The Power of Godliness is Manifest

In the most recent general conference, Sister Emily Belle Freeman spoke of the Lord’s revelation to Emma Smith, Doctrine and Covenants 25. She commented, “If we read section 25 carefully, we discover an important progression taking place. Emma would go from being a daughter in the kingdom to ‘elect lady’ to queen. Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances, combined with the keeping of her covenant promises, would increase her companionship with the Spirit and with angels, empowering her to navigate her life with divine guidance. Through His divine power, God would heal her heart, enlarge her capacity, and transform her into the version of herself He knew she could become.” We see this progression for Emma in the text specifically as follows. In the first verse of the revelation the Lord said, “Hearken unto the voice of the Lord your God, while I speak unto you, Emma Smith, my daughter; for verily I say unto you, all those who receive my gospel are sons and daughters in my kingdom.” All of us can be sons and daughters in His kingdom as we receive the gospel. In the third verse she was called “an elect lady”, perhaps related to the fact that she was “faithful and [did] walk the paths of virtue before [Him]” as described in the second verse. Lastly, in verse 15 the revelation says, “Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.” I believe this is what Sister Freeman meant about becoming a queen—the crown was symbolic of the title of queen. Each of us can go through a similar progression, starting with baptism as we become his spiritual son or daughter. We grow through covenant-keeping to become an elect man or woman in the sense that we live up to His definition in this verse: “And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts” (Doctrine and Covenants 29:7). Finally, though the ordinances of the temple we can become kings and queens as John taught in his revelation: “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever” (Revelation 1:5-6).

                Through this spiritual progression, Emma increased the power of God in her life, and we can too. Sister Freeman highlighted that through the ordinances of the priesthood and our adherence to our covenants, we can have the power of God to bless our lives. She said, “Learn how priesthood ordinances and covenant promises will allow God’s power to flow into your life with greater efficacy, working in and through you, empowering and equipping you to reach your full purpose and potential. Carefully study and ponder the Aaronic and the Melchizedek Priesthood ordinances, the covenant promises we make with each, and the power of God we access through those ordinances.” Indeed, as she quoted, “Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:20, a verse that has been referenced at least 27 times in general conference in the past two decades). I have always interpreted this verse as suggesting that in the very act of performing an ordinance we should feel God’s power. For me that has been true on occasion but certainly not all of the time which has sometimes been a disappointment to me. Considering it more broadly, though, perhaps we should understand that it is through the ordinances of the priesthood and our keeping of the covenants associated with those ordinances that God’s power comes into lives. We need not despair if we did not have a dramatic experience in the ordinance of baptism or our first time through the temple, thinking that we lost our change to feel God’s power. While certainly His power may be manifest in the very ordinance, more importantly it is because of the ordinance the doors are opened up so that we have access to His power throughout our lives as we are true to our covenants. Because we received His ordinances, the power of godliness can be manifest in our lives today and in the future. Sister Freeman summarized, “Partaking of the bread and water is a weekly reminder of His power working in you to help you overcome. Wearing the garment of the holy priesthood is a daily reminder of the gift of His power working in you to help you become. We all have access to the gift of God’s power. Every time we partake of the sacrament. Every time we cross the threshold of a temple. This is the highlight of my Sabbath. This is why I cherish my temple recommend. ‘In the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.’”