history is one of forgiveness by the Prophet Joseph Smith given to William W. Phelps.  In a moment of weakness, Brother Phelps had given false testimony that led to Joseph’s and his brother Hyrum’s lengthy imprisonment in Missouri.  Joseph was deeply hurt that someone he had counted on as a loyal friend had betrayed him.  Some time later, Brother Phelps felt the sting of bitter remorse for the suffering he had caused his dear friends.  I can’t imagine how terrible he must have felt.

Joseph responded by letter, which read in part:  “It is true, that we have suffered much in consequence of your behavior—the cup of gall, already full enough for mortals to drink, was indeed filled to overflowing when you turned against us, one with whom we had oft taken sweet counsel together, and enjoyed many refreshing seasons from the Lord—‘had it been an enemy, we could have borne it. . . . .  “However, the cup has been drunk, the will of our Father has been done, and we are yet alive, for which we thank the Lord. And having been delivered from the hands of wicked men by the mercy of our God, we say it is your privilege to be delivered from the powers of the adversary, be brought into the liberty of God’s dear children, and again take your stand among the Saints of the Most High, and by diligence, humility, and love unfeigned, commend yourself to our God, and your God, and to the Church of Jesus Christ.

“Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal.

“Your letter was read to the Saints last Sunday, and an expression of their feeling was taken, when it was unanimously resolved, that W. W. Phelps should be received into fellowship.

“‘Come on, dear brother, since the war is past,

For friends at first, are friends again at last.’”

How great Joseph and William’s joy must have been as they humbly followed the Savior’s counsel by repenting and forgiving.  As I participate in the brotherhood, I truly feel like the Priesthood is there to help save my soul, not destroy it—just as Joseph taught by word and example.  My brethren have been merciful to me and for that I love the brotherhood.

Finally,

4.    I love the Brotherhood because it makes me a better man (husband, father, son, provider, leader).

And by becoming a better man, I’m talking about the same thing that Lehi told his wayward sons as recounted in 2 Nephi 1:21:  “Arise from the dust, my sons, and be men.”  As Bishop Edgely taught:  “A true man is strong enough to withstand the wiles of Satan and humble enough to submit himself to the redemptive powers of the Savior.”[7]  Elder Christofferson taught that a true man works hard, makes the world a better place, treats women well, has integrity, repents, makes sacrifices for others, and thinks of Jesus Christ.[8]  Being a true man is a tall order, one we cannot possibly accomplish without the help of others.  For me, becoming a true man is definitely a work in progress, but I love the Brotherhood of the Priesthood because it helps me on the way.  There are so many good examples of true manliness and opportunities to learn and grow in the Brotherhood.

·      When I sit in Quorum and hear true doctrine taught by our instructors and during the discussion, it makes me want to be a better man.

·      When my wife asks me for a blessing, and I don’t feel up to task but do it anyway and words come through inspiration that are not my own, it makes me want to be a better man.

·      Seeing the example of men whose hands shoot up and sign up sheets filled when we get an assignment to help clean, go to the cannery, or help and Deseret Industries, it makes me want to be a better man.

·      When my Dad drags me to the welfare farm to pick apples it makes me want to be a better man.

·      When my Dad holds family Home Evening every single week, rain, shine, or if he’s the only one who showed up.  It makes me a better a better man.

·      When I meet with home teachers and hear the love and concern they have for their families, it makes me want to be a better man.

·      When I see the young men coming to church and fulfilling their priesthood assignments, it makes me want to be a better man.

·      When I see the love and concern that our Priesthood leaders have for our Ward family, it makes me a better man.

·      When I see members faithfully fulfilling callings given by Priesthood leaders, it makes me want to be a better man.  I am especially grateful for the nursery and primary teachers who have taken and continue to take my three girls under their wings.  I’m sure parents of other children and youth feel the same way.

·      When I hear President Monson teach from the pulpit at General Conference that “Miracles are everywhere to be found when priesthood callings are magnified. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless service eliminates selfish striving, the power of God brings to pass His purposes. Whom God calls, God qualifies.”  It makes me a better man.

I could go on.  Sufficed to say, I love how the Brotherhood inspires me to be better.  I am sure that I am not alone in that.

III.      Closing

In closing, I thank the women of the Church who see the value in the Brotherhood and love it.  I’m grateful to be a part of God’s priesthood and all the good men who are a part of it.  I love the Priesthood and have seen the blessings, just like God promises in the Scriptures.  I have seen the blessings in my life and those whom I have been fortunate to serve.  The Priesthood Brotherhood is truly a key ingredient in God’s plan for our happiness and salvation.

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[1] Lawrence Giles, “The Mormon Handshake” Ensign, Mar. 1975.

[2] See, e.g., Romans 16:16.

[3] 1 Peter 2:17

[4] Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Band of Brothers” Ensign, Feb. 2008.

[5] 1 Peter 2:9

[6] Chapter 34: The Power of Forgiving," Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, (2007)

[7] Richard C. Edgely, “Behold the Man,” Oct. 1999 General Conference

[8] D. Todd Christofferson, “Let Us Be Men,” Oct. 2006 General Conference