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TheDiscipleMd

“We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.” (D&C 121:39)

Notice it doesn’t say “all men,” just “almost all men.” The longer I live the more I see the wisdom in how authority left in the hands of a few for too long can lead to “unrighteous” dominion.

In studying the nature of our government officials, you can see the wisdom in “term limits.” Our president is only in office for two terms. Not enough time to establish a permanent “kingdom.” A change of power, such as a democracy provides, can temper the natural man from “exercising unrighteous dominion.” It is easy to see the evil consequences that come about when men are “entrenched” in their “authority, as they suppose.” We see members of Congress and the Senate spending decades in their “public service.” After a while, secure in their power, they end up having the public serve them, not the other way around. It is not so much that they are “evil” men or women; its just the “nature of the disposition.’

I am grateful that the Lord has protected His church by imposing “term limits”on almost all of its leaders.  It is sound and wise. It is why we are counseled to “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” so that leaders will not be seduced by the power of man.

The organization of the Lord’s church is inspired. We should serve with all our might for our “term,” than let go and allow others to do the same. Many government officials might want to take note!