Behold I say unto you, that the good shepherd doth call you; yea and in his own name he doth call you, which is the name of Christ; and if ye will not hearken to the voice of the good shepherd, to the name by which you are called, behold ye are not the sheep of the good shepherd. - Alma 5:38.
When I was brought back into Church activity, almost 50 years ago, the bishop's first counselor took me under his wing and nurtured my growth and developing testimony. Our families became great friends and bonded as brothers and sisters. When the ward was divided, great was my joy when he was called to be the bishop of the ward.Weeks passed while my new bishop was setting up the ward organization, and I waited with great anticipation for the call that I thought would elevate me in the eyes of everyone. I waited and waited but my call did not come.
Gradually my desires became laced with disappointment, and rebellious thoughts began to fill my mind. In this mood I took the sacrament one Sunday, and then walked out of the chapel and got into my car. Sitting there, waiting for my wife, I picked up a Book of Mormon and flipped it open. The first thing I read was Alma 5:38. Tears flooded my eyes as I was lovingly admonished by the Lord with a message I felt was meant specifically for me.
Three days later I was called as the Young Men leader in the MIA. After all these years of twice being on the high council, and twice being a ward bishop