Slate included President Thomas S. Monson on their list of America’s most powerful people over 80. Some of their criteria include the fact that over 13 million members of the church regard him as a prophet of God, and that he played a central role in the controversy surrounding Proposition 8 in California.
I find it interesting that presidents of the church (at least in my lifetime) have enjoyed a lot of popularity in the press. The late President Gordon B. Hinckley was renowned as a witty and funny, yet strong leader for good in the world. President Monson is the model of charity and caring for individuals.
The world recognizes President Monson as a powerful man because he has the trust and respect of over 13 million dedicated followers. Because of that influence, the world also sees him as a powerful political force. These things are true. In addition to them, I recognize in him a different kind of power.
President Monson is called of God to be a prophet for the world. As a prophet, his most important responsibility is to testify of Christ and invite others to repent and follow God. Sometimes the prophet warns of spiritual danger. Sometimes he gives temporal counsel, such as how to prepare for unforeseen events like natural disasters. Perhaps the most important power President Monson holds is the power to seal families together for time and eternity. He delegates this power to those who serve in temples all around the world, giving as many people as possible the opportunity to unite their families forever.
Questions for discussion and comments: