When your bishop extends a call to serve in the ward and you accept it, how do you respond to his invitation to magnify your calling?

Do you half-heartedly say “yes” then along the way, you become like the steam from a bowl of hot rice, slowly vanishing into thin air?

Are you like a bubble that suddenly disappears? Do you shy away or avoid some tasks that may be inconvenient or unpleasant to you?

Or do you willingly give all your time, talent and effort to fulfill the calling the Lord has entrusted to you?

Jesus told a parable of two sons.

“A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.”

“He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.”

“And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.”

“Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first…” (Matthew 21:28)

MAGNIFY

As I put binoculars to my eyes and focus on a certain object from afar, I begin to see things that are way too distant and too small to view normally, in a closer and larger image. When you magnify your vision, you get a better picture on what lies ahead.

As President Gordon B. Hinckley interpreted it, to magnify is “to enlarge, to make more clear, to bring closer, and to strengthen.”

Accepting the call to serve in the church, whether as a ward missionary, Sunday school teacher or auxiliary leader, means that we commit to fulfill the duties and responsibilities that go along with it without any reservation.

HOW TO MAGNIFY YOUR CALLING

 1. Know your calling.

In Doctrine and Covenants 107: 99, it says, “Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.

Once your bishop has extended you a calling, he then explains or gives you an overview of what your main calling is about.

You may refer to the Church Handbook of Instructions as guide and other online resources to help you know fully your duties and responsibilities.

Moreover, you may seek help from leaders or the person who previously held that calling for some advice on how you can better magnify your calling.

2. Do it.

President Thomas S. Monson asks, “How does one magnify a calling?” He said, “Simply by performing the service that pertains to it.”

It won’t be easy at first. It’s normal to feel that you’re inadequate but never be overshadowed by your inadequacy. Pray for strength to overcome your shortcomings and just do it.

Remember this work is not yours and mine alone. It’s His. President Monson promised, “When we are on the Lord’s errand, we are entitled to the Lord’s help. Remember that whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies.”

3. Give your 100% effort.

There will be times when you don’t know what to do or how to do it. And that’s okay! Don’t expect perfection in all things you do. The Lord will send people in your midst to help guide you.

Part of your calling will involve attending your weekly meetings. Strive to be present always in those meetings so you can better prepare, plan and determine ways and means to help others.

You only need to “serve Him with all your heart, might, mind and strength.” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:2) Just give your 100% effort and the Lord will add his power to your efforts multiplied by many times.

4. Stay worthy.

Most importantly, stay worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. God has promised that He will send the Holy Ghost as our constant guide.

Elder Henry B. Eyring adds, “The Lord will guide you by revelation just as He called you. You must ask in faith for revelation to know what you are to do.”

BLESSINGS FROM MAGNIFYING YOUR CALL

Since I accepted the call to teach in the Elders Quorum, I have felt blessed. Each time I prepare my lesson, I can always feel the Holy Ghost confirm to me the words I’ve read are true. My testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is strengthened even more as I apply the principles in my life.

It’s also a blessing to me to see how others have changed their lives and how the Holy Ghost has moved them as I magnify my calling.

Yes it does require a lot of patience, diligence and commitment, but as Latter-Day Saints, our willingness to serve the Lord reflects the love we have for Him. We serve Him by serving others because we love Him.