The Lord's Way

Day thirty-six

It was so nice to sleep in this morning!  I need to do it more often.  I am ready to take on the day and all that it brings.  With such a positive attitude about the day, my prayer was focused on gratitude for the ability to see the blessings in my life, for people that love me so much, and for the positive spirit that is in my home.  All I asked for was for Him to keep doing what He's doing in my life.

This morning I am working on Article of Faith 5.

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.

While researching I came across a quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley:

"...There is no seeking for office, no jockeying for position, no campaigning to promote one’s virtues. Contrast the Lord’s way with the way of the world. The Lord’s way is quiet; it is a way of peace; it is without fanfare or monetary costs. It is without egotism or vanity or ambition...There is quiet and thoughtful deliberation. And there is much of prayer to receive the confirmation of the Holy Spirit that the choice is correct” (in Conference Report, Apr. 1994, 73; or Ensign, May 1994, 53 )

I was touched by this description of the Lord's way.  I went looking for scriptures to support this pattern.  Here are a few of my favorites:

The Lord's way is Quiet: "Be still, and know that I am God"  Psalm 46:10

a way of Peace: "But learn that he who doeth the works of  righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come" D&C 59:23

without Fanfare: "And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted." Matthew 23:12

without Monetary costs:  "He that trusteth in his riches shall fall" Proverbs 11:28

without Egotism: “none is acceptable before God, save the meek and lowly in heart.” Moroni 7:43-44

without Vanity:  "Lay aside the things of this world" D&C 25:10

without Ambition:  "When we try to gratify our vain ambition, the heavens withdraw" D&C 121:37

with Thoughtful deliberation:  "I reflected on it again and again" JS-H 1:12

much Prayer: "Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings" Alma 37:37

receive Confirmation: "The Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith" D&C 42:14

For me this pattern has become more than the Lord's way to fill a position in the Church, it is a way to run my home.  To bring quiet, peace, selflessness, prayer, deep thoughts, and the Spirit into my home would be amazing. The environment in my home is not bad, but imagine the invitation to the Spirit that would come from running your home by this pattern. If every member in my family were to seek the Lord's way and forsake the world's way the blessings would be unbelievable and innumerable.

I'm not sure why I didn't see this pattern before, probably because I have never really studied the scriptures or the Articles of Faith like this.  Taking the time to really understand how the doctrine found in these words relates to me and my life has been a real blessing.  I hope you find the Lord's way to be a blessing in your life too!