The Weak and the Simple of the Church

Last Sunday Jordan and I got the privilege to speak in Sacrament meeting. I would like to share with you my talk.

Elder Marvin J Ashton stated in a 1973 General Conference…

“I am certain our Heavenly Father is displeased when we refer to ourselves as ‘nobody.’…We do ourselves a great injustice when we allow ourselves, through tragedy, misfortune, challenge, discouragement, or whatever the earthly situation, to so identify ourselves. No matter how or where we find ourselves, we cannot with any justification label ourselves ‘nobody.’ As children of God we are somebody”

President Boyd K Packer in a recent conference address observed…
There is another principle unique to the Lord’s Church. All positions to teach and to lead are filled by members of the Church. This too has been set forth in the scriptures. One verse in the Doctrine and Covenants established the order of leadership in the Church for all time.
“Wherefore, I the Lord, knowing the calamity which should come upon the inhabitants of the earth, called upon my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., and spake unto him from heaven, and gave him commandments; . . .
“The weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, . . .
“ . . . That every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world;
“That faith also might increase in the earth;
“That mine everlasting covenant might be established;

From D&C section 1:23 & 24 we learn, “That the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers.
“Behold, I am God and have spoken it; these commandments are of me, and were given unto my servants in their weakness, after the manner of their language, that they might come to understanding”
I personally am very grateful for those scriptures, which explain that the Lord will use the “weak things of the world.”

Each member is responsible to accept the call to serve.

Elder Henry B Eyring stated
And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."2
That explanation helps us understand why we face trials in life. They give us the opportunity to prove ourselves faithful to God. So many things beat upon us in a lifetime that simply enduring may seem almost beyond us. That's what the words in the scripture "Ye must . . . endure to the end"3 seemed to mean to me when I first read them. It sounded grim, like sitting still and holding on to the arms of the chair while Brother Cress pulled out my tooth.
It can surely seem that way to a family depending on crops when there is no rain. They may wonder, "How long can we hold on?" It can seem that way to a youth faced with resisting the rising flood of filth and temptation. It can seem that way to a young man struggling to get the training he needs for a job to support a wife and family. It can seem that way to a person who can't find a job or who has lost job after job as businesses close their doors. It can seem that way to a person faced with the erosion of health and physical strength which may come early or late in life for them or for those they love.

I have an Uncle who has served in the Stake presidency in Jerome. Almost 3 years ago he had stroke that left him partially paralyzed and his ability to speak has been a very difficult challenge.
His lifetime dream was to serve a mission with his wife. Three years ago that dream seemed to be shattered. How would my uncle be able to serve a full time mission if he can’t speak, or still needs some help getting around the house? My parents were called this past year to serve Salt Lake City Temple Square mission. My uncle and aunt supported my parents but were sad because they couldn’t fulfill their dream.
Due to their faith they will be able to speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world On December 5, 2008 , less than 2 weeks from today, my uncle and aunt will be serving a full time mission. They have been called to Salt Lake City Family History mission. I truly believe that the weak things of the world shall come forth and break down the mighty and strong ones, . . .
But the test a loving God has set before us is not to see if we can endure difficulty. It is to see if we can endure it well. We pass the test by showing that we remembered Him and the commandments He gave us. And to endure well is to keep those commandments whatever the opposition, whatever the temptation, and whatever the tumult around us. We have that clear understanding because the restored gospel makes the plan of happiness so plain.

In closing may I share with you a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley he said it this way: “You can be a leader. You must be a leader…in those causes for which the Church stands. …The adversary of all truth would put into your heart a reluctance to make an effort. Cast that fear aside and be a valiant in the cause of truth and righteousness”

And so the church moves on. It is carried upon the shoulders of worthy members living ordinary lives among ordinary families, guided by the Holy Ghost and the Light of Christ, which is in them!