An acquaintance once asked me the following question in an on-line conversation:
“When you tell (your children) about stuff like the priesthood, do you also give them the option to not participate, or to postpone involvement until they receive their own testimony of it? I'm just curious because you seem to be fairly tolerant of unbelievers, and you have a lot of parenting years under your belt (much more than me.)”
Of course, if they don't feel ready for something, I won't push or pressure them into it. My oldest son postponed his mission two years in order to reach a natural break in his schooling, and I wasn't sure for a while if he really would go. It was his decision, and, looking back, the overall timing couldn't have been better.
Finally, as to the "exclusivity" of the Priesthood, I believe it is limited (pun intended) to the areas where the Article of Faith says it's necessary - to preach the Restored Gospel and administer the ordinances thereof. Outside of those specific responsibilities, I don't believe there's one bit of difference in the prayer of the righteous - no matter the religion or denomination or gender of the one offering the prayer. The prayer of faith is the prayer of faith, and God is no respecter of persons.
2 comments:
It really is amazing to see the difference between people who get fully involved in any aspect of the gospel, versus those who stay on the fringes or avoid involvement. I would never have grown as much as I have if I hadn't been willing to be a full participant. I think this applies to everything within the church, not just the priesthood.
Involvement is crucial. I think the inclination of the natural man is to want the faith without the trial (in this point, trial means an exercise, not a bad experience). It's not possible. We receive a witness after we give it our best effort.
That's a thoughtful post.
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