Aristotle Posted January 1, 2006 Report Posted January 1, 2006 Does anyone know if there are any scriptural references in regard to refusing a Church calling? I mention this in regard to the question of plural marriage, since I understand that one must be called of God to practice polygamy. Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings? Quote
Guest Syble Posted January 14, 2006 Report Posted January 14, 2006 Does anyone know if there are any scriptural references in regard to refusing a Church calling? I mention this in regard to the question of plural marriage, since I understand that one must be called of God to practice polygamy. Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings?I think these apply:Mosiah 4: 27 27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Ne. 4: 3434 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.1 Cor. 2: 55 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.2 Ne. 32: 99 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.Now to answer your other questions: Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? NO. Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings? Absolutely. You are allowed and expected to receive person revelation. If you receive the revelation that you shouldn't take a calling, then don't.I have always asked my bishop if I could go home and pray about the calling first. He has never refused me this response. Quote
Aristotle Posted January 14, 2006 Author Report Posted January 14, 2006 <div class='quotemain'>Does anyone know if there are any scriptural references in regard to refusing a Church calling? I mention this in regard to the question of plural marriage, since I understand that one must be called of God to practice polygamy. Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings?I think these apply:Mosiah 4: 27 27 And see that all these things are done in wisdom and aorder; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order. Ne. 4: 3434 O Lord, I have trusted in thee, and I will trust in thee forever. I will not put my trust in the arm of flesh; for I know that cursed is he that putteth his trust in the arm of flesh. Yea, cursed is he that putteth his trust in man or maketh flesh his arm.1 Cor. 2: 55 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.2 Ne. 32: 99 But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.Now to answer your other questions: Are all callings in the Church necessarily from God? NO. Are there times when it is appropriate and acceptable to refuse callings? Absolutely. You are allowed and expected to receive person revelation. If you receive the revelation that you shouldn't take a calling, then don't.I have always asked my bishop if I could go home and pray about the calling first. He has never refused me this response.Thank you very much for that incite and wisdom, Syble. I agree! Quote
Outshined Posted January 16, 2006 Report Posted January 16, 2006 Thank you very much for that incite and wisdom, Syble. I agree!As do I, though I've seen a few people who wanted to pick and choose their own callings accordng to their own preferences, which is wrong. My first instinct when called to teach primary was to turn it down, but I accepted, and it turned out to be a great experience. Quote
Aristotle Posted January 16, 2006 Author Report Posted January 16, 2006 Those who are inspired to call certain people to serve in the Church may not be privy to certain information which might otherwise prompt them to call another person to the position. When accepting church callings, it is my opinion that the individual called should pray about the calling first, and to take into consideration family obligations (even discussing this with the family beforehand) and how accepting a calling would affect their personal lives, and the lives of their spouse/family. The prophets have stated that the greatest work one will do is within the walls of their own home. Quote
Guest Syble Posted January 16, 2006 Report Posted January 16, 2006 In any case, agency should be a factor. If someone claims they have prayed about it, it is on their shoulders not the leaders at this point. Quote
Outshined Posted January 16, 2006 Report Posted January 16, 2006 In any case, agency should be a factor. If someone claims they have prayed about it, it is on their shoulders not the leaders at this point.Absolutely. Quote
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