As mentioned in a previous blog, both the scriptures and the spirit reveal that the true doctrine of what it means to rule in God’s kingdom is that ruling means to; provide for, have stewardship over, minster to, and guide.
In D&C Section 121 the Lord gives us additional descriptions of how ruling is to be carried out; “with persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness, meekness, and love unfeigned; kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile…” Later D&C 121 also mentions the need for charity, which, given how ruling must be undertaken, is clearly an essential. It is impossible for anyone to rule or reign in God’s kingdom, (or under his appointment) as He intended us to….without charity.
The problem here, as with many other doctrines of the church, is that the world is filled with counter claims and substitute doctrines, bound up in the philosophies of men, which infiltrate our hearts and minds. The world’s view, which seems to be ever present with us, sees ruling as including such things as oppression, compulsion, unrighteous dominion, force, threats, fear, all the things that give worldly rulers the power to enforce their wills. Such views may also cloud our minds with questions as to motivations of all rulers, fearing that they may actually be based in lust for power, greed, or self-interest.
Intention and motive can make a huge difference. For example, a worldly leader will command her/his subjects to do something, while a righteous ruler will give those she/he has stewardship over counsel to act in certain ways. It is true that both violating the order and disregarding the counsel may bring about negative, even painful consequences, but there is a huge moral difference found within the intentions, attitudes and motivations of the ruler versus the counselor. The existence of unrighteous dominion presupposes that righteous dominion must also exist, and it is in fact only righteous dominion that is acceptable and required of those God appoints as his stewards.
That being true, it necessarily follows that the righteous should be chosen to rule in God’s kingdom, because they are the only ones capable of ruling as He intended. The wicked simply cannot rule as God wants it to be done, for they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” D&C 121. That is why scripture records, “when the wicked rule, the people mourn,” because the wicked can only rule as the world defines it, not as God does. It is telling that in the pre-mortal existence God looked upon the noble and great ones, and proclaimed “these I will make my rulers” Abraham 3:22-23
However, simply because one must be righteous to engage in Godly rule, it does not necessarily follow that the rulers God selects and appoints are the most righteous. Sometimes God calls and appoints leaders from among the righteous based upon their talents, and abilities. I do not believe that Matthias was more righteous than Justus when he was selected to replace the fallen Judas Iscariot. Acts 1:22-26. Similarly, President Nelson explained how hard it was to choose counselors from among a pool of such good men, his selection does not mean that Elder Oaks and Elder Eyring were somehow more righteous than the others, but rather that they were the ones whose unique talents and abilities the Lord needed in those positions at this time. Many good and righteous souls are worthy to be called as general authorities or general auxiliary presidents, but the Lord will select those whose unique gifts meet the current needs of the stewardship He is filling. When the selection is made it does NOT necessarily mean that those not selected were somehow less worthy.
I know of a ward where the Relief Society President was strong, powerful and deeply founded in the Gospel. She was a righteous woman, firm in the faith. Yet, the sisters at that time needed a president whose talents included the ability to show greater compassion, to comfort, to express empathy. So a change was made, not because one sister was more righteous than the other, but because their gifts differed, and God knew that the gift of empathy was most needed at that time. Thus the new president was given the stewardship. It is good to remember that Paul did not teach that the head was the most important part of the body, then the neck, then the shoulders on down to the toes. He taught that all parts of the body are essential in their sphere, and their unique and needed gifts bring blessings to the body as a whole.
Next: AUTHORITY: On Loan From God