2 Nephi 26:29

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Reference Search: 2 Nephi 26:29

29 He 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.

Quotes for Discussion

What is priestcraft?

Priesthood and priestcraft are two opposites; one is of God, the other of the devil. When ministers claim but do not possess the priesthood; when they set themselves up as lights to their congregations, but do not preach the pure and full gospel; when their interest is in gaining personal popularity and financial gain, rather than in caring for the poor and ministering to the wants and needs of their fellow men—they are engaged, in a greater or lesser degree, in the practice of priestcrafts.

Apostasy is born of priestcrafts (2 Ne. 10:5; 3 Ne. 16:10; D&C 33:4), for those who engage in them follow vain things, teach false doctrines, love riches, and aspire to personal honors. (Alma 1:12, 16.) Men are commanded to repent of their priestcrafts (3 Ne. 30:2), and eventually, in the millennial day, these great evils will be done away. (3 Ne. 21:19.)

Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, pp. 593-94

Something to think about—

Priestcraft (selfishness) in our homes is our need to defend ourselves instead of the welfare of Zion or our family.

Scott Anderson, CES Instructor at UVSC

Set themselves up for a light

The Lord Jesus is the light (3 Nephi 18:24). Men are at best mere reflections of that light, and then only when they are pure vessels, when the will of the servant is swallowed up in the will of the Master (see Mosiah 15:7). When the servants of God have their eyes single to the glory of God, others are able to acknowledge their good works as of divine origin and thereafter glorify the Eternal Father and his Beloved Son (Matthew 5:16). Such seek not a following but companionship with fellow followers of their Lord and Savior. Christ is the central figure in the divine drama. For us to use ourselves as the example of “the way, the truth, and the life” is to upstage the Lord, causing a spiritual eclipse: we thereby block the glory of heaven’s light. “He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him” (John 7:18).

Millet & McConkie, BOM Commentary, Vol 1 p. 310