10 years ago I started on a new career path in sales. It was scary to say the least. One of my good friends since that time taught me something back then when I first started. The sales process is a building process and before you can ask someone for their business you essentially have to earn their business. Asking them for their business without first earning it tends not to work out so well in sales. Anyway, my friend Bernie Bank always said that you have to earn the right to proceed. That right to proceed comes through building a relationship of trust. In 1 John 4:19 we are taught a significant truth in a few simple words:
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
I believe that. I believe that in every aspect of our lives. I was afraid when I got into sales because I had this mental image of a sales person that was negative, used car salesman type of guy, dirty, cheat - not a real pretty image to say the least. I was determined that I would be different. I would be the opposite of those things. My mission was to love the people and sell them an air conditioner. Well, I loved the people, I became their friend and by doing so I earned the right to proceed. I went in believing something profound - I believed that if I told the truth the spirit would testify of that truth and they would feel it in their hearts. You don't typically here this message from sales trainers. It was the message I always shared though. Love the people, tell the truth, the spirit will testify of truth. When that happens you have earned the right to proceed and to ask them for their business.
I have reported previously on my home teaching adventures with the Smiths. I mentioned that she loves to talk and he always seems to want me gone. Well, tonight I finally felt like we had a breakthrough. It wasn't anything overly amazing that I did. We just chatted and I listened to her stories like usual and then through conversation Roy started talking it up quite a bit. Through the course of the conversation I worked in the First Presidency message - How Great Shall Be Your Joy by President Eyring. I was humbled there with the power of the words of a Prophet. I almost couldn't say them because the spirit was strong there but shared with them the promise that President Eyring gives at the end of his message.
Be a witness at all times in what you say and do that Jesus is the Christ and that God answers prayers.
I testify that the Holy Ghost will direct you to those who seek truth as you pray and work for that guidance.
Just typing them out they seem rather simple and perhaps not so special. Tonight during our visit they were alive and powerful and the three of us felt the spirit and that was wonderful. Brother Roy who has been a challenge told me how much he enjoyed my visits and being able to talk with me. I was grateful to hear that yet know that it isn't me but it is the Lord.
There is a great responsibilty in Home Teaching to be about the Lords work. My hope has been to do that and I think tonight we had success. I believe that we earn the trust of those we serve as we are consistent in our efforts and we love the people we are called to minister to. I think we also earn the trust of the Lord when we are consistent in those efforts and as we pray and work for that guidance. What a wonderful blessing it is to be a home teacher.
I must say a few things more. We have turned our focus to helping the brethren in the quorum learn their duties. I was so happy today as I saw multiple members of the quorum participating in home teaching. One of the messages of the training yesterday was that the bar was being raised on leaders and all members of the church. It is an exciting time right now. I am very grateful to be able to serve and very grateful to be serving with a tremendous Elders Quorum President as well as other great men. I think the Lord knew that this was something that I needed in my life right now and it has been a great blessing.
Isn't it interesting how the Lord knows best... I remember your "disappointment" when you were first called to this presidency (another presidency). And yet because of your trust in and love for the Lord you accepted the calling... now you see why and how it is helping you. cool.
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