Servants in the Lord's Church

In the Lord's Church, callings and positions of authority are not sought after. But individuals are blessed with different talents and abilities, and they are trained and seasoned through years of education and service. Even then the tutoring and reliance on the Lord are great when one is set apart to fulfill assignments from the Lord. There is no self-positioning, nor campaigning; but individuals are called by revelation from God. Humble servants feel the gravity of their position and seek to magnify their service by seeking direction from the Lord and doing only those things which will please Him.

I am thankful to all those who have served the Lord and His congregations, including me, with such diligence and love. I know that they are my brothers and sisters, who feel inadequate at times, but who also trust in the Lord who is behind their callings and behind them. They receive no monetary gain, but the Lord blesses and refines them into His beloved people.

There is no greater calling and assignment that we will receive in this life than to be good husbands and wives and good parents. How we love and serve each other is of utmost importance to the Lord. “No other success can compensate for failure in the home” (David O. McKay). By the same token, no monetary success alone can measure up to the growth and satisfaction that we receive when we are in the service of the Lord; and we can be in His service in His Church and in all our daily endeavors as we submit ourselves to Him and seek to do His will. “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17).

So, although church callings and appointments are not sought after, those who are called to the Lord's work, submit themselves to the will of the Lord, and they do so willingly and cheerfully. We should not only sustain them when we raise our rights arms to the square in Sacrament meeting; but, we should sustain them with our prayers, our conversations with one another, and with eagerness to pitch in and help further the kingdom of God by being united in our service to Him. We should also show our support and gratitude by expresses thankfulness to the Lord and to His servants for the jobs that they are doing.

This Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, don’t forget to thank the Lord for His goodness in providing you with earthly parents and servants in His church who are there to aid you in your progress to return to Him. They love you and want you to succeed, and they are a witness of the extension of the Lord’s love to us in providing us His Good News, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, along with the Restoration of His Church, with the keys, the Priesthood, the Sacrament, the sealing powers, and those who have been given the authority to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof (see Article of Faith 1:5).

See also Talk by Boyd K. Packer

I'm Thankful for Mom

I am thankful that Mom converted to the Church at 16-years-old. I am thankful that she already had studied the Bible and recognized the truth. I am thankful that she left old family traditions that were detrimental in that past and carried good family traditions with us into the future.

I am thankful that Mom answered the many questions that I had as a followed her around the house. I am thankful that Mom taught me how to work in the house and in the yard. I am thankful that she taught me the importance of play. I am thankful that she always offered ways to earn some extra money when we wanted it for something good.

I am thankful that Mom was careful when necessary and daring when adventures were necessary. I am thankful that she jumped off the cliff into the Green River, so that I had to do so, to prove that I wouldn’t be outdone by Mom in front of my peers. I am thankful that she dove off of high dive, so I would, too. I am thankful that she made me speak for myself on the phone and at other times.

I am thankful that Mom took me to Church. I am thankful that Mom encouraged me to learn, but never pushed me too hard. I am thankful that Mom believed in Mental Health Days and allowed me to spend time at home with her when I didn’t really feel like being at school. (No, this didn’t happen too often; but back then, the school districts did not claim ownership of the child.)

I am thankful that Mom sought out ways to give me opportunities that she never had herself, and she made them happen. I am thankful that Mom let me make my own choices and choose my own friends. I am thankful that Mom taught me to see the value in all people.

I am thankful that Mom has always loved me. I love you, Mom.