"I hope we appreciate the priceless privilege of holding the priesthood of God. Its value is unfathomable."

The power of the priesthood is unlimited, but our individual power in the priesthood is limited by our degree of righteousness and purity. An ancient Oriental saying declares: "If a man lives a pure life, nothing can destroy him."

In his love, God has decreed that any worthy man may hold his priesthood. I learned this lesson years ago in the South Pacific. "A marvelous Tongan branch president, with clean hands and pure heart, gave a powerful and beautiful blessing" and "the power of the priesthood came down from heaven and authorized a young boy's life to continue."

When I look into the heavens at night, I am amazed at what a tiny dot our Earth is and how small I am. Yet I do not feel afraid or alone, insignificant or distant from God. That same connection is available to all of us. We simply must work harder at purifying our lives by serving others. There are opportunities to serve in our families, in the church, on missions, in temples and among our fellowmen. There is not individual power in the priesthood outside of individual purity.

"God, who is full of light, life and love, wants us to hold and properly use his priesthood so we can transmit that light, life and love to all about us. On the other hand Satan, the prince of darkness, wants to hold back light, life and love.

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"I know that Jesus is the perfect personification of pure priesthood power. I pray that we may all serve with more purity of heart."

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