For the Strength of Youth: Lesson 176
Accepting and Fulfilling Callings
Serving Like the Savior
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Your friend Alain is about to meet with a member of the bishopric. The bishopric member asked Alain to meet to discuss a calling he would like Alain to consider. As Alain prepares to leave for the meeting, he says, “I’m so nervous. I’ve never had a calling before. I don’t really know what to expect.”
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What emotions might Alain feel? Why?
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How would you respond to Alain?
As you study this lesson, seek direction from the Lord to learn and feel what will best help you accept and serve in callings.
Lesson Purpose: To help you serve like the Savior in your callings.
Learn How
Why we accept and fulfill callings
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught one of the reasons we accept and fulfill callings:
In the Savior’s work, it is often by small and simple means that “great things [are] brought to pass” [Alma 37:6].
We know that it requires repetitive practice to become good at anything. Whether it’s playing the clarinet, kicking a ball into a net, repairing a car, or even flying an airplane, it is through practicing that we may become better and better.
The organization our Savior created on earth—The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—helps us to do just that. It offers a place to practice living the way He taught and blessing others the way He did.
As Church members, we are given callings, responsibilities, and opportunities to reach out in compassion and minister to others. (“Believe, Love, Do,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 48)
callings, small and simple
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles helps us understand that Church callings are an opportunity to bless and serve others like the Savior did.
Serving like the Savior
Review the lyrics to the song “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus” (Children’s Songbook, 78). Think about how the lyrics to the song can help you serve like the Savior.
Study one or more of the examples in the activities below. Ponder how these activities could help you accept and fulfill callings in the Savior’s Church.
Option A
If you feel nervous or do not feel qualified for a calling
Throughout our lives, we will have opportunities to serve in various callings extended to us. We may feel nervous or reluctant. Studying the Savior’s example can help.
Read Moses 4:2 to see how Jesus Christ responded to His role in the plan of salvation to redeem mankind.
Make a note next to Moses 4:2 answering the following:
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How can you follow the Savior’s example when a calling is extended to you?
At times, we may have concerns that we are not qualified or able to fulfill the calling. Read the following statement by President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018):
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. (“Duty Calls,” Ensign, May 1996, 44)
When invited to accept a calling, it is appropriate to ask the person extending the calling any questions you have and share any concerns you have about fulfilling the calling. Counsel together with them, inviting the guidance of the Lord. If possible, seek to accept the call like the Savior did, trusting the Lord will help you.
Option B
If you worry that you might not make a difference
One of the ways you can make a difference in callings is by simply trying to love others like the Savior would.
Read the following story from Sister Carol F. McConkie, former First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, looking for an example of serving others with Christlike love:
When I was 14, … my family moved across the United States and became members of a new ward. I do not remember who served in the … class presidency, but I clearly remember that the young women were particularly kind to me. They sincerely embraced a scared and scrawny new girl as a long-lost friend and made me feel welcome. …
Their examples of loving-kindness did more to secure me to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at that time than any talk or lesson could have done. In their love and Christlike light, they were the message of the gospel of Christ, and they were the ones to lead and guide me into His fold. (“Teaching Youth How to Lead in the Savior’s Way,” Ensign or Liahona, Oct. 2015, 84)
In your notebook, record how the Savior has been an example of loving those He served.
Now What?
President Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:
God is in the people business. His work and His glory is to save individuals and families. So I think we, too, start with the people. Then, when we’ve got our arms around each other and we have a gospel bond, when we see the image of the Savior out ahead of us, then we can tackle the world. (“Leading as the Savior Would Lead,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Reflect on your experiences with those who have served you in their callings. When has someone served you like the Savior would? What effect did it have on you?
Send a note or message thanking the person who has served like the Savior. You might share how their service has impacted you.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you serve like the Savior in your callings.
Share the following with your teacher or class:
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What you learned from this lesson that could help you be willing to accept and serve like the Savior in callings.