For behold, king Benjamin was a holy man, and he did reign over his people in righteousness; and there were many holy men in the land, and they did speak the word of God with power and with authority; and they did use much sharpness because of the stiffneckedness of the people.
To act with power requires righteousness and holiness. God will not grant power to unworthy servants who do not represent him well. To speak or act with the power of the Lord is to receive his endorsement. He cannot endorse those who do not follow him and obey him. When we see one who acts and speaks with power, such as a prophet, we naturally assume that God is pleased with that person. He stands as an example. The Lord will not grant power to a wicked man lest we feel justified in following him into wickedness. Now, no one is perfect. If God gave power only to perfect people, no one would ever have power, and the Lord could get no work done on earth unless he did it himself. To be righteous and holy, as were King Benjamin and the prophets who assisted him, we need not be sinless, but humble, repentant, faithful, and ever striving to be obedient. When we have the right desires, attitudes, and efforts, the power of the atonement will justify us and enable us to seek and receive power to fulfill God's will and do his work.
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