Comments on: The Agony of Inspiration

By: MCQ

MCQ — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:55:35 +0000

Excellent thoughts, Paul. I admire that Stake President too, and that’s the kind of patience I think we should have, but rarely do. I think that’s how we learn to become more perfect instruments in God’s hands: by showing him that we will wait on him no matter what. If we really want his guidance and input, that’s the way to get it, I think.

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:19:24 +0000

Two thoughts leap to mind:

1. I had a stake president who waited upon the Lord. Until he got an answer. Every time. And sometimes decisions (big ones, little ones) were delayed. But he did not move without confirmation. I admired his patience.

2. Elder Rasband’s description of working with President Eyring on missionary callings suggests that some learn to get answers faster (or more clearly) than others. And the process of learning is good.

By: Ben Pratt

Ben Pratt — Sat, 08 May 2010 21:01:17 +0000

I play in a community symphony orchestra. Occasionally while rehearsing a particularly nuanced piece (e.g. something by Richard Strauss or Debussy) our director says things like “Look at [some excerpt of the piece] for a couple of minutes, and just write in what I would probably ask you to do.” Then we replay those measures and it comes out just right.

The better we know the Lord, the more able we are to do things in the way He would have them done, and his explicit direction isn’t necessary.

By: David

David — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:12:08 +0000

In terms of bishopric meetings, I agree, it depends on the gravity of the issue. Not to downplay anyone’s role, but determining who goes on the Activities Committee shoots through a much faster process than who’s to be assigned YW president. How long is enough? Somehow we know when the discussion reaches a sweet spot and we “feel impressed” about a name. Sometimes the bishop gets his own post-discussion epiphany about another name and we’re back at it again. Sometimes I think we don’t all agree on that name, but we acquiesce. In the end, I suspect your conclusion is correct: Sometimes there is no one right answer or person or path, and after we feel like we’ve covered the subject long enough, we go with the most sensible choice and just move on. Sometimes demonstration of duty and faith is enough, and the Church– and our path to happiness– moves forward. And if Father wants to touch the rudder once in a while Himself, we’ll know.

By: MCQ

MCQ — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:52:01 +0000

Right, David, but your bishopric meetings are a good example of what I was talking about. Is it ok to just proceed with your best guesses as long as you aren’t being told “no” or should you wait for an affirmative “yes?” When and for how long is it appropriate to wait on the Lord? I suspect it depends a lot on the decision you are trying to make, but for the really important decisions, do you stop and wait? For how long?

By: David T.

David T. — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:48:08 +0000

Good subject, MCQ. It makes me think of the scripture, “It is not meet that I should command in all things…” I think Father encourages “best guesses” as often as possible. It certainly feels that way in bishopric meeting, when callings need to be filled and courses of action determined. Of course we pray all the time for guidance to make the right decisions, as we should, but maybe those prayers are answered by our being able to draw on our own spiritual insights and intelligence. Taking from what Hunter said, Father is not the Magic 8-Ball.

By: Hunter

Hunter — Tue, 04 May 2010 20:58:41 +0000

Great post. I agree — viewing God as a so-called “cosmic bell hop” is bound to lead to frustration. Thanks for this reminder.

By: Susan M

Susan M — Tue, 04 May 2010 02:55:38 +0000

In my experience, God gives you the bare minimum that you need, and no more.