Two Weeks Ago
We started off the week with another run with Paul—we ran 10 miles. I believe God gives us our interests and passions so we can use them to grow closer to Christ. Many of Jesus’s parables were based on things familiar to the people He was teaching. On my run with Paul, I tried to do the same. I let him lead the conversation as he taught me about historic battles and the origin of the marathon.
As some of you know, I also love history. One topic that fascinated me in my youth was the Das Unterseeboot, also known as a U-boat, a German submarine. As we ran and talked, I found myself in a prayerful state, wondering what to say. But then I felt rebuked by the Spirit. I realized I shouldn’t be focused on what I want to say, I need to listen intently. Listen to my friend and to the Spirit. My goal is to be a conduit between the two, like an interpreter.
It’s far from perfect, but hopefully you understand the model: I listen to my friend, relay that to the Spirit, and then listen to the Spirit and relay that to my friend. The Spirit doesn’t always give a word for word response, He prompts me, and then uses the knowledge I’ve previously acquired to allow me to participate in my friend’s conversion.
In that moment, I felt prompted to shift the topic to historic art. I mentioned my favorite painting: The Fallen Angel by Alexandre Cabanel. If you’re not familiar with it, it depicts Lucifer as he’s being cast down. In his expression, you can identify many traits of the natural man; lust, pride, shame, guilt, and anger. I think it’s a truly beautiful painting.
I told Paul about it, and he asked why Lucifer was cast out. That gave me the opportunity to walk him through the entire Plan of Salvation. It turned into a wonderful lesson, the Spirit was strong, and Paul was fully engaged. He then shared with me the story of the warrior Ammon, and I invited him to read about Ammon in the Book of Mormon, which he accepted.
It was a good day, and one that reminded me of this truth from Preach My Gospel:
“And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach.” —Doctrine and Covenants 42:14
If Cal Hixon were to go out saying what he thought was best, no one would be converted unto the Lord. If Elder Hixon were to do the same, the result would be no different. People might be baptized, but my calling is higher than that, it is to bring people unto Christ, one by one. That will be my lifelong mission. And it’s only possible if I follow and respond to the Spirit’s promptings.
Love you all :)
