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The Worth of a Soul

I was reminded of a powerful truth a couple of Sundays ago. I was talking with my Mom about how The Lord doesn't call those who are qualified - He calls those who need that calling to learn and grow. Naturally, I thought of my mission. At one point I had a companion who didn't want to do the work. She was discouraged and frustrated. And as I focused on encouraging and strengthening her, I started to get frustrated with her. I felt myself getting upset that we were not tracting or teaching or baptizing like we should have been. I felt we were failing as missionaries because we were not bringing souls unto Christ. And I was confident that if this sisters attitude were different, we would be achieving those goals. I felt like I knew what we should be doing and how we should be doing it and yet I couldn't achieve it because my companion was holding me back. Sadly I admit, I felt it was her fault we weren't reaching our goals because she was turning the focus back on her when it should have been turned outward to the people and investigators around us.

While I recognize the pride in that attitude and have tried really hard to overcome it, I recently found myself in a similar situation with a leader and I started to feel some of that frustration creeping back into my heart. But as I talked with my Mom I realized what an amazing testimony this is of God's love for each of us individually. He didn't call my companion to serve and then get angry when she wasn't perfect at fulfilling that calling and when she didn't baptize 150 people that transfer. He understood when He called her that she needed to learn and grow. And He will take care of  those 150 people until they are found, taught and converted - even though it wasn't by me and my companion. And He was willing to do that because my companion needed to be saved and the hard things she learned on the mission were a critical piece in that salvation. And SHE was worth it to Him. Her soul was precious enough that He called her to serve instead of calling someone like Elder Holland to serve there in her stead - even though Elder Holland would have likely found 2,000 people to bring to Christ that transfer and we didn't bring any.

It isn't a numbers game to our Father in Heaven. He isn't interested in putting the person in a leadership role who will 'save' the greatest number of people. He is interested in calling the person who most needs to be saved - the person that leadership role may end up saving. Obviously this is not the doctrine of leadership and I don't mean to contradict that doctrine as it has been taught by Prophets and Apostles in any way. I was simply reminded of the profound truth that each person - individually - is truly of infinite worth to our Father in Heaven. And I am SO grateful for that truth! It certainly helps me to have greater patience with those who serve as leaders when I remember it.

Comments

Becky said…
I love this post. I've felt the same way at times, both on the mission and off. As much as I hope I've never been the one to hold back the work, truth is it's probably been me more times than I can count. It's so nice that the Lord takes everything into account. He can compensate for anyone's weaknesses (mine) and for those times when we perhaps don't feel weak, he can compensate for our pride. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You're wise beyond your years. :)
February 14, 2012 at 4:14 PM
Baby Sister said…
This is very beautifully written, Kriss. And such a great reminder and lesson. Thank you. :)
March 5, 2012 at 10:32 PM
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