Filling Callings or Callings That Fulfill?
Did I document this experience... I cannot remember, but do excuse me if I repeat myself. I was going to put this in the Commune with the Saints Thread, but then thought I would be more specific here.
First, I am not complaining about those who lead the Church. At this present time I have kept myself so aloof from the 'burecacy' that goes on locally that it does not bother me either way what they do as my mission is now to save my family and bring wellness for my son.
I remember this mostly because it happens each Sunday. At Church I am usually with Jonah walking around as he cannot stay still, but I stay within the sacrament room. At the back of the room is a very hyper (I believe he has ADHD) Elders Quorum President who pulls out papers, talks loud, moves around, moves chairs and tries to get home teaching figures from me while sacrament meeting is going on. Now what is the most crazy about this is that I know everyone needs a calling, but why would you give someone who cannot control themselves things like that to do? Aren't we to lead by example? Aren't we to choose people who can lead by example or should anyone be chosen? I do believe everyone needs a calling, but I do not believe everyone is meant to lead. I also believe that when someone holds such a position of authority they should be in check. This is something I think is mostly unique to the Church locally.
Here is another... If there was a lot of suspicion about a person being overly friendly with children and although you have no firm proof would you give that person a calling in Primary? This is the extent of the nonsense I am talking about. Callings given just for the sake of giving them and then real inspiration is two different things.
This is entirely my personal opinion and feelings.
I don't believe EVERY SINGLE member of the Church has been called by Inspiration, a lot of times is out of desperation and the constant need to fill callings for the sake of filling them.
I know that it goes on, that inspiration may not be a part of calling someone to a position, but as LDS_Forever said it is desperation to fill a void. It's unfortunate in a lot of cases, but I do believe that in some rare cases it actually works out. (Perhaps in those cases it actually *is* inspiration? Or maybe the calling changes a person... )
Rather off topic, but... Honestly, JB, I do think Trini is a special circumstance in this regard. |
The Brethren claim that these men are called by inspiration and they will not lead you astray, yet I have been the witness where many of them have by directly teaching opposing doctrines through their actions and speech. There is a Thread somewhere in these Boards where I mentioned that there should be some sore of check or qualifying for certain key positions other than an interview. Just consider this... if the person who is extending the call is not inspired what does it say about the person receiving the calling.
Name: Yates
Country:
Comments: For me there are callings that are probably inspired and others that are just given to fulfill a need. Either way they are an opportunity to give service but care should be given in not over burdening the person receiving the call. Some people feel obligated but really they cannot handle it maybe because of finances, problems at home, etc.
I have learned that few actually have been chosen and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost; which requires Baptism of Fire, until then you only have a manifestation of the spirit; they only have the Gift of the Spirit, training wheels if you will, to prepare you for your Baptism of Fire and companionship of the Holy Ghost. We were actually discussing that fact in our GD class at church not long ago; I was almost shocked.
The comment I have always heard in Church from leaders, is we have callings, to learn new skills and to learn to seek God; leaders have callings to learn humility, charity and how to serve.
It seems to serves as excuses for failures on the part of most of us, including our leaders; an excuse for our lack of the signs and fruits of the Spirit.
One thing that was always taught decades ago, that is not so expressed today; we have the right, the responsibility and the duty to verify everything by the Spirit, even all of our leaders, including the Prophet /president orb the Church.
Everything hinges on each of us having the Spirit; with it, no eventual Zion.