Monday, September 26, 2011

Magnifying Callings

The question of how a person magnifies a calling often receives varied answers. Some believe that to magnify a calling means to make it bigger than even the handbooks require. President Uchtdorf addressed this in the October 2010 conference stating that some seem to believe that their salvation depends on the length of their "to do list."

Pres. Monson in the Priesthood Session of the same conference said that to magnify a priesthood calling (and all callings are priesthood callings) is simply to perform one's calling with full purpose of heart.

I found that these verses (Jacob 1:17-19) state it succinctly. Speaking of his and his brother Joseph's callings, Jacob said that:

1. They were consecrated priests. In other words, they did not take the honor upon themselves, but received authority from their brother Nephi, the prophet.

2. They next obtained their errand from the Lord. This would be accomplished today by studying the handbooks, the scriptures and by seeking inspiration and revelation from the Holy Ghost.

3. They magnified their office by teaching the word of God with all diligence. It seems that they taught at every opportunity.T hey went to the people and the people came to them. Their teaching was of Christ and how repentance takes advantage of the great atonement.

4. They could not be discouraged or their work would be drudgery. They felt that society was heading down, so their work was to teach against the downward trend and invite all to come to the light of Christ. Otherwise the sins (blood) of the people would be upon their heads.

I find that if my focus is upon the teachings of Christ and doing what I can to bring the light of Christ into the lives of those for whom I have responsibility, my "to do" list is plenty full. I do not need to find other projects to make my calling more fulfilling or meaningful. Teach, invite, give meaningful service all in the Lord's way.

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