called to serve

"Now behold, a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men. Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day." Doctrine & Covenants 4:1-2

This idea has application to missionaries of course and also ordinary people. As true followers of Christ, we believe in being of service to all people. But we must be ready to serve. How do we prepare spiritually, socially, and emotionally?

1. We first need to desire to be of service. "Verily, verily, I say unto you, even as you desire of me so it shall be done unto you; and, if you desire, you shall be the means of doing much good in this generation. It seems attitude is key to many of the things we do. " Doctrine & Covenants 11:8 "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work" Doctrine & Covenants 4:3 “My understanding is that the most important mission that I have in this life is: first, to keep the commandments of God, as they have been taught to me; and next, to teach them to my Father’s children who do not understand them...It is not necessary for you to be called to go into the mission field in order to proclaim the truth.” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1916, pp. 50–51.)

2. We must with every fiber of our bodies strive to be like Jesus. "And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, fgodliness, charity, humility, diligence." Doctrine & Covenants 4:5-6 “Peter wrote on one occasion: ‘...that we might be partakers of the divine nature.’ (2 Peter 1:4.) He realized what it means to be in touch with the spiritual, to rise above the temporal, the sensual, and partake of the divine Spirit of God...that is the purpose of making us more capable of responding to the Spirit and subduing the sensual...That is why we like to have every young man and every young woman utilize his or her time intelligently, usefully, to bring the soul in harmony with the spirit, that we all might be partakers of God’s Spirit, partakers of his divine nature.” (David O. McKay, In Conference Report, Oct. 1961, p. 90.)I recently read an interesting book along this line, In His Steps, written over 100 years ago. It was the basis for the movement in asking one's self, "What would Jesus do?" It is a good question to keep in mind always.

3. Just as our little children must obey us, we must obey our Father in Heaven. "Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea, with all your might, mind and strength." Doctrine & Covenants 11:20 If we refuse to do our Father's will, how can we proclaim his gospel or even claim we are examples of it?

4."Pray always, lest you enter into temptation and lose your reward." Doctrine & Covenants 331:12 Prayer is a difficult thing for some, including me at times. "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men" Isaiah 29:13 It is easy to say I believe this and that, but if I don't have a real realationship with God my Father am I not just providing lip service? Am I not being a hypocrite? Prayer must be an intragal part of my life.

5. "Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men." Doctrine & Covenants 11:21 Since I began studying the scriptures in earnest ten years ago, I have obtained a lot. But I would not say I have reached the level of scriptorian. In that field, I have a long way to go. I have gained a love of feasting on the word. Has my tongue been loosed? I would have to say that in some areas it has. There are times when a scripture will just pop into my head, during a discussion. However, I have so much more to learn.

At this point in my life, I mainly serve my family, ward, and community. This is satisfactory. However, at some point, I hope to serve as a missionary. After studying this lesson, I realize I have a long way to go. But what a delightful journey.