I was a grouch

I remember the moment I realized that fulfilling my calling…

Wasn’t making me a more Christlike person at all.

I had a really poor attitude about this particular calling.

I mean, I actually performed my duties very well.

I was on the ball.

I probably looked like I was “fulfilling my calling” perfectly from the outside.

But on the inside?

I felt resentful, annoyed, and prideful.

Months went by.

At our next stake conference, someone gave a simple talk about serving with “real intent” in our hearts.

Mormon actually summed up this lesson when he said, “. . . except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.” (Moroni 7:6)

As I listened to this random talk at a stake conference, I felt personally called out by the Spirit.

I knew that if I changed my attitude and tried to have real intent in my calling, I could be uplifted by it.

I worked really hard to have a change of heart.

My calling did not change—

In fact, I kept it for another year.

But it worked!

Slowly but surely, fulfilling my calling became a source of joy, connection, love, and overwhelming experiences with the Spirit.

It took hard work.

But switching from being resentful to trying to serve the Lord with “real intent” completely changed my outlook on service in the Church.

“When we recognize God’s hand in our calling and serve with all our hearts, additional power comes into our service, and we become true servants of Jesus Christ.” – Carl B. Cook

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black