First, the doctrine associated with the priesthood, as I understand it, is that it is God's own power, delegated to man to further the salvation and exaltation of mankind. Those who hold the priesthood are thus our Father's legal agents - it is a sort of power of attorney. As such, we have great responsibility to act as he would act, as he directs, and to be worthy in every way of this great trust.
Through the priesthood, the great saving ordinances of baptism, confirmation, and the temple ordinances are made available to his children. Also, comfort is given through priesthood acts not essential to our salvation, such as father's blessings, blessing of the sick, dedications of homes and graves, etc.
The priesthood is to be used always in the blessing of others, and not with any self-aggrandizement. It is not meant for us to use it for dominion over others. We don't give ourselves priesthood blessings - it is all meant for the service of others.
The priesthood is also the organization of government in the church. The various offices and callings provide a framework through which the Lord himself can direct the church through worthy agents at all levels from local to worldwide.
It is also the power by which God does all his work, from creation of worlds to atonement to control over the whole universe. And worthy men, in the next life, will grow in the priesthood until they have this same power.
The Melchizedek Priesthood is received with an oath and a covenant. The man covenants to magnify his calling in the priesthood, obey the commandments, and "live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." God then makes an oath that all who are faithful to this covenant will receive "all that the Father hath", including godhood itself.
Now, I want to write about some of my personal feelings on all this. I can't really comprehend the eternal aspects of it, so I don't think about them as much as I should. What I do understand is that, in the here and now, the ability to provide priesthood blessings to my wife and children is a great comfort and blessing. The knowledge that I am sealed by priesthood authority to my immediate family and my extended family, so that I can dwell with them forever, is an even greater comfort.
The opportunity to serve in any calling in the church, such as teacher or clerk, is another privilege, and a great responsibility.
In short, the blessings of being a faithful priesthood holder in mortality are great, more so than any other activity in my life, and more than I can comprehend.
The blessings to come in eternity are even beyond that - the Lord truly rewards his faithful servants.
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