If you were asked to help pick the next apostle for this dispensation, what would they look like?
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
