"Fishers of Men"

Today I spoke in my sacrament meeting, part of the worship services held each Sunday for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I've posted several church-related things before, but have not taken the opportunity to tell the world that 

I'm a Mormon!

I hope to begin using this blog to share more about my religion soon. If you would like to know more information about what I believe, these resources are a great start:

Mormon.org

LDS Church Homepage

The topic of our meeting today was missionary work - sharing the good news of Christ with others.

I've got a whole lot of room for improvement.

I centered my message around this beautiful story from the Bible:

 Matthew 4:18-22

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers.

19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

20 And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

 

I also referred to a talk by Marvin J. Ashton titled

Straightway

One of my favorite quotes he shared called me to action when applied to my own efforts to share the gospel:

"Straightway is a power word.  Straightway is an action word. It means immediately, without delay or hesitation. It means at once. Also, it is associated with having no curve or turn - a straight course, track, or path.  Procrastination would be the very opposite of straightway. To procrastinate is to put off intentionally and habitually something that should be done.  Procrastination is unproductive delay."

To me, being a "fisher of men" means that I am actively participating in God's work and glory, which is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children (Moses 1:39).  It means I am doing my part to fulfill the mission of the church by preaching the gospel (through my words and actions), strengthening the saints (including myself), and redeeming the dead (especially my own family members who have gone before). It means I am striving to listen for and act on guidance from the Spirit to know how to best spend my time, talents, and resources in building the kingdom.

It means I am keeping my baptismal and temple covenants.

It means I am accepting the invitation to  
follow Christ.


What "nets" am I investing my precious time on earth trying to fill and mend? Are they worth it? Am I caught in knots of busyness or laziness? Am I getting tangled up in anxiety, fear, and insecurity? Do I have the faith to leave my worldly cares, trusting that God will magnify my efforts as I make building his kingdom my first priority?

I know Jesus Christ lives!  It is through him that all things are possible.  As I continue coming to know him as my personal savior and friend, that relationship will naturally result in an increased desire to share his light and love with those around me.  God, my Heavenly Father, has blessed me with a unique combination of gifts, talents, and characteristics that will allow me to connect with others and share the gospel with those in my sphere of influence.  He has a grand plan that involves each of his children and will place me where my service is most needed.  My responsibility is to follow the Spirit and trust that God's will is best for my eternal happiness.   

For of him unto whom much is given much is required...
Doctrine and Covenants 82:3