Sample Reflective Blog

(This post was written by a student in a previous class and I publish it here anonymously as an example to help you in writing your own. Note that this post was not written according to the more specific guidelines and questions I have since developed, so your posts may be somewhat different, especially if you do a scripture web or incorporate more outside material into your discussion. But I liked how this person explored the meaning of the revelations, referred to specific passages in the text, asked good questions, and included personal response.)

The Priesthood is defined as the power of God given to men in order to bring to pass the salvation and exaltation of man. Yet, how is this done? What does it mean that the Priesthood enables mankind to receive salvation and exaltation? And what can we do to access that power?

    These are questions that I have often thought about. The answers to which are not quickly obtainable. Yet, after spending some time reading sections 102 and 107 of the Doctrine and Covenants, I feel as though I have come closer to understanding the answers.

    These two sections go into great detail about the organization of the Priesthood and the procedure for disciplinary action in the church. While these are aspects of considerable importance, I will not go into detail concerning them. Instead, I wish to focus most of my comments on verses 18 and 19 of section 107 which states “The power and authority of the higher, or Melchizedek Priesthood, is to hold the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church. To have the privilege of receiving the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, to have the heavens opened unto them, to commune with the general assembly and church of the Firstborn, and to enjoy the communion and presence of God the Father, and Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.”

    I believe that contained in these two verses are extraordinary blessings that are most important in understanding how we can receive salvation and exaltation through the Priesthood. Both men and women have an equal need and opportunity to access these blessings from the Priesthood.

    In one sense, receiving the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven can refer to knowing how to organize and operate the Church here on earth. It is certainly a mystery for most other faiths and variations of the true church of God can be seen everywhere. In fact, many people remark at the extraordinary organization of the church. This great organization did not come from one obscure boy with good organizational skills, but rather, from revelation received due to having the Melchizedek Priesthood. Which Priesthood in turn provides the authority from God in order to perform sacred ordinances necessary for our salvation. In another verse in the Doctrine and Covenants section 84:19, it talks about how the higher priesthood is the key to the knowledge of God. One major way we progress in our knowledge of God is through going to church and actively participating in is various programs and organizations, all of which we would not have if it were not for the Melchizedek Priesthood, which presides over and runs all auxiliary programs of the church. So in that sense the Melchizedek Priesthood acts as a key to opening the door for us to the knowledge of God.

     The other mentioned blessings such as enjoying the communion and presence of God and Jesus Christ, having the heavens opened to us and communing with the general assembly I do not fully comprehend at this time. But I can say that I believe a major factor in receiving these blessings resides on our living according to the “principles of righteousness” as explained in Doctrine and Covenants section 121. Earlier this year I learned that the Priesthood is something that we must receive direct revelation from God in order to properly understand. And to qualify for said revelation I believe we must follow the instructions given to us in Doctrine and Covenants 121. Namely having charity, looking to serve others, obeying the commandment, repenting of our sins, and so forth.

    In all, I realize I have a long way to go in order to receive all the blessings mentioned, yet I am grateful to have the priesthood, which truly is the key to our eternal progression. I know that we must all strive to live in accordance with the Gospel in order to receive these blessings and if we do, the Priesthood will unlock the door that leads us to these blessings of communing with Jesus Christ and the Father, obtaining a greater knowledge of deity, and one day returning to live in their presence.