Callings

I had an epiphany this morning in Bishopric meeting. We had just finished going over those things that needed going over and like very few mornings, had a few spare minutes to chew the fat. One of the participants in the conversation had made a comment about how he was called into a Bishopric very young (early 20's) and it had a very negative impact on him. He ended up going inactive for a number of years. One of the others in the conversation had relayed a similar experience where he could have gone inactive and the presiding authority had even expected him to do so but he did not.

While I was pondering on that it occurred to me (as I know I have always known but never really thought of in this light) that in leadership it is extremely important to make sure we follow the Spirit of the Lord in our service. Callings should come from the Lord and not from our desires to surround ourselves with our friends. How sad would it be for us to answer for our stewardships if we did not follow the Spirit as often as we could. I think the Lord wants those in leadership callings to listen to His spirit because the Lord knows when someone is ready and able to serve. Some individuals may be spiritually prepared and worthy for any given calling, but if the leader is not paying attention, the Spirit could be trying to prompt him in another direction because now is not the right time for this worthy individual. It could be that his work is struggling. It could be that his married life is crumbling and he must focus all his efforts on that. The calling, though well intended, if not from the Lord will do far more harm, perhaps everlasting harm. It may be that uninspired calling that tips the individual (though the choice is his/hers) into a decision that will have eternal consequences.

I, for one, would rather not have that to answer for. :)