Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts

In the most recent general conference, Elder Patrick Kearon spoke about callings and service in the Church. He taught, “Our service is a choice, an offering to God, and a blessing. We all know that prayer, study of scripture, and worship at church and in the temple are critical to the development of our faith. Have we also come to see our callings as having a foundational role in the expansion of our faith? Callings from the Lord are tailor-made for our growth, as we humble ourselves, look outward, and learn that, indeed, when we are in the service of our fellow beings, we are in fact in the service of our God. It really isn’t where we serve but how that matters to the Lord.” In one of the footnotes, Elder Kearon quoted this statement from the General Handbook: “It is not appropriate to aspire to specific callings in the Church (see Mark 10:42–45; Doctrine and Covenants 121:34–37). Nor do Church members ‘advance’ from one calling to another. After serving in one calling, they should not expect to receive a calling of greater responsibility or prominence. Serving faithfully in a calling is more important than what the calling is. The Lord honors the dedication of all who serve in His Church.” This is a principle that as a Church we generally understand, though perhaps we don’t truly believe it because of the world in which we leave where so many are trying to “climb” the ladder to “success.” The Lord cares that we keep the two great commandments to love God and our fellow men, and surely we can do that in any calling we receive. Whether or not we have a visible leadership role is of little importance in the long run; what matters is how we serve in whatever we are asked to do.

                This reminds of a statement from Hugh Nibley that I have quoted before but is worth repeating: “We are told repeatedly both to ask for gifts and seek for gifts (cf. D&C 42, 46). Among the last words of the Book of Mormon are ‘Do not deny the gifts, do not reject the gifts’ (cf. Moroni 10:8). On the other hand, we are commanded not to ask for or seek for office. Yet nobody seems particularly interested in asking or seeking for gifts, while men constantly plan, scheme, and aspire to office. Martin Harris and others actually left the Church because their services were not recognized by high office. Martin Harris, who had the privilege of standing in the presence of an angel and turning over the plates, wanted an office in the Church, something which would only be temporary and a nuisance. Why, let me talk to Moroni for five minutes and I’ll give you the pleasure of sitting on the stand for evermore!” I think we might say that the Lord gives us temporal callings to help us develop spiritual gifts which are of far greater importance and duration. The callings will always end, but the spiritual gifts when developed and nurtured can stay with us forever. The Lord invited us, “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me” (Doctrine and Covenants 46:8). In the subsequent list that the Lord gives of spiritual gifts He includes that of faith, healing, working miracles, prophesying, speaking with tongues, and discerning of spirits. He doesn’t include in his list the gifts of being a bishop or a relief society president or high councilor or any other position. He cares about our spiritual growth and development far more than our temporary callings; callings are meant to help us develop spiritual gifts and not vice versa.

                Elder Kearon summarized his message this way: “When 12-year-old Jesus was found by His parents teaching in the temple, He told them that He had been ‘about [His] Father’s business.’ And we can be too. Every calling, whatever it may be, is ‘His business’ when embraced with a humble and willing heart and a desire to lift and comfort His children and share His good news. We are not merely filling an assignment when we respond to an inspired call but joining the Saviour of the world in His infinite, redeeming work. He needs you, and He needs me. Life is better—everything is better—when we are about His business.” His business, His work, is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). The callings we receive in the Church are meant to help us and others to gain both. Surely the Lord will not ask us if we have served in a leadership calling when we are judged in the next life, but He will be concerned with whether we have developed and used gifts such as faith and charity to bless and serve others.