Applying the scriptures: Joy comes in service to Church, fellowman
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"It is refreshing to note how some of the apostles responded to the calls Jesus made of them," said Elder Henry D. Taylor, an Assistant to the Twelve, during the October 1963 general conference.
"The Savior, while ` . . . walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew, his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishermen." `And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
" `And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.' " (Matt. 4:18-20.)
Elder Taylor said: "There were no questions asked, no alibis offered, no arguments given."
He said the Savior saw two other men, James and John, also fishermen. "They were assisting their father Zebedee in mending their nets. When He called them, they immediately and without hesitation left their ship and their father and followed Jesus. (Matt. 4:21-22.) Were they not filled with the spirit of obedience and service?
"As calls come to us for Church service by the Lord's representatives, it is natural for us to wonder why we have been selected. The Lord has made it plain that every individual has been blessed and endowed with certain gifts and talents. And while there are many gifts, yet, `To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby. . . .
" `And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.' " (D&C 46:12, 26.)
Elder Taylor further said: "There is a joy that comes from working and rendering service in the Church and in being a servant to our fellowmen. King Benjamin taught: ` . . . when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.' (Mosiah 2:17.)
"To every faithful member of the Church will come opportunities to serve in some capacity, for the need for service in the fields of missionary work, temples, home teaching, instructing classes, choir, and musical groups, work on welfare projects, administrative positions, and many other activities, still remains great.
"If we would meet the Savior's standard for greatness, we will readily and humbly accept the callings that come and become servants in the house of the Lord, remembering that `He gives best who serves most.' Then we may rest assured that if we do our best, the Lord will do the rest."
