This is what you lack

Last week I posted my latest call to adopt a personal ministry.  And then Conference happened.  And I love how everything seems to be coming together.

General Conference is always a time for reflection and seeking the Spirit to provide guidance and direction.  I love how I can and do get personalized revelation from those appointed to speak in the name of the Lord.

This past Conference was no exception.  Multiple addresses fit that bill.  But in considering which one to adopt for the subject of my post today, I find myself drawn to Elder Larry R. Lawrence’s address entitled “What Lack I Yet?”

Why this one more than others?  I don’t know everything, but I’m sure part of the reason lies in how well it matches what’s in my upcoming book and already on this blog.

A personal ministry provides vision

So many LDS singles are looking for “the answer” — that one solution that will solve all their problems and lead them blissfully to marriage.  I can’t tell you how many times over the years I’ve wished for that myself.  That is, until I learned how things really are.

Mortal life is part of a more eternal journey.  Part of navigating that journey correctly means confronting and overcoming challenges.  Many Latter-day Saints have the huge challenge of being single in a family-oriented culture.

It’s natural to want “the answer” that can quickly resolve our difficulties.  But when we make looking for that “answer” a habit, we very easily find ourselves distracted from the higher vision that can guide us safely to our heavenly home.

That’s why I’ve been encouraging singles everywhere to adopt a personal ministry.  A personal ministry can help us keep that vision we need in our mortal journey, especially when the trials and pains of LDS singles life become especially difficult to bear.

---

Partnering with the Lord reveals the next step

Part of successfully maintaining a personal ministry is partnering with the Lord, seeking His guidance and counsel for the steps in our journey.  And that’s why I love Elder Lawrence’s address so much!  He showed direct application of that principle in daily life.

I love this gem that appeared early in Elder Lawrence’s address:

The journey of discipleship is not an easy one. It has been called a "course of steady improvement." As we travel along that strait and narrow path, the Spirit continually challenges us to be better and to climb higher. The Holy Ghost makes an ideal traveling companion. If we are humble and teachable, He will take us by the hand and lead us home.

However, we need to ask the Lord for directions along the way. We have to ask some difficult questions, like "What do I need to change?" "How can I improve?" "What weakness needs strengthening?"

This is the essence of partnering with the Lord.  Practicing that improves the quality of life exponentially.  And when you couple that practice with fulfilling a personal ministry, the result is simply amazing!

Elder Lawrence then references the interchange the Savior had with the rich man who asked “What lack I yet?”  After that, he immediately provides examples of applying the act of partnering with the Lord to real life situations.

I knew a faithful mother who humbled herself and asked, "What is keeping me from progressing?" In her case, the response from the Spirit came immediately: "Stop complaining." This answer surprised her; she had never thought of herself as a complainer. However, the message from the Holy Ghost was very clear. In the days that followed, she became conscious of her habit of complaining. Grateful for the prompting to improve, she determined to count her blessings instead of her challenges. Within days, she felt the warm approval of the Spirit.

A humble young man who couldn't seem to find the right young woman went to the Lord for help: "What is keeping me from being the right man?" he asked. This answer came into his mind and heart: "Clean up your language." At that moment, he realized that several crude expressions had become part of his vocabulary, and he committed to change.

A single sister bravely asked the question: "What do I need to change?" and the Spirit whispered to her, "Don't interrupt people when they are talking." The Holy Ghost really does give customized counsel. He is a completely honest companion and will tell us things that no one else knows or has the courage to say.

One returned missionary found himself stressed with a very heavy schedule. He was trying to find time for work, studies, family, and a Church calling. He asked the Lord for counsel: "How can I feel at peace with all that I need to do?" The answer was not what he expected; he received the impression that he should more carefully observe the Sabbath day and keep it holy. He decided to dedicate Sunday to God's service-to lay aside his school courses on that day and study the gospel instead. This small adjustment brought the peace and balance that he was seeking.

Years ago I read in a Church magazine the story of a girl who was living away from home and going to college. She was behind in her classes, her social life was not what she had hoped for, and she was generally unhappy. Finally one day she fell to her knees and cried out, "What can I do to improve my life?" The Holy Ghost whispered, "Get up and clean your room." This prompting came as a complete surprise, but it was just the start she needed. After taking time to organize and put things in order, she felt the Spirit fill her room and lift her heart.

Am I the only one who noticed that of the five situations he shared four of them are about singles?  That’s 80%, peeps.  And not just singles struggling with life, but with marriage!  Partnering with the Lord helps you progress towards eternal marriage.

Yes!  Exactly what I say in my book and in posts all throughout this blog!  Marriage and family are a part of God’s plan for all His children.  You’re not single and stymied in your progression because God wants you to be.  You’re single and stymied because you’re not making the right choices.

When you still yourself and sensitize your heart and mind to the voice of the Spirit, God will let you know what next step you need to take to progress in your eternal journey.  By continually partnering with the Lord in your life, you will truly be able to sing the hymnal chorus:

---

The Lord is my light;
He is my joy and my song.
By day and by night he leads,
He leads me along. (Hymns, #89)

Let the Lord in

Elder Lawrence’s address was short — only 10 minutes long.  But oh, how sweet!  I don’t believe in one “answer” that can help singles everywhere confront the challenges of LDS singles life.  But this is probably as close as any of us are going to get.

If we successfully discover and take the next step, we’re ready to do the same with the next step.  By repeating that process for each step in our journey, we’ll one day arrive home.  And then it won’t matter what trials we suffered to get there.  In fact, I think many of us will look back at our afflictions and exclaim incredulously, “Was that really all I had to do to get here?”

If you’re not on this train by now, then quit hanging around the station.  You’re not alone, so why do it alone?  Let into your life He Who loves you so much He bleed from every pore and died for you.  Partner with the Lord for your life.  Adopt a personal ministry.  Reach out to Him for your next step. He’ll take your hand and with the gentle promptings of the Spirit lead you along.

---