Primary 128 - Pricked or Cut
The Holy Ghost can touch us in one of two ways. Either we are pricked to do good or cut by the good word. The Greeks have a word for this. Hodos means "In the way". Is the Savior in the way of our success or are we doing things "In the Savior's way seeking His success?"
The role of a disciple. When the church has grown we have been given responsibilities callings and keys according to our ability and spiritual potential. We should be eagerly engaged in the work we are called to do to lighten the load of those who are called to do more such as Bishops or Stake Presidents. Visiting the widowed and orphaned can be done by them but they ask many to be ministers to the many to bear the load.
Don't just see the vision but catch it. When you catch the vision, it has changed you to do more and be actively engaged in the Lord's work. Stephen and Phillip who were members of the seventy showed it in their actions.
Alma, Paul, Joseph, and Moses all saw a vision, but not just that, they caught the vision and didn't let go. With each man came a transformation. We endeavor to change like popcorn you place in the microwave. When it starts it's seeds oil and salt in a bag. Nasty! When it is changed it is desirable. Our lives are messy and lumpy. We have popped seeds, oil, and seasoning metaphorically that needs changing. Our road to Damascus for each of us is different.
A story about Brother Bingham's family talks about his grandfather. Gaylen became the changed nan.
A long time ago a rebel sought his way in the world. His father (Brother Bingham's great-grandfather) was a convert to the church but Gaylen, the son, was not converted. Well, he was young, strong, and smart. He rebuilt a motorcycle and went to hit the road forging his path. His Damascus experience came when he came to Salt Lake City and met a girl. She wanted to serve the Lord. He wanted the girl as his own. It changed him when she said she would only marry a missionary. Gaylen changed his course and sold the bike. He cleaned up his life and when his girlfriend came home, he was ready to serve and serve he did. When he came home Alaire was waiting for him. Gaylen caught the vision and it changed his life.
Said the prophet of today, ...
"I believe there is no greater call in the Church than to be an effective teacher. Effective teaching by the Spirit can stir the souls of men with a desire to live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ more completely.
In each teaching setting, whether it is a family home evening, a class, a sacrament meeting, or a general or stake conference, the teacher should strive to create a heartfelt desire in his students to live worthy of eternal life with our Heavenly Father.
Regarding the need for effective teaching in the Church, President Kimball gave this counsel: “Please take a particular interest in strengthening and improving the quality of teaching in the Church. … I fear at times that all too often many of our members come to church, sit through a class or meeting, and then return home having been largely uninformed. … We all need to be touched and nurtured by the Spirit, and effective teaching is one of the most important ways this can happen.” (Ensign, May 1981, p. 45.)
Also said President David O. McKay, “No greater responsibility can rest upon any man than to be a teacher of God’s children.” (In Conference Report, Oct. 1916, p. 57.)
Brothers and sisters, like the iron rod we exhort you to hold to catch the vision. Missionaries are encouraged to teach of Jesus and baptize by water and the Holy Ghost but you, our dear friends, we would want you to bear your testimony, pray often and encourage others to do the same. We will all go through Damascus and when we do, catch the vision to help others do the same.
Again we love you
Brother Quan and Bingham.
Challenges
1) Read Acts 6-9
2) Recall moments when the Spirit helped your testimony to grow or guided you or your family.
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