Be Not Troubled by Ronald A. Rasband

Author:Ronald A. Rasband
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Deseret Book Company
Published: 2020-11-02T20:12:14+00:00

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1. The original painting was created by Christen Dalsgaard in 1856. The painting in my office is a copy created by Arnold Friberg in 1964.

5

Become an Instrument in the Lord’s Hands

The Lord draws us to Him not just to heal us but to help us become more like Him. The Book of Mormon is filled with examples of disciples who grew in spirituality and faith because they were instruments in His hands to further the plan of salvation.

President Thomas S. Monson, who called me to the holy apostleship in 2015, and who is remembered for encouraging us to reach out and rescue others, said: “We are surrounded by those in need of our attention, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our kindness—be they family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. We are the Lord’s hands here upon the earth, with the mandate to serve and to lift His children. He is dependent upon each of us. . . .

“‘. . . Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these . . . , ye have done it unto me’ [Matthew 25:40]” (“What Have I Done for Someone Today?” Ensign, Nov. 2009).

Will we respond with love when an opportunity is before us to make a visit or a phone call, write a note, or spend a day meeting the needs of someone else? Or will we be like the young man who attested to following all of God’s commandments: “All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matthew 19:20–21).

The young man was being called to a greater service at the side of the Lord to do the work of the kingdom of God on earth, yet he turned away, “for he had great possessions” (Matthew 19:22).

What of our earthly possessions? For various reasons, they can be lost in just minutes. It is so important for each of us to strive to lay up our spiritual treasures in heaven—using our time, talents, and agency in service to God.

Jesus Christ continues to extend the call, “Come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21). He walked His homeland with His followers in a selfless manner. He continues to walk with us, stand by us, and lead us. To follow His perfect example is to recognize and honor the Savior, who has borne all of our burdens through His sacred and saving Atonement, the ultimate act of service. What He asks of each one of us is to be able and willing to take up the joyful “burden” of discipleship.

As members of the Church, we each have the sacred responsibility to “lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).

How grateful the Lord is for each and every one of us, for the countless hours and acts of service, whether large or small, we so generously and graciously give each day.

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