What is priesthood?

When people think of priesthood, they think of either the authority of God, the power of God, or both. None of these definitions are adequate. The authority of God does not exist independent of his power. Meanwhile, the power of God is an inadequate definition of priesthood because it does not address where that power comes from or how it is to be used.

Priesthood is any information that extends one’s understanding of how God is, how he would live in your situation, the benefits of doing so, and the consequences of failing to. The priesthood is therefore a conduit of information through which people who have adopted God’s character are linked. This information conduit provides the power to do, feel, and think as God would in your place, as far as you choose to. This information provides the key to becoming more like God.¹ Without learning about and living the character of God, there is no real priesthood, no matter how much authority or unseen power is claimed.