2 Nephi 26

In the Church we have priesthood leaders that have been set apart, and in some cases, given keys to preside over quorums, wards, stakes and so forth. We are taught that we will be blessed as we follow their counsel in righteousness. In my mind, to preside means to become the servant not the boss for -

"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;
42 By kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile—
43 Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved, lest he esteem thee to be his enemy;
44 That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:41 - 44)

The Savior taught for -

"...he that is greatest among you shall be your servant." (New Testament Matthew 23:11)

We are also taught that the father presides in the home and that the wife and family also will be blessed as they follow his counsel in righteousness. But for some reason, many fathers, husbands, and priesthood bearers interpret that to mean they are the boss and should control the family. I think the modern term is "control freak".

I believe the same principles apply to he that presides in the home and he that presides in the Church. Nephi teaches us the Lord -

"...commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion (or the family).
30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love...." (Book of Mormon 2 Nephi 26:29 - 30)

For many that read these verses, I'm sure their first thought of priestcrafts is outside the Church. But I thought this morning how often priestcrafts may take place within the Church because -

"...their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 121:35 - 37)