I remember as my roommates and I got moved into our Freshman dorms at BYU, our new Bishopric emailed out a “get-to-know-you” survey to everyone.
I’m sure that Bishopric was overwhelmed with having to meet 180 18-19 year olds all at the same time, and issue callings as quickly as possible.
Of course, one of the questions was:
Do you play the piano?
I remember talking to a friend who immediately said:
“There is NO way I’m admitting that I can play the piano. Because that would get me stuck with a piano calling!”
I laughed and totally empathized with her not wanting to play the piano for everything at church.
And… I was even tempted to fill it out untruthfully too.
But I also remembered the lessons my parents had taught me about sharing my talents with everything at church. They were great examples of sharing their strengths with their ward.
I filled out the survey, saying that I did play the piano.
The Lord was talking to many of the men who had traveled to Missouri in D&C 60:2, he said that:
“But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man.”
These men were hiding their talents because of the fear of men!
I’ve learned that anything fear-based is not coming from God.
If I’m afraid of people judging me, or comparing me, or if I’m afraid of getting a certain calling, or if I’m afraid of being asked to volunteer in some way…
That doesn’t feel generous and loving to me.
It probably means that I have some jealousy to work on.
In fact, this makes me think of what I shared about the Law of Consecration a couple of weeks ago.
ALL of my talents and gifts come from God anyways.
Anything that I do to increase my talents and gifts, whether it’s a musical gift, or it’s just opening my mouth and talking about the gospel…
Anything that I can do to increase any gift, is showing gratitude to the Lord anyways.
Gratitude is the key.
When I’m filled with gratitude, then I don’t have any fear.
I want to be so ridiculously generous with my time and all of my talents, because I want the Lord to know I would give it all back to Him!
No fear. Only gratitude.
Happy Studying!
-Cali Black
2 Responses
“Ridiculously generous.” I’ve always felt this way to much complaints from my family. If I’m asked to do something, I prefer to go the extra mile!
Yes, yes! Going the extra mile! <3