Letters From The Past

STEWARDSHIP INTERVIEWS

Brethren , we as the Elders Quorum would like to express to you , our Brethren the deep sorrow that we feel as these interviews are not being done . To often , I feel as though the idea of having to stay after Church on Sunday is not appealing to most of us, and seems rather burdensome . It is my Prayer that you will examine a few points of Doctrine with us as well as a testimony or two on the importance of these stewardship interviews . Before we get into that though , understand that , this Quorum or Priesthood does not belong to this Presidency , but to you . We have been called to help in the Lords work not dictate it to you , It is not our intention to force you to do anything you don't want to do , But it is our responsibility to guide and direct you in the way the Lord would have His work preformed . So before we go on , let us be ever mindful that this work is not just expected of you , it is required by (OUR) Heavenly Father , who has set up this work the way He sees fit.
Doctrine and Covenants Section 72 : 3-4 "And verily in this thing ye have done wisely, for it is required of the Lord, at the hand of every steward to render an account of his stewardship in both time and eternity.4 For he who is faithful and wise in time is accounted worthy to inherit the mansions prepared for him of my Father" I feel as though this truly testifies of the importance of this work. We as Home-teachers , are we not stewards over those families we teach? Is it not our duty to report our findings in those families homes back to our district leader? Shouldn't the Leaders of the Church know of the welfare of those Members whom we visit? Doctrine and Covenants Section 51 : 19 " And whoso is found a faithful, a just, and a wise steward shall enter into the joy of his Lord, and shall inherit eternal life." Sounds like a great Promise to me !
The work of the Lord was never explained as easy or slothful , it requires devotion and love . Sacrifices seem so astronomical to those of us that view our beliefs as a religion. I am here to tell you that being a Member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , is not a religion , But more so a way of life . We have a huge amount of responsibilities, that most so called Christians can't even fathom , not because we simply feel like placing callings or responsibilities upon one another so that we have a task to do ,but because in this "Life Style" we all have chose to live, We are required to carry the Responsibilities of leading ever possible soul back unto Christ , and not just for Sunday but for all eternity. So let me ask , are the sacrifices we make to do the work and will of our Heavenly Father , are they as large as a Sacrifice as the Atonement of Christ? Are we being asked to lay down our lives for all man kind or are we being overzealous in our thoughts on our own responsibilities, thinking perhaps that we already do enough.
Brethren , please understand that it is not our intent to chastise you for your absenteeism to your Stewardship Interviews or lack of Home-Teaching , But rather our Duty to God . We have been told that "My house is a house of order" , I know for myself....I don't want to be the one not do the will of the Father when it comes time for Judgment. If the work , His work requires me to sacrifice some time, and I feel I could be doing something else then I believe I need to do some repenting.
Our Heavenly Father gave Adam , Our earthly Father Stewardship over all things ! Could you imagine if Adam would have decided to do something else besides report back to Our Father in Heaven and tend to the needs of His people.
Our stewardship interviews are an obligation of bearing His Priesthood. We took that responsibility upon us when we were ordained. It is our duty to render an account of our stewardship that we have because we hold the Priesthood of God. 'Return and report' is an essential and eternal principle...think of what we learn about the order of the Priesthood in the Holy Temple. Every Priesthood holder returns and reports his actions; and this applies to us as well, for we hold that same Priesthood.

The Elders Quorum Presidency
President Jason M. Calton
1st Counselor Matthew G. Richmond
2nd Counselor Jim L. Pratt