Respect For The Brethren

[jkwilliams]

My parents have been visiting from California, and last night my father was speculating that a relative of ours is being "groomed" to become a General Authority. I said it wouldn't surprise me, and my mother agreed. My dad said, "But he has other goals, and doing that would throw everything off. If they ask, he should just tell them to wait a few years."

That got us talking about the life of a General Authority. Generally speaking, these are men who would otherwise be retired and doing what my parents do: gardening, fishing, and traveling, among other things. But instead they are working 7 days a week, with the apostles and First Presidency working pretty much until they are completely incapacitated or dead. I still remember seeing the First Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, and N. Eldon Tanner slouching in their chairs at conference. They looked completely worn out, so they brought in President Hinckley to take over most of the responsibility.

Once I had a conversation with Elder Rex Pinegar, and he told me that the church had done a study showing that the average General Authority works 104 hours a week. They work in an office during the week, and on weekends they have stake conferences and other meetings to attend. Once I was working late at the Church Office Building, around 7:00 pm or so, and on the elevator down to leave the building, I met Robert Hales. I said I was surprised to see him, as he had recently had major heart surgery. He smiled and said, "My doctor told me I could work half-days, so that's 12 hours."

No one in their right mind would "aspire" to that kind of workload, and I'm pretty sure the men who do hold those callings are there because they are committed and they believe they were called to be there. David B. Haight, for example, spent his month off (August, IIRC) at a cabin in Idaho, with no phone. He would tell his office not to call him for any reason unless someone died. To me, that means that all things considered, he would rather be relaxing at his cabin and fishing, but his commitment to God and the church were such that he was willing to sacrifice his retirement years to serve.

So, whatever you think of the General Authorities, individually or collectively, you have to admire their sacrifice. Not many people would do that.

[ksfisher]

On another level (local that is) I once asked a counselor in our stake presidency how many hours a week he spent on his calling.  After doing some thinking he said about 30.  Not quite general authority level, but that's on top of 40 hour/week full time job.  I'm very impressed with the dedication that the general authorities and many of our local leaders have to building the kingdom.  The are a fantastic example to all of us.

[Buckeye]

Very nice sentiments.  And spot on.  Your words bring back my memory of being in the MTC and watching President Hinckley arrive to speak to us.  He came in a Chevy Cavalier. 

[drums12]

I'm not trying to hijack this thread, so please forgive me.  I've sent private messages to a couple of different site administrators with no response.  I'm trying to figure out how i can start a thread.  Do I have to have so many posts before I can start a discussion? 

 

But on the current topic, I appreciate your thoughts jkwilliams.  I wouldn't want to be a bishop for all the rice in China, much less a GA. 

[Calm]

When you get to 25 posts you will be able to start a thread in this forum.  You can quickstart your post count by going to post in the three word thread in the Social Forum if you want or just find something worthwhile to say on all the currently active threads.

 

You will also be able to edit and give reputation points.

Edited October 16, 2013 by calmoriah

[Kenngo1969]

With due respect to those with different perspectives and varying levels of commitment to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's worth pondering why the Brethren are so committed.

 

Here's one answer (I think it's the the most important answer; your mileage may vary):

Mine has been the opportunity to meet many wonderful men and women in various parts of the world. A few of them have left an indelible impression upon me. I share with you a story I spoke of some years ago. I met a naval officer from a distant nation, a brilliant young man who had been brought to the United States for advanced training. Some of his associates in the United States Navy, whose behavior had attracted him, shared with him at his request their religious beliefs. He was not a Christian, but he was interested. They told him of the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ, born in Bethlehem, who gave his life for all mankind. They told him of the appearance of God, the Eternal Father, and the resurrected Lord to the boy Joseph Smith. They spoke of modern prophets. They taught him the gospel of the Master. The Spirit touched his heart, and he was baptized.

 

He was introduced to me just before he was to return to his native land. We spoke of these things, and then I said: “Your people are not Christians. What will happen when you return home a Christian, and, more particularly, a Mormon Christian?”

 

His face clouded, and he replied, “My family will be disappointed. They may cast me out and regard me as dead. As for my future and my career, all opportunity may be foreclosed against me.”

I asked, “Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?”

 

His dark eyes, moistened by tears, shone from his handsome brown face as he answered, “It’s true, isn’t it?”

 

Ashamed at having asked the question, I responded, “Yes, it’s true.”

 

To which he replied, “Then what else matters?”

 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/07/its-true-isnt-it?lang=eng

Edited October 17, 2013 by Kenngo1969

[Scott Lloyd]

My parents have been visiting from California, and last night my father was speculating that a relative of ours is being "groomed" to become a General Authority. I said it wouldn't surprise me, and my mother agreed. My dad said, "But he has other goals, and doing that would throw everything off. If they ask, he should just tell them to wait a few years."

