181: PRIESTHOOD

Is it better for a man to have great faith WITHOUT priesthood, than a man to have priesthood WITHOUT faith?

It probably is better to have great faith.

Faith is the foundation of all righteousness. Faith and only faith is the moving cause of all action. Faith is not only the principle  of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether  in heaven or on earth. It is the principle by which God works, and through which he exercises power over all temporal as well as eternal things. (Lectures on Faith)

It is even better to have a man with faith and with priesthood. Having both, that man has the ability to get the attention of Heaven and perform mighty miracles.

How does the priesthood work?  It works “only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned and  by kindness, and pure knowledge, D&C 121: 41-42

The Priesthood has only one main purpose… IT IS TO BLESS.   The priesthood should never be used to curse, nor is it required . We are better off in enduring, suffering ..rather than curse. The safest way to proceed under this fallen world with man in it.. is to refuse to curse anyone at anytime, and endure all things and bless when you can.

All too often when men suppose they have the Priesthood, if not narrowly circumscribe.. men will forfeit their priesthood.   Men have a tendency to aspire to the honors of men, set their hearts upon the things of this world, cover their sins, gratify their pride, have vain ambition, exercise control or dominion or compulsion. Because of this, the heavens withdraw themselves.

Once a man gets even a little authority, he will IMMEDIATELY begin to exercise unrighteous dominion. This is the case in almost ALL men, and because of this, the Spirit of the Lord is grieved, and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.