Sunday, October 9, 2011

Who is Called to the Work?


I listened to one of the most remarkable missionary farewell talks I've ever heard in Sacrament meeting today.  I only wish I didn't have to listen from the hallway as I comforted a crying child, because the spirit from outside was amazing.  I can only image that inside the chapel it was electric.

This young to-be-Elder's family spoke first, alluding to some of the challenges that he has overcome in his life.  He was born five weeks early, and was saved from death by a priesthood blessing.  Then he overcame developmental challenges to become a great athlete.  His school's wrestling coach told him that he was too far behind to be an asset to the team.  Did that stop him? Nope.  He eventually became the number one wrestler in his weight class in his division in the state of Colorado.  

Despite being diagnosed with a severe learning disability and a speech impediment, he stood at the pulpit today and bore the most sincere, most faith-filled, most doctrinally solid testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I have heard in a long time.  

He quoted and named Joseph Smith as his inspiration.  Knowing that Joseph Smith was not highly educated, this young man was inspired to do everything within his power to serve the Lord and to prepare himself to serve a mission, because if the Lord could use Joseph, the Lord could use him.

He wrapped up by giving a brief synopsis of The Book of Mormon.  He said that he "loved that book," because it has brought such happiness to him and to members of his family, and that he cannot wait to share it with others on his mission.

The scriptures say, "If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work."

Does the Lord require perfection to share his word with our fellowmen?  

Does he require beauty?

Does he require wealth?

Does he require education, social status, whit, or superior logic?

No, he requires none of these.  If we but have the desire to serve God, he'll work with us to bring his purposes to pass.

And if we add to that desire:  faith, hope, charity, love, virtue, knowledge, brotherly kindness, godliness, humility, and diligence...there is no limit to the good that each of us can do.


PS - Please join us tomorrow for a special Blog Hop, where you can link up your posts about The Book of Mormon.  If you do not have a post to share, I still invite you to participate by sharing the blog hop on your site.  I'll show you how tomorrow!

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8 comments:

  1. Thank you for your post. I was feeling quite inadequate today. After teaching Gospel Doctrine for nearly 2 years, I was released and called as a counselor in our Relief Society. I am a single mom with 3 kids. I work full time as a 1st grade teacher. One of my children has health issues, one has psychiatric issues... How could I possibly be an asset to the Relief Society when I feel like I am so needy and unable to find time to take care of my own family? Well, your comments about the missionary farewell touched me and have given me strength.
    I love the Lord, and will do His will and serve where ever he wants me to.

    The scriptures say, "If ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work."

    If we but have the desire to serve God, he'll work with us to bring his purposes to pass.

    Thank you!

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  2. Reading it was electric, I can't imagine what it would have felt like to be there.

    I love when Sacrament meetings fill you up like that.

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  3. sounds like an edifying meeting...one that strengthens your own testimony!

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  4. Thank you for sharing this today, Jocelyn! I so often feel far from adequate-- I think we ALL do! But this young man's beautiful testimony has inspired me today. What a wonderful missionary the world has gained. :-)

    Hugs,
    Rachel

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing this! I needed a dose of inspiration!

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  6. I wish I could do this! Maybe when I get back from vacation....timing. lol

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  7. You are doing great things over here, Jocelyn. And I am feeling a little more "called to the work" (blog-wise) than I have for awhile.

    Thanks for the inspiration.

    =)

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  8. Wow, I can only imagine how strong the spirit was felt at this meeting, because I am feeling it from all the way over here! :) Thanks for sharing this inspiring story.

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