A Marvelous Work

A Marvelous Work and Wonder https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T9CjxFSWkk I learned a new lesson from these chapters in D&C this week. As it says in Come, Follow Me, Doctrine & Covenants chapter 4 is usually applied to full-time missionaries, though it was originally written towards Joseph Smith Sr. who was not being called on a mission, but had a "desire to serve" (D&C 4:3). In light of that, this verse is applicable to each of us in our various situations and circumstances. D&C 4;5-6 list the qualities and attributes to strive for as servants of God. Verse seven then says, "Ask and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you." I've read this before in an application to general questions regarding faith. But today I see it also as an opportunity to ask Heavenly Father for these qualities needed to do His work. We all have a "calling" or special place in our individual lives where we can shine the light of Christ to His children. Perhaps our calling is to our neighbors. Perhaps it is to our ministering families. Perhaps to our co-workers or classmates. For me personally, I feel it's especially important right now to focus on being a light to my kids through loving them, praying, and reading scriptures with them each day. So as I read D&C 4:5-6 with the different attributes and qualities; I felt I had lots of room for improvement! I then read verse seven and felt a deep desire to "ask" Heavenly Father for specific attributes there listed that I felt I lacked. I had a deep desire ( "Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work" [emphasis added]) to teach my children all that I can; and with the hope that, in some miraculous way, they'll grow to remember it and not be led too far off-track as they grow up. So I asked God for those qualities and feel confident that He can help me acquire those gifts. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, when baptized, we made a covenant to "stand as a witness of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places'' (Mosiah 18:9). Here in D&C 4 is a reminder, and encouragement, an invitation to again renew that commitment and find where we can be a light; each in our own, unique ways. A marvelous work has come forth and we have this great opportunity to be part of it! I also felt it important to note D&C 3:7-8. "For behold, you should not...fear man more than God." With all the adversity and diversity in the world right now, there is a lot of turbulence and influence to abandon faith and trust in God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do not fear man--society--but be faithful and "He [will] extend His arm and support you against all the fiery darts of the adversary:and he [will] be with you in every time of trouble"; whatever your trouble is. "Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them" (see 2Kings 6:16). With care, love, and prayers for you all, Jillene Smith