Called with a Holy Calling

1. Called with a Holy Calling www.kevinhinckley.com

2. Ah, the world around us…

3. What We know we know…

4. Alma preaching to Ammonihah And again, my brethren, I would cite your minds forward to the time when the Lord God gave these commandments unto his children; and I would that ye should remember that the Lord God ordained priests, after his holy order, which was after the order of his Son, to teach these things unto the people. And this is the manner after which they were ordained— being called and prepared from the foundation of the world according to the foreknowledge of God, on account of their exceeding faith and good works; in the first place being left to choose good or evil; therefore they having chosen good, and exercising exceedingly great faith, are called with a holy calling, yea, with that holy calling which was prepared with… a preparatory redemption for such.

5. What we know we know… We lived with God before we came, in our premortal home We learned and grew in light and knowledge We did “good works” We sinned We were forgiven with a ‘preparatory redemption’ We were called and ordained with a ‘holy calling’ We covenanted with God to do certain things here We were warned of the consequences if we didn’t We endorsed the Plan of Happiness and fought against Satan’s rebellion We chose to come to Earth and have a veil drawn over our minds Being born into situations, on Earth, where we would have access to the Gospel, therefore, was not random nor an accident… If all this is true, and our hearts confirm that it is, Then, what difference should it make to us in our daily lives?

6. President Harold B. Lee "I fear there are many among us who because of their faithfulness in the spirit world were 'called' to do a great work here, but like reckless spendthrifts they are exercising their free agency in riotous living and are losing their birthright and the blessings that were theirs had they proved faithful to their calling.  Hence as the Lord has said, 'there are many called but few are chosen'." (Decisions For Successful Living, p169)

7. Joseph F. Smith But in coming here, we forget all, that our agency might be free indeed, to choose good or evil, that we might merit the reward of our own choice and conduct. But by the power of the Spirit, in the redemption of Christ through obedience, we often catch a spark from the awakened memories of the immortal soul, which lights up our whole being as with the glory of our former home. Gospel Doctrines, pp. 13–14

8. Orson F. Whitney And having these glorious promises made to us and these grand prospects before us, shall we stoop to do those things that are beneath us and beneath our dignity? Shall we be guilty of sin? Shall we do those little petty things that disfigure our character and make us ashamed of ourselves in the presence of our fellows, and how much more in the presence of our God and of the holy angels which surround His throne? … You [must] say to yourself: Oh, weak as I am, faulty as my character may be, imperfect as I am, I pray God to bear with me; I pray God not to take away from me the promise of celestial glory; help me, O God, to contend with the weaknesses of my nature; help me to keep Thy commandments day by day, that I may be worthy to receive the fulfillment of the promises which Thou hast made unto me! George Q. Cannon, April 27th, 1890," in Collected Discourses 1886-1898, vol. 2.

9. Interesting phrase And thus being called by this holy calling, and ordained unto the high priesthood of the holy order of God, to teach his commandments unto the children of men, that they also might enter into his rest—. What does it mean to enter into his rest?

10. D&C 84:19-25 Now this Moses plainly taught to the children of Israel in the wilderness, and sought diligently to sanctify his people that they might behold the face of God; But they hardened their hearts and could not endure his presence; therefore, the Lord in his wrath, for his anger was kindled against them, swore that they should not enter into his rest while in the wilderness, which rest is the fulness of his glory. Therefore, he took Moses out of their midst, and the Holy Priesthood also. (D&C 84:19-25;

11. So, could that mean… Gloried And on the seventh day, He rested. Could we then call the Sabbath Day a day of Glory? To Rest, is to cease our other labors so we can glory in Him!

12. Bruce R. McConkieThe Pearl (From the Book of Thomas) This is an allegory of a king's son who is required to leave his father's kingdom, where he enjoyed great wealth, to obtain a pearl. The pearl, quite obviously, is a symbol of his own soul. His parents see that he is properly provisioned for his journey. Before leaving their presence he is required to surrender his splendid robe. This robe, or garment of light, we are told, had been woven to the measure of his stature. He also enters into a covenant with them to obtain the pearl and return that he might once again enjoy their presence and wear his splendid robe. The covenant is written upon his heart. Though the way is hazardous and difficult, an intimate friend referred to as "an (anointed one)" warns him of the dangers that beset him. Notwithstanding all this he soon forgets his identity as a king's son and his mission to obtain the pearl. At this point a council is held; it is attended by his father, his mother, his brother (the crown prince), and many other great and mighty ones. They determine to send him a letter imploring him to awake and remember who he is and what king he serves. He is encouraged to remember his splendid robe and to so conduct himself that his name might be written in the book of heroes, and that with his brother he may be an heir to his father's kingdom. Thus reminded, he commences again his efforts to obtain the pearl, which he must wrestle from a terrible serpent. This he is able to do only by naming his father's name, that of his brother, and that of his mother. Having obtained the pearl he flees Egypt, sheds his dirty and unclean garments, and is further guided by the letter. At this point he is greeted by messengers from his parents, who clothe him once more in his royal robe, and he returns as an heir to his father's kingdom.