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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