What would their life experience be?

What would their family life or job or income or location be?

As Joseph, Oliver, and David were tasked with finding 12 men who could serve as official disciples of Jesus Christ in this new dispensation, the Lord gave them direction.

(Because WOW what an overwhelming task to be given… Where do you even start?!)

Here is the biggest qualification the Lord told them to look for when searching for an apostle:

“The Twelve are they who shall desire to take upon them my name with full purpose of heart”. – D&C 18:27

Full purpose of heart.

Totally willing.

Completely devoted to Jesus Christ with no other competing priorities.

That’s it.

When we look at our current members of the Quorum of the Twelve, we see lots of different job experiences, personalities, public speaking skills, family composition…

And honestly, the same with the original Twelve from Jesus’s time, too.

But despite all the differences, they are all perfectly willing to give it all to the Lord.

No “Ugh, I’m done with traveling. I just want to stay home and catch up on some shows I’m watching.”

No “I hate speaking, but I couldn’t avoid Pres. Nelson’s phone call asking me to preside here today.”

No “I worked really hard to get where I am in my career and I don’t want to give that up.”

No “I can’t wait until I’m released.”

Listen— I know these men aren’t perfect.

But I admire them SO MUCH for their willingness.

Their ability, not necessarily innate, but cultivated over a lifetime of choosing the Lord over selfish desires again and again, to show a soft, humble, and willing heart.

Their love for the Savior conquering all else.

What an example to me. To each of us.

To slowly, day by day, let my desire to take upon me the name of Jesus Christ fully consume all of my life choices and attitudes.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Lessons from the Twelve first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

It was at the tail-end of 2020 as churches were opening back up that I heard someone say this.

They were explaining how the pandemic made them realize they didn’t need the church as much as they thought.

The thing is— I get it!

This can be such a tempting thought to have and to entertain, especially when attending church feels like a big sacrifice or inconvenience.

I didn’t respond to the person at the time.

But I had many many thoughts fill my mind, most of them informed by beautiful conference talks throughout the years that have highlighted the need for a church.

Today I want to point to the scriptures for an answer.

The Lord didn’t just want “the gospel” restored to the church.

His plan, from the very beginning, was to restore the fullness of His gospel along with a church to administer it.

“For in them are all things written concerning the foundation of my church, my gospel, and my rock.” – D&C 18:4

Elder Renlund taught:

“The gospel is perfect, but a divinely commissioned church is required to preach it, maintain its purity, and administer its sacred ordinances with the Savior’s power and authority.”

Could you probably complain about “the church” if I asked you to?

It can be so tough to deal with other imperfect people, conflicting personalities, unrighteous dominion, strong differences of opinion, weaknesses, pride, and so much more.

But this is how the Lord wants us to do it.

He wants His perfect gospel administered through a church filled with very normal people.

And we have to learn how to soften our hearts and deal with (and maybe even like and love) each other.

Because HE deals with (and even likes and loves) each of us with our imperfections.

So if we want to be like Him, we can work on that, too.

The church isn’t an obstacle to the perfect gospel—

This is exactly how it’s all meant to work, and maybe we can learn some lessons from trying to embrace BOTH the perfect gospel and the divinely commissioned church.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Gospel vs. the Church  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

The first time I heard this question, it made my heart drop a bit.

I mean, I want my home filled with peace and love.

I want everyone to be kind.

I want smooth routines.

I want a clean kitchen before I go to bed. (Most of the time…)

But am I accidentally sending messages to my family members:

“You better not have any sins or weaknesses that rock the boat!”

Life is messy.

My kids need to be able to make mistakes.

My husband needs to be able to have a bad day.

I need to battle my weaknesses.

So, is my home a safe place for all this messiness?

Does everyone feel like they are allowed to change?

Is forgiveness modeled?

Is repentance openly embraced?

The Lord taught Oliver and David exactly what His perspective is:

“And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.” (D&C 18:12)

The Lord is joyful when He hears that we want to change!

He allows us to feel the consequences of our actions and learn from our mistakes, but He is ready to look forward.

So, am I creating an environment where I can model this exact approach to repentance and forgiveness in my home?

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Safe to change first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Whether it’s an EFY group, a Sunday School class, a youth group, or Primary kids…

I’ve had moments when I am filled with this powerful love and perspective.

They are so important.

Each of them.

Many times when I’ve had this experience, I’ve tried to tell the people in the room about it right then.

But words can’t really convey how I can tell the Lord feels about them.

My explanation feels clunky, but the love I can feel for them is real.

They are each so valued to our Heavenly Father.

But then…

I think about when I’ve had a leader stand up and say something similar—

That they feel great love for each of us in the room.

And for some reason, it’s a little harder to feel that same divine love coming from the other direction.

The Lord teaches us to “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” (D&C 18:10)

It can often be easier to understand that God loves the people around us than to truly feel His love for us individually.

Did you know that YOUR soul is great?

Did you know that many people likely have looked at you and felt that glimpse of God’s love for you?

Great people surround you.

But don’t ever forget that YOU, you yourself, are great, too.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post You are great!  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.