Holders of the Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood are to honor their priesthood and use it well in blessing the lives of others, "especially the daughters of Father of Heaven," said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve in opening the priesthood session of conference Saturday evening.
"Be sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit in the use of that consummate privilege of acting in the name of the Lord through your priesthood," Elder Scott said. "Be more aware of how you can make greater use of the power of the priesthood in the lives of those you love and serve."
Elder Scott directed attention to the perfect example of priesthood authority and service.
"The perfect role model for the use of the holy priesthood is our Savior Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion and charity. His life was a matchless example of humility and power. The greatest blessings from the use of the priesthood flow from humble service to others without thought of self."
Suggesting each listener consider being in a "personal priesthood interview," Elder Scott asked a series of reflective questions on faithfulness in one's thoughts and actions, encouraging those struggling in any such area to seek the help of a priesthood leader.
Elder Scott underscored the need for husbands and wives to be equal partners in marriage and family. "Equal partnership yields its greatest benefit when both husband and wife seek the will of the Lord in making important decisions for themselves for their family."
He also spoke of the need to give attention and consideration to all women, be it the widow, the sisters who are members of the ward council, the single sister or the wife being counseled with her husband.
"The purpose of priesthood authority is to give, to serve, to lift, to inspire — not to exercise unrighteous control or force," said Elder Scott, noting some cultural traditions result in male attitudes of dominating, controlling or almost owning one's wife.
"That is a cruel, unproductive, mistaken vision of marriage encouraged by Lucifer that every priesthood holder must reject. It is founded on the false premise that a man is somehow superior to a woman. Nothing could be farther from the truth."
He encouraged priesthood holders to express gratitude often to their wives and mothers. "That will make life far richer and more pleasant and purposeful for many of the daughters of Father in Heaven who seldom hear a complimentary comment and are not thanked for the multitude of things they do."
Speaking of the immense joy and happiness he has experienced in cherishing and respecting his wife, Elder Scott added: "May your use of the priesthood and treatment of the important women in your life bring you the same satisfaction."
Elder Scott concluded, emphasizing accountability and responsibility. "God will hold us accountable for how we treat His precious daughters. Therefore, let us treat them as He would wish to have them treated."
