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General Conference: Four Titles, President Uchtdorf
I was told a story today that impressed me deeply.
I have thought about it all day.
It was the story of a professional football player.
The setting of the story was Superbowl Sunday.
He had arrived at the mecca of professional football.
Only a select percentage get to play in this game.
Only a few get to perform at this level in front of thousands live and millions more at home.
There was no spared expense.
The players were treated like royalty–by fans and authorities alike.
As he walked through the tunnel leading onto the field he could hear the roar of the crowds.
A literal sea of fans chanted and cheered his arrival.
The music was blasting, the announcer booming, fireworks lit up the perimeter.
It was the perfect equation for the perfect moment.
I can only imagine.
This good brother then had a thought.
The moment he set his foot on the grass this thought came to his mind:
I should be at priesthood meeting.
He was shocked by the flood of disappointment he felt.
What he anticipated would be his greatest hour was overshadowed by a sense of something more powerful he was missing.
I thought about this man as I read President Uchtdorf’s talk from priesthood session.
He spoke of the titles we bear.
We all have different titles we are known by in different circles of influence.
We all have different roles we fill at different moments of our lives.
To this linebacker, professional football player, athlete, and Superbowl Champion–the title of “bearer of the holy priesthood” had a more penetrating influence on his heart.
Perhaps he sensed this truth President Uchtdorf taught:
“This is a most noble labor that will challenge our every sense and stretch our every ability. Do we desire to see the heavens open and witness the promptings of the Holy Spirit showing us the way? Then let’s take up our sickle and put our back into this great work—a cause much greater than ourselves!”
My Bishop asked us on Sunday about a brother in our ward who is not attending.
Someone made a comment that he needed to feel needed.
Then my Bishop asked this question– “Is he needed? We will tell him he is. But is he really needed?”
The silence was a teaching moment.
A moment to ponder the significance of that question–for him and for me.
Then a gentle answer.
He is needed to minister. We all need help. We all need encouragement. We all need each other. In a world filled with doubt, despair, sin and sorrow, we need every voice and every reassurance and every encouraging word from each other. Every hand is needed to lift the millions of souls caught in the mire of misery. He is needed in God’s work and God’s church–not in a particular calling–but for certain people.
I thank God for that sweet reminder.
“You have your own special contribution to make, and God can magnify that contribution in a mighty way. Your ability to contribute is not dependent upon your calling in the Church. Your opportunities for service are endless. If you are waiting on the sidelines, I encourage you to get in the game.”
Deliberate Discipleship:
Remember the challenge from yesterday? Time to get in the game. The right one.
