A Gift of Divine Power for All God’s Children
What does it mean to access God’s power? How can priesthood ordinances shape our journey, not just for those who hold the priesthood, but for all who make and keep sacred covenants? In her General Conference address, “Live Up to Your Privileges”, President Emily Belle Freeman invites us to consider these questions in light of Doctrine and Covenants 25—the Lord’s revelation to Emma Smith—and our own divine privileges.
This week’s Come, Follow Me lesson (D&C 23–26) invites us to seek for the things of a better world. This phrase naturally directs our thoughts toward Easter, as we anticipate the victory of Jesus Christ over death and sin. The Atonement of Christ, coupled with the power available through our covenants, enables us to become all God intends for us to be.
“If you live up to these principles, how great and glorious will be your reward in the celestial kingdom! If you live up to your privileges, the angels cannot be restrained from being your associates.” – Joseph Smith
This call, given to the women of the Church, applies to all disciples of Jesus Christ. We are not passive participants in God’s work. Women in the early Church—and today—have been given sacred responsibilities and access to divine power through priesthood ordinances and covenants.
Apologetic Issues: Women and the Priesthood
Misconception: Women do not hold the priesthood, so they have no access to priesthood power.
Response: Priesthood power is available to all who enter into covenants with God.
Many misunderstand the difference between holding priesthood office and receiving priesthood power. The Lord taught Emma Smith—and all disciples—that through baptism, temple covenants, and faithfulness, God’s power flows into our lives. President Russell M. Nelson affirmed:
“Every woman and every man who makes covenants with God and keeps those covenants, and who participates worthily in priesthood ordinances, has direct access to the power of God.” (Spiritual Treasures, Oct. 2019)
Misconception: Emma Smith was not given an important role in the Restoration.
Response: Doctrine and Covenants 25 shows that she had a divinely appointed mission.
The Lord called Emma an “elect lady” and assigned her to teach, expound scripture, compile hymns, and serve in His Church. She was not a spectator in the Restoration but a vital participant. Like Emma, women in the Church today are given responsibilities and privileges to build the kingdom of God.
Common Fallacy: False Dichotomy
Some critics create a false dichotomy between priesthood holders and covenant-keeping women, implying that one has power and the other does not. This misunderstands the doctrine of priesthood. Priesthood offices are held by men in God’s ordained order, but priesthood power flows to all who receive covenants and live righteously.
Apologetic Application: The Power of Covenants
D&C 25 highlights three essential ways priesthood ordinances empower disciples of Christ, regardless of gender:
Identity: Women are not spiritually subordinate but covenant daughters of God.
Purpose: The Lord assigns specific spiritual responsibilities to women, as seen in Emma Smith’s calling.
Sanctification: Through covenants, God transforms us into our divine potential.
Real-Life Analogy: Just as electricity is available to all who connect to a power source, so is God’s power accessible to all who make and keep sacred covenants.
Historical and Doctrinal Connections
The Restoration of the priesthood in Harmony, Pennsylvania coincided with the Lord’s revelation to Emma Smith (D&C 25). While Joseph and Oliver were learning about the priesthood, Emma was being taught how to access its power.
Doctrine and Covenants Connection:
“The power of godliness is manifest” through ordinances (D&C 84:19–20). This truth, restored in the latter days, applies to all who make covenants.
Living Apologetics: How to Apply This Today
How can we help others understand women’s role in the priesthood?
Teach from scripture – Show how Emma Smith was given power and responsibility.
Encourage covenant-keeping – Help women see their divine privileges in ordinances.
Speak with clarity – When discussing priesthood, explain the distinction between office and power.
President Freeman teaches that God’s power is available to all who participate in priesthood ordinances and keep their covenants. This truth is both spiritually strengthening and apologetically significant. Understanding how priesthood power works allows us to correct misconceptions, strengthen faith, and confidently share the gospel.
- Teach the Difference Between Priesthood Ordination and Priesthood Power
When discussing the role of women in the Church, clarify that ordination is not the same as priesthood power. Help others see that covenant keeping, not priesthood office, grants access to divine strength. Use simple examples like the sacrament—which is prepared by ordained holders but blesses all who partake worthily. - Use the Sacrament as an Apologetic Tool
Many see priesthood as hierarchical rather than a gift that serves others. Explain that ordinances like the sacrament bring the power of Christ into individual lives. Emphasizing this helps resolve concerns about whether priesthood power is accessible to all.
Faith in Action: How Can You Share This?
1. Family Discussions – Talk about the blessings of priesthood ordinances in family councils.
2. Teaching – Use D&C 25 to show how women receive priesthood power through covenants.
3. Testimony – When speaking in church or teaching, highlight personal experiences with God’s power.
Quick Reference: Key Defenses
1. Women have access to priesthood power through covenants – Russell M. Nelson, Spiritual Treasures
2. Emma Smith’s calling shows the role of women in the Restoration – D&C 25
3. Priesthood ordinances manifest God’s power in all our lives – D&C 84:19–20
Conclusion: Preparing for Easter with Power
President Emily Belle Freeman’s message is a powerful reminder that we are not spiritually powerless. Each of us—men and women—have divine access to God’s strength, healing, and guidance through sacred ordinances and covenants. Understanding this truth not only deepens personal faith but also helps us explain and defend core gospel principles with clarity and confidence.
As we study D&C 23–26, we are reminded to “seek for the things of a better world.” This is a foreshadowing of Easter—the ultimate moment when God’s power was fully manifest through Jesus Christ’s Resurrection.
As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s victory, let us live up to our privileges. May we recognize that through priesthood ordinances, we can access divine power, allowing us to become who God intends us to be.
Are you fully embracing the privileges God has given you? How can you better draw upon His power in your daily life?
“Through His priesthood ordinances and the keeping of her covenant promises, God’s power will work in and through her to help her overcome whatever life brings and become the woman God knows she can become.” – Emily Belle Freeman
The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.
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