I've told many people that my calling as bishop has been the hardest, but easily the most rewarding of all of my church callings. I love working with this generation of the church and all of you. Your vibrance, willingness to serve, and love of the gospel. All of you have been very willing to serve in any capacity called. It is always an example to me to see you embrace and serve in your calling with such devotion. If it has not come already, the day will probably come when you may struggle accepting a calling.I want to share a thought from a devotional talk given by Steven C. Baugh a few years ago about church callings. They are given in no particular order and are not intended to be exhaustive.
2. Accept callings when they come.
3. Magnify each calling when it comes.
4. Do not ask to be released.
5. When released, accept it with a good heart and attitude. We do not “own” our callings.
6. It does not matter where we serve. It does matter how we serve.
7. Do not be critical of how you are called or how you are released.
8. Study the Church handbooks specific to your calling and follow them.
9. Never speak negatively of your leaders. Seek and accept their counsel.
10. Find out what the Lord would have you do. Seek the Spirit.
May the Lord always bless you in your callings as you serve Him and as we serve each other in building the kingdom of the Lord.
