“I believe, my friends, that the cause we have the honor to represent is that kingdom which shall stand forever.” Gordon B. Hinckley.
What a powerful obligation we have representing Heavenly Father’s kingdom as Home and Visiting Teachers. Time and time again, we have seen testimonies rejuvenated, repentance transpire and families strengthened as a direct result this divinely inspired program. Our service undoubtedly contributes to building the kingdom, one visit at a time.
Meaningful HT/VT experiences can touch lives in countless ways. Here are three ways we can build up the kingdom as Home and Visiting Teachers:
1) Make it a daily concern, not a monthly duty. Are we visiting because of a sense of duty or because of love? How many times do we get our monthly visits done and then think “Whoa, glad that’s done! I can cross it off my ‘To Do’ list!” Home and Visiting Teaching are never finished. So now you might be thinking, “I don’t have time to make it a daily calling.” Of course, making a daily phone call or visit would not only be inappropriate, but also insincere. But a daily prayer on behalf of those you teach to seek inspiration regarding their needs would certainly be appropriate. If your daily thoughts are turned towards this divine calling, you will hear the still small voice even when it is very still and very small. Then act upon your prompting.
2) Seek to understand, not to be understood. When seeking inspiration for your Home and Visiting Teaching visits, keep in mind that understanding the needs of the family/sister come first. This concept is one of the best tidbits of marital advice I ever received. How well it applies to Home and Visiting Teaching! Have you ever been visited and the teachers kept talking and talking and trying to drive home a point from the lesson without any interaction? As we are preparing our lessons, keep this in mind. Only when we first understand the needs of those we serve, can we expect our lessons to be understood.
3) Share the divinely inspired message & teach with the Spirit. When making your visits, share the designated monthly message. (Unless you have been specifically instructed by your local leaders to not share a message.) While building and maintaining friendships are an integral part of the program, be careful not to let the visit be purely unreleated. In addition, simply reiterating the message is not enough. We need to be guided by the Spirit, teach from our hearts, and motivate our brothers and sisters to apply the message to them individually.
Brothers and Sisters, the impact of our Home and Visiting Teaching callings are far reaching as friendships are built, lives are touched, and hearts are softened. When guided by the spirit, we do represent eternal truths. This is the Lord’s work. Let us go forward with prayer to serve those we love and build His kingdom, one visit at a time.
Marti Walker
Shepherd’s Editor
Posted by John in Feature Articles