Moving Too Swiftly? Get Out of the Boat!
In section 61 of the Doctrine and Covenants, Joseph Smith and ten elders had been traveling down the Missouri River in canoes while doing missionary work. On the banks of the river the Lord gave this revelation through Joseph Smith.
“But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief.”
Doctrine and Covenants 61:3
When I read this passage, I wondered who was “perishing” while I went “swiftly” through my day, ignoring those on either side of me. Sometimes the needs are obvious IF we choose to look, but often it is hard to know who is in trouble. If you are anything like me, most days I set my boat on auto pilot, moving swiftly, never looking for those who perish. Just getting out of the boat will not be enough. Knowing who to help will take divine communication.
One year at girl’s camp Marie Osmond came to speak to the girls. She told us of an experience she had with President Thomas Monson which has stayed with me for years.
“One of my favorite stories he taught me was when he came down to Provo, Utah, and gave my dear mother a blessing when she suffered a massive stroke. He said he was just following the Lord’s List that day. President Monson taught me then the importance of always carrying a little notebook in my purse or pocket. He said, “When the Spirit speaks, write it down immediately.” At the end of the day, make sure you do God’s List first before you check off your own list of “To Do’s.” He explained that the Spirit never hounds or pounds at us, but rather, comes as a prompting, a brush, or a feeling—that’s why we need to write these impressions down so as not to forget. President Monson taught me that day that at times, not only do we learn how God wants us to serve one another but even some of the answers to our questions and daily prayers often come to us through silent promptings of the Spirit. He continued saying that the Spirit told him that my mother needed a blessing, and it was a comfort to our family when he followed his prompting and showed up at the hospital. He was a living example of following the promptings of the Spirit.”
Marie Osmond, Sunday Messages, January 7, 2018
What she shared with us at camp that was not included in the message above, was when President Monson had come to visit her mother it was at 8:30 pm in Provo, UT. He had worked a full day and then drove from Salt Lake to Provo to fulfill the task the Lord had given him. Speaking from experience, making a Lord’s List is not as easy as it sounds. It takes practice, but when that inspiration comes, and we follow it He will give us more. What an experience for both parties. For the receiver to know the Lord is aware of them, and for you to know the Lord trusts you to do His work.
When Ministering in a “higher and holier way” was introduced it felt to me, we were moving from the “Law of Moses” style visiting teaching with our monthly check-ins, to a more self-motivated, personally responsible method. What is required now is what was always required, but we have been asked to expand our vision. Not only are we to minister to those assigned to us, but to anyone we see. Rather than checking in with a visiting teaching coordinator, we should be checking in with the Lord. Rather than a prescribed message, we should be getting our direction from the Lord himself. Ministering is not just for the benefit of those we serve, it is a tool that teaches us how to become like the Savior, to love as He loves, and serve as He served. It is about making connection with those around us.
“What does ministering look like?” Sister Bingham asked. Ministering looks like going for a walk, getting together for a game night, offering service, serving together, visiting (in person, by phone, online, or via text), delivering a birthday card, and cheering at a soccer game, she said. “It looks like sharing a scripture or quote from a conference talk that would be meaningful to that individual. It looks like discussing a gospel question and sharing testimony to bring clarity and peace. It looks like becoming part of someone’s life and caring about him or her.”
Ministering to Replace Home and Visiting Teaching
Contributed by Camille West, ChurchofJesusChrist.org Church News
This week consider getting out of the boat and starting a “Lord’s List” to help those who are perishing around you.