Called to be Real
What gifts were you given that you may be neglecting?
Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. Put these things into practice, devote yourself to them, so that all may see your progress. Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and your hearers.- Timothy 4:14-16
As a deacon, I was ordained through the laying on of hands and through the receiving of the Holy Spirit to do the work I was called to do. That work includes having a voice, sharing the Gospel with others, teaching as well as learning, and bringing the lessons I learn from the world back to the Church.
Not everyone hears the call God has for them. For some, like me, it takes a long time before the message comes through clearly enough. I found myself doing some of the same things I do now, but I didn't see that the propensity to do them came from somewhere beyond me.
We say that not everyone is called, but I don't agree. I believe we are all called for His service. We all hear parts of the message from time to time, and many act on what they hear without thinking about it. They just do things. Those things they do come from being real.
We were talking recently about faith and someone brought up that people can be moral and follow the golden rule without believing in God.
That is true, but just because they don't believe in God, doesn't mean He doesn't believe in them. They may be hearing His call without realizing it, just like the rest of us.
When we do something well, when we help someone, when we achieve a level of accomplishment we didn't expect, we want accolades. We want to tell everyone and take our bow.
That's not how God works. He can remain silent and humble, knowing He influenced you and you thought it was all your own doing.
What awe are hearing in today's lesson is to be that way. Help others to achieve greatness and just smile, knowing you had something to do with it.
Let them shine. Let them be real.
It is cool to be in the spotlight, but we need to be real, not cool.
Let the light shine through us, not on us. It is what we are called to do.
If you agree, and if you think you are beginning to hear that voice a little clearer than you did in the past, perhaps it is time to talk to someone to help you discern what you are being called to do.
Check it out. You may find all the energy and strength you need is waiting for you to say, "Yes."
More to come...