Below is something that I've been thinking about for some time and wanted to formalize in writing. Once finalized, I would like to give it to all of our High Priests, as well as any brethren in our Ward that are sustained as High Priests going forward. They are all very good examples of High Priests. Those examples were of considerable help in putting these thoughts together.
At one point about 15 years ago I was in a Stewardship Interview with my bishop in So. Jordan, Utah and I asked him what the qualifications were to be ordained a High Priest. I was serving as the Elder's Quorum President and had several elderly brethren in the Elder's Quorum and was wondering if they should be ordained to be High Priests - some of them may have even been attending HPG, even though they were ordained as Elders.
His answer was brief, but he encouraged me to search it out for myself. Over the years that experience has opened the door for me to think about what exactly a High Priest is and what qualities a man should possess to be considered for the calling. I've captured those thoughts here and am soliciting your feedback and input.
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What is a High Priest in the Christian Church?
To those who hold or will hold the office of High Priest in the Melchizedek Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
The office of High Priest is a holy and high office in the higher or Melchizedek Priesthood in the Church. A man’s age has no bearing on the calling and once received the office is meant to be a lifetime calling, appointed through inspiration and revelation from God. It is reserved for those men that have proven their discipleship and dedication to the Savior Jesus Christ. They have committed their lives to be lives of righteousness and have consecrated their time, their talents, and all of the resources to the building of the Kingdom of God on earth. “For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices” (Heb. 8:3).
There is no higher or holier office in the Priesthood. High Priests are watchmen over the church that have the responsibility to uphold and defend truth at all times and in all places. They live lives of obedience to the admonitions and commandments of God. They are responsible to assist in the fulfilling of the Lord’s promises, both directly from Him and those given through His chosen Oracles. Our living Prophet as well as all the Prophets from all dispensations have been High Priests (D/C 107:53). They are the great and noble ones that have led the membership of the Church. They include the leaders of dispensations – Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Joseph Smith. The High Priest Prophets have served as the Presiding High Priest over the High Priesthood of the Church. All of the Apostles have been and are High Priests. All General Authorities in the Church are High Priests. All Temple Presidencies and Temple Ordinance Workers, Bishoprics, Stake Presidencies, High Councilors, Patriarchs, Mission Presidencies, and most Branch Presidents are High Priests. The Savior Jesus Christ is known as and referred to in scripture as ‘The Great High Priest’ (Heb. 4:14).
High Priests are given revelation from on high to guide and direct the spiritual welfare, and much of the administrative and organizational aspects of the Church. They are often called on to preside as well as to exercise righteous judgment (Alma 41:14). The name of the Melchizedek Priesthood comes from the righteous leader Melchizedek because he was such a great High Priest (D/C 107:2).
High Priests are set apart to lead in the works of salvation and redemption, and the redeeming work done in the Holy Temples of the Most High God. They do this in partnership with the Savior and the Father in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man (Moses 1:39). There is an inherent and sacred trust that God has in those mortals serving and leading His Church. As such, High Priests maintain the highest standards of spirituality, morality, integrity, personal righteousness, goodness, ethics, and of service to their fellow men. Without exception or hesitation, they know and have accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. They humbly attempt to represent Him in thought, in word, and in conduct. They are valiant in their testimony and ever-ready to share it. Their loving influence comes through tender persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, pure knowledge, without guile, working as moved upon by the Holy Ghost; with their bowels full of charity toward all men, and to the household of faith, virtue garnishing their thoughts unceasingly, and having the Holy Ghost as their constant companion, leading in righteousness and truth (D/C 121:41-46). They are confident in the principles and ordinances of the Gospel and humble in their demeanor. They are conduits for the Savior’s love wanting to share it to all within their reach, actively involved in the cause of rescuing those who may be wandering, or have strayed, or are lost.
They are the most respectful and loving husbands and fathers and sons. They recognize the reality of their heavenly heritage as sons of the Most High God. The happiness and contentment of their spouse is of the highest priority. Their children and grandchildren are their treasures – a crown of jewels. High Priests are exact in their personal commitment to their family and to their other responsibilities; they are impeccable in their Church callings and assignments, and devoted in the service to their God. There is no wiggle-room, no gray area. They understand and practice the principle of sanctification, walking uprightly and living lives of purity (Hel. 3:35). High Priests are immersed in their study of the Gospel – especially in the scriptures, consistently finding treasures of wisdom and spirituality for themselves and their circles of influence. They are frequently in contact with the promptings of the Spirit and they act on those promptings. They are doers of the word, not idle. When they pray, and they pray continually (1 Thes 5:17), with soberness, are reverent and respectful, and have a deep relationship and love for their Creator.
They have learned wisdom in listening intently, with their spiritual ears more than their speaking as they commune in prayer. They have worked tirelessly to develop a friendship with their Father in Heaven. High Priests are full of faith – buckets of mustard seeds – and react to the events of life in faith and with confidence that God is in control, that all things will work for their good (Rom. 8:28).
High Priests keep their vessels of oil and their lamps full at all times (Matt. 25:4). They are lights to the world (Matt. 5:14) leading others to the Life and Light of the World (D/C 11:28). They look for opportunities to bless the children of God by exercising and magnifying their Priesthood. They help others visualize and understand their identity as literal spirit children of Heavenly Parents. They teach others to recognize the unlimited, infinite potential that is inherent as God’s spirit offspring and as heirs and joint-heirs with His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ to our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom (Rom. 8:17). High Priests are prepared, ready at a moment’s notice to assist in the events that will usher in the Second Coming of the Savior Jesus Christ. High Priests are a royal army, cheerfully following their Commander, and singing a joyful song (Hymn 251).
What an honor and blessing it is to hold the Melchizedek Priesthood and serve as a High Priest in God’s Kingdom on earth.
For additional information on High Priests see:
http://lds.org/liahona/2005/06/the-high-priests-quorum?lang=eng&query=high+priest
Rambling in California - Wm. Calvin Hughes
September 5, 2011
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