Being Released

Callings in the church are an interesting thing. Yesterday evening I was released from the Bishopric after 2 ½ years. I had a wonderful Bishop and I enjoyed being able to talk with him about a wide variety of subjects. I was called to serve in the Stake YM Presidency and I’m grateful for the chance to continue working with the youth. In my opinion, the youth are the most teachable and they still have the desire to learn. The old adage goes, “it’s easier to build a man than it is to mend a man”. I love working with the youth.

Reflect on your own callings. What have you learned from them?

As I look back through the years and reflect on my callings, it’s amazing how much I grew as a result. Not only that, some of my closest relationships were developed while serving side by side with someone.

1^st Counselor in the Bishopric

YM President

Ward Mission Leader

Gospel Doctrine Teacher

Temple Prep Teacher

Stake YM Presidency

EQ Presidency

Primary Teacher

I suppose it’s like anything else in life, we get out of something exactly what we put into it. However, as soon as I typed that, I realized it wasn't true. As King Benjamin taught, the very second we think we've done something worthwhile in the service of the Lord, he does immediately bless us and we are still indebted to him. Paradoxically, in my experience, if we will but make our best effort, the Lord will bless us greatly…whether in the primary or any other calling.

The Lord needs people who are willing to serve and will actually put forth the effort. There’s far too much complacency and we can do better as a church and a body of people who wants to follow Christ.