That got us talking about the life of a General Authority. Generally speaking, these are men who would otherwise be retired and doing what my parents do: gardening, fishing, and traveling, among other things. But instead they are working 7 days a week, with the apostles and First Presidency working pretty much until they are completely incapacitated or dead. I still remember seeing the First Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, and N. Eldon Tanner slouching in their chairs at conference. They looked completely worn out, so they brought in President Hinckley to take over most of the responsibility.

Once I had a conversation with Elder Rex Pinegar, and he told me that the church had done a study showing that the average General Authority works 104 hours a week. They work in an office during the week, and on weekends they have stake conferences and other meetings to attend. Once I was working late at the Church Office Building, around 7:00 pm or so, and on the elevator down to leave the building, I met Robert Hales. I said I was surprised to see him, as he had recently had major heart surgery. He smiled and said, "My doctor told me I could work half-days, so that's 12 hours."

No one in their right mind would "aspire" to that kind of workload, and I'm pretty sure the men who do hold those callings are there because they are committed and they believe they were called to be there. David B. Haight, for example, spent his month off (August, IIRC) at a cabin in Idaho, with no phone. He would tell his office not to call him for any reason unless someone died. To me, that means that all things considered, he would rather be relaxing at his cabin and fishing, but his commitment to God and the church were such that he was willing to sacrifice his retirement years to serve.

So, whatever you think of the General Authorities, individually or collectively, you have to admire their sacrifice. Not many people would do that.

They probably make themselves work constantly wherever they are, but if I understand correctly, they are not expected to come into the office on Monday, which, technically, is their day off.

Edited October 17, 2013 by Scott Lloyd

[Scott Lloyd]

When you get to 25 posts you will be able to start a thread in this forum.  You can quickstart your post count by going to post in the three word thread in the Social Forum if you want or just find something worthwhile to say on all the currently active threads.

 

You will also be able to edit and give reputation points.

You forgot an important step. drums12 has to pay the required obeisance by giving me 10 reputation points in the various threads where I have a presence.

Edited October 17, 2013 by Scott Lloyd

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

My parents have been visiting from California, and last night my father was speculating that a relative of ours is being "groomed" to become a General Authority. I said it wouldn't surprise me, and my mother agreed. My dad said, "But he has other goals, and doing that would throw everything off. If they ask, he should just tell them to wait a few years."That got us talking about the life of a General Authority. Generally speaking, these are men who would otherwise be retired and doing what my parents do: gardening, fishing, and traveling, among other things. But instead they are working 7 days a week, with the apostles and First Presidency working pretty much until they are completely incapacitated or dead. I still remember seeing the First Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, and N. Eldon Tanner slouching in their chairs at conference. They looked completely worn out, so they brought in President Hinckley to take over most of the responsibility.Once I had a conversation with Elder Rex Pinegar, and he told me that the church had done a study showing that the average General Authority works 104 hours a week. They work in an office during the week, and on weekends they have stake conferences and other meetings to attend. Once I was working late at the Church Office Building, around 7:00 pm or so, and on the elevator down to leave the building, I met Robert Hales. I said I was surprised to see him, as he had recently had major heart surgery. He smiled and said, "My doctor told me I could work half-days, so that's 12 hours."No one in their right mind would "aspire" to that kind of workload, and I'm pretty sure the men who do hold those callings are there because they are committed and they believe they were called to be there. David B. Haight, for example, spent his month off (August, IIRC) at a cabin in Idaho, with no phone. He would tell his office not to call him for any reason unless someone died. To me, that means that all things considered, he would rather be relaxing at his cabin and fishing, but his commitment to God and the church were such that he was willing to sacrifice his retirement years to serve.So, whatever you think of the General Authorities, individually or collectively, you have to admire their sacrifice. Not many people would do that.

you are right, they would rather have a quite life. It is faith and belief that drives them. I have met many and one is a friend of a very long time, but right now he is temp GA, in area Presidency...Elder Keith M Giddens. Edited October 17, 2013 by Bill “Papa” Lee

[drums12]

Thanks for the information.  I'll be sure to pay tribue to Scott Loyd as well...haha.

[Duncan]

My parents have been visiting from California, and last night my father was speculating that a relative of ours is being "groomed" to become a General Authority. I said it wouldn't surprise me, and my mother agreed. My dad said, "But he has other goals, and doing that would throw everything off. If they ask, he should just tell them to wait a few years."

That got us talking about the life of a General Authority. Generally speaking, these are men who would otherwise be retired and doing what my parents do: gardening, fishing, and traveling, among other things. But instead they are working 7 days a week, with the apostles and First Presidency working pretty much until they are completely incapacitated or dead. I still remember seeing the First Presidency of Spencer W. Kimball, Marion G. Romney, and N. Eldon Tanner slouching in their chairs at conference. They looked completely worn out, so they brought in President Hinckley to take over most of the responsibility.

Once I had a conversation with Elder Rex Pinegar, and he told me that the church had done a study showing that the average General Authority works 104 hours a week. They work in an office during the week, and on weekends they have stake conferences and other meetings to attend. Once I was working late at the Church Office Building, around 7:00 pm or so, and on the elevator down to leave the building, I met Robert Hales. I said I was surprised to see him, as he had recently had major heart surgery. He smiled and said, "My doctor told me I could work half-days, so that's 12 hours."

No one in their right mind would "aspire" to that kind of workload, and I'm pretty sure the men who do hold those callings are there because they are committed and they believe they were called to be there. David B. Haight, for example, spent his month off (August, IIRC) at a cabin in Idaho, with no phone. He would tell his office not to call him for any reason unless someone died. To me, that means that all things considered, he would rather be relaxing at his cabin and fishing, but his commitment to God and the church were such that he was willing to sacrifice his retirement years to serve.

So, whatever you think of the General Authorities, individually or collectively, you have to admire their sacrifice. Not many people would do that.

 

 

it's funny, my first Mission President told us in his last zone conference that he wouldn't be suprised if he was called to be a GA in the next general conference. Well, he wasn't. But In the years since, his counselor was called, Tad Callister, the mission president in the next mission over Steven E. Snow was called, the mission president before him was called, Bradley D. Foster and his wife was called to be in the RS board. I think he is a breeder for the brethren!

Edited October 17, 2013 by Duncan

[Stargazer]

With due respect to those with different perspectives and varying levels of commitment to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's worth pondering why the Brethren are so committed.

 

Here's one answer (I think it's the the most important answer; your mileage may vary):

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/07/its-true-isnt-it?lang=eng

 

I've often wondered what happened to that brother when he returned home to his country.  Do we know?

[jkwilliams]

With due respect to those with different perspectives and varying levels of commitment to the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ, it's worth pondering why the Brethren are so committed.

 

Here's one answer (I think it's the the most important answer; your mileage may vary):

https://www.lds.org/ensign/1993/07/its-true-isnt-it?lang=eng

 

I have no doubt they believe it's true. Sometimes I still wish I could believe it.

[Kenngo1969]

it's funny, my first Mission President told us in his last zone conference that he wouldn't be suprised if he was called to be a GA in the next general conference. Well, he wasn't. But In the years since, his counselor was called, Tad Callister, the mission president in the next mission over Steven E. Snow was called, the mission president before him was called, Bradley D. Foster and his wife was called to be in the RS board. I think he is a breeder for the brethren!

I served a similar purpose in my mission: My first mission president said, "Heck, if he can survive a couple transfers with that Elder, he's definitely leadership material!"  And he was immediately called as DL, ZL, or AP!

[pmccombs1]

I have no doubt they believe it's true. Sometimes I still wish I could believe it.

 

Wish a little more frequently, and eventually you'll again cross that threshold. Others have left the church only to find their way back again, and (I mean no offense here) some of their intellects have perhaps been far greater than yours or mine.

[jkwilliams]

Wish a little more frequently, and eventually you'll again cross that threshold. Others have left the church only to find their way back again, and (I mean no offense here) some of their intellects have perhaps been far greater than yours or mine.

 

No doubt there are people in the church who are much smarter than I am. Don Bradley is a good friend of mine, and I was very happy for him that he was able to find peace and happiness again in the church. At this point the only reason I wish I could still believe is that it would make my wife happy beyond measure.

[Avatar4321]

I have no doubt they believe it's true. Sometimes I still wish I could believe it.

 

You can if you chose to. I know that may seem impossible. But it really is true.

 

There are days I've had where I felt like I couldn't go on any further. Honestly, I've had alot of pride. I still do, though I think the Lord is helping me be better. There are so many things that would be easier if the Church wasn't true. Ive had times where I've been tempted to throw it all away. But I made a decision to keep believing.

 

It's weird. I know it's true. And yet at the same time it's difficult believing it's true sometimes. I think that may be why the Lord gave me the experiences I have had. Because He knew that there would be time where I would be tempted to not believe.

 

The Lord has given me a witness of this work. That came only after I exercised faith. I don't know alot of things. In fact, I think I know a lot less than I was willing to admit years ago. But I choose to believe regardless of my lack of knowledge in many areas. Sometimes that's what we need to do.

 

BTW thank you for the interesting thread.

[Kenngo1969]

There are tons of things I wish I knew that I don't.  As wary as I am of looking at anyone else and attempting to compare burdens it does seem, sometimes, as though there's some inequity in that regard.  In some ways, I have made (and continue to make) life too hard on myself.  In others, it seems as though, notwithstanding the thorn-strewn, rock-strewn, seemingly-barely-passable path I walk, I'm in no way responsible for the rocks and the thorns and the near-impassability.  In many ways, perhaps life would be easier if I simply gave up and denied what I know.  Part of me would really like to do that ... in the language of the Book of Job (allegory or not ) to "curse God and die [to die at least eventually, if not immediately]."  But, difficulty, seeming senselessness, and what  I don't know notwithstanding, I cannot deny what I do know.  Like Nephi, I simply must shrug my shoulders and say, "I know not the meaning of all things.  Nevertheless, I know that God loveth His children."

Edited October 18, 2013 by Kenngo1969