When we are given the responsibility of instrumentation (interpret this as being instruments in the hands of God), through a calling, opportunity, or inspiration other people are relying on us to succeed.

If we really understood this, I am positive we would act differently.

Let’s take our Callings:

Most of us have Callings. Our Callings generally involve the teaching of others, in one way or another. On a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your understanding and diligence in how you conduct your Calling in the Kingdom of God?

Jacob teaches exactly why we should “magnify our office unto the Lord”. (Let’s not get hung up on the fact that he is talking about those who hold the priesthood. He is talking to all of us.) Because “the sins of the people [will be] upon our own heads if we [do] not teach them the word of God with all diligence…otherwise their blood would come upon our garments, and we would not be found spotless at the last day.” (Jacob 1:19)

Do we really see our callings as a means to save others, as well as ourselves? Are we “laboring with our might”? Again, on a scale from 1 to 5, how would you rate your “laboring”, “teach[ing] them the word of God with all diligence”, “persuad[ing] them to come unto Christ”, “having loved” those you serve, “for Christ’s sake, and for the sake of our people”.  Read about your own calling in the handbook (you can find the handbook online at www.lds.org), strive to understand it completely, and serve, so that you can be found spotless as you attempt to save the souls around you.

What exactly are Opportunities?

Do you believe in coincidence? fate? chance? God is the arranger of all things. “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abr 3:25). Life is a test, in every possible aspect. We are on trial. With our agency, we are challenged to perform every opportunity given to us to prove that we choose the Son of God, even Jesus Christ.

Helen Mar Whitney records in her journal just before leaving Nauvoo. “I will pack away all my little ribbons, collars and laces, etc., for we are going where we cannot purchase them. We are going out from the world to live beyond the Rocky Mountains where none others will wish to go. There will be neither rich nor poor among us, and we will have none but the honest and virtuous.”

Another record left by Bathsheba Smith says, “My last act in that precious spot was to tidy the rooms, sweep up the floor and set the broom in its accustomed place behind the door. Then with emotions in my heart I gently closed the door and faced an unknown future, faced it with faith in God and with no less assurance of the ultimate establishment of the Gospel in the West and of its true enduring principles, than I had felt in those trying scenes in Missouri.” (Both records taken from Elder Quentin L. Cook’s talk, Oct 2008.)

What do we do with  opportunities that fall in our lap? Do we pick them up and move forward, even into frightening territory? Is our attitude to “Go and Do”?

And what of Inspiration?

Because the gospel has been restored to the earth, we all have the ability to call down the powers of heaven. “God shall give unto you knowledge by his Holy Spirit, yea, by the unspeakable gift of the Holy Ghost.” (D&C 121:26) “As well might man stretch forth his puny arm to stop the Missouri river in its decreed course, or to turn it up stream, as to hinder the Almighty from pouring down knowledge from heaven upon the heads of the Latter-day Saints.” (D&C 121:33) “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions. (Joel 2:28) Inspiration will come to us, because truth has been restored to the earth.

In order to tap into this truth, “no man receiveth a fulness unless he keepeth his commandments. He that keepeth his commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things.” (D&C 93:28-29)

Don’t be overwhelmed. Revel in God’s goodness. Enos teaches us a very simple formula: Desire–Have Faith–Pray–Bear Witness (Enos 1). Following this pattern, we each can magnify our Callings, take the Opportunities that will come, and follow Inspiration.

May we accept truth in our life, even if it means a course correction. May we learn knowledge and be comfortable teaching the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we be full of light to others, full of faith, hope, and charity, that will bless every life we touch.