Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then of the First Presidency said in April 2017 Conference: “We accept callings with grace, humility, and gratitude. When we are released from these callings, we accept the change with the same grace, humility, and gratitude.

In the eyes of God, there is no calling in the kingdom that is more important than another. Our service—whether great or small—refines our spirits, opens the windows of heaven, and releases God’s blessings not only upon those we serve but upon us as well. When we reach out to others, we can know with humble confidence that God acknowledges our service with approval and approbation. He smiles upon us as we offer these heartfelt acts of compassion, especially acts that are unseen and unnoticed by others

Callings as Opportunities for Service

As Saints of the Most High God, we are to “remember in all things the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple.”⁷Opportunities to go about doing good and to serve others are limitless. We can find them in our communities, in our wards and branches, and certainly in our homes.

In addition, every member of the Church is given specific formal opportunities to serve. We refer to these opportunities as “callings”—a term that should remind us of who it is that calls us to serve. If we approach our callings as opportunities to serve God and minister to others with faith and humility, every act of service will be a step on the path of discipleship. In this way, God not only builds up His Church but also builds up His servants. The Church is designed to help us become true and faithful disciples of Christ, good and noble sons and daughters of God. This happens not just when we go to meetings and listen to talks but also when we get outside ourselves and serve. This is how we become “great” in the kingdom of God.

We accept callings with grace, humility, and gratitude. When we are released from these callings, we accept the change with the same grace, humility, and gratitude.

In the eyes of God, there is no calling in the kingdom that is more important than another. Our service—whether great or small—refines our spirits, opens the windows of heaven, and releases God’s blessings not only upon those we serve but upon us as well. When we reach out to others, we can know with humble confidence that God acknowledges our service with approval and approbation. He smiles upon us as we offer these heartfelt acts of compassion, especially acts that are unseen and unnoticed by others.⁸

Each time we give of ourselves to others, we take a step closer to becoming good and true disciples of the One who gave His all for us: our Savior.

Doing Discipleship Right

Sometimes, like the Sons of Thunder, we desire positions of prominence. We strive for recognition. We seek to lead and to make a memorable contribution.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to serve the Lord, but when we seek to gain influence in the Church for our own sake—in order to receive the praise and admiration of men—we have our reward. When we “inhale” the praise of others, that praise will be our compensation.

What is the most important calling in the Church? It is the one you currently have. No matter how humble or prominent it may seem to be, the calling you have right now is the one that will allow you not only to lift others but also to become the man of God you were created to be.

My dear friends and brethren in the priesthood, lift where you stand!

Paul taught the Philippians, “Instead of being motivated by selfish ambition or vanity, each of you should, in humility, be moved to treat one another as more important than yourself.”¹⁰

Serving with Honor

Seeking honor and celebrity in the Church at the expense of true and humble service toward others is the trade of Esau.¹¹ We may receive an earthly reward, but it comes at great cost—the loss of heavenly approbation.

Let us follow the example of our Savior, who was meek and lowly, who sought not the praise of men but to do the will of His Father.¹² 

1. See Mark 3:17.
2. See Luke 9:54.
3. See Mark 10:3540, New International Version (2011) and King James Version.
4. See Mark 10:42–44.
5. See Matthew 6:4.
6. See John E. Lewis, “The Gospel and a Sense of Humor, Too,” Ensign, June 1974, 24.
7. Doctrine and Covenants 52:40.
8. See Matthew 6:1–2.
9. Matthew 23:11.
10. Philippians 2:3, New English Translation (2005).
11. See Genesis 25:33.
12. See John 5:41; 6:38.
13. See Matthew 25:31–46.

(I have been working with a new format from wordpress. This morning, just as I was about to post, I Lost 80%+ of my original content. It will take me a few posts / days to learn it. Meanwhile I have other things that need my attention. k)