Doctrine and Covenants 58:26-28 offers some powerful insight into the power that our Father in Heaven has given to each of us, to stand as a witness for Him.
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is acompelled in all things, the same is a bslothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
27 Verily I say, men should be aanxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;
28 For the power is in them, wherein they are aagents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their breward.
I think that the phrase “for the power is in them” is an important one to remember, when considering our callings, and service in general. While we must acknowledge all that the Lord does, and enables us to do, He has made us “agents unto ourselves,” that we can choose to bring forth much righteousness. He has given us every gift that we possess, so that we can bless the lives of others.
This phrase reminds me of a story that my mission president’s wife, told me. When she was a child, and on into her teenage years, she played the piano with enthusiasm. But when she entered high school, she stopped practicing as much, and keeping up with the rigorous schedule her teacher gave to her. Years later, she performed in a sacrament meeting, and a member of the congregation told her that she could be a concert pianist. Laughing this off, she told her former professor what the ward member had said. In reply, her teacher said, “you were the best student I ever had, and could have been a concert pianist. You had the ability, but you were too lazy.” My friend said that these words still haunt her. True are the words of John Greenleaf Whittier, “of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.”
I think that the power within us entails the spiritual gifts our Father has given us, combined with the righteous use of our own agency, to bless the lives of His children. So let’s do it!
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