This morning I got on-line and read the Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching message. Below are a few quotes from it ....
FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE
Called of God and Sustained by the People
BY PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING
First Counselor in the First Presidency
Source: http://www.lds.org/liahona/2012/06/call ... e?lang=eng" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
"As members of the Church, we are invited often to sustain people in callings to serve."
"By our sustaining vote, we make solemn promises. We promise to pray for the Lord’s servants and that He will lead and strengthen them (see D&C 93:51). We pledge that we will look for and expect to feel inspiration from God in their counsel and whenever they act in their calling (see D&C 1:38)."
"As we raise a hand to sustain a person, we commit to work for whatever purpose of the Lord that person is called to accomplish. When our children were small, my wife was called to teach the little children in our ward. I not only raised my hand to sustain her, but I also prayed for her and then asked permission to help her. The lessons I received of appreciation for what women do and of the Lord’s love for children still bless my family and my life."
"Those who uphold the Lord’s servants in His kingdom will be sustained by His matchless power. We all need that blessing."
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This is a good lesson to teach. Looking back, I can remember the times when my Bishop sustained me on callings, and because the ward sustained him, they also sustained me. I also recall the times when I haven't been sustained by members in a calling and it went nowhere. There is nothing worse than having a calling, be inspired to act on it, then not being allowed to act by other members of the ward. Eventually the inspiration subsided, which was a relief. Sometimes I don't think we realize the damage we do to people when we only sustain them when they are called, and dont when they act on that calling. The message above, about praying for those who have a calling, is important not only for them, but for us.
