We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
As the Bible says, “many are called” (Matt 20:16). Calling from God is certainly not restricted to the LDS church or even in fact to Christianity. He wants to touch every life, so at least in some sense, ALL are called. But of these only some are willing to accept the gift of prophecy in others so that they can receive the gift themselves. Fewer still are willing to accept the ordination to the priesthood by laying on of hands. And in the end, most reject the authority of this priesthood. Thus, “few are chosen” (same). But I have been a member for over 25 years and so far have refused the ordinances of the temple. I have issues with the concept of worthiness which as you might imagine creates worthiness issue. I think of John the Baptist as an example. Did man give him the authority or did God? If God give me the authority to preach the Gospel can a bishop or president or “general authority” take it away? If they try to give me authority which does not come from God how could that be worth anything?
A special note must be made about the proper use of the authority of the priesthood in understanding why so many including myself sometimes reject it. As D&C 121; 41-43 puts it, “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul, without hypocrisy, and without guile – Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem the to be his enemy; That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.” When these principles are not followed in the exercise of the priesthood it can and probably will be denigrated. The authority of our priesthood is not in dominion but in virtue. I make it a personal quest to exercise persuasion and longsuffering so when I demand it of the Brethren and the world I have ground to do so. When virtue is intact preaching the Gospel and administering the ordinances of the church can be done to the glory of God without infringing upon the liberty or dignity of those which the work is intended to benefit. That is a virtue I embrace whether I have the authority to do so or not.
Latter Day Sinner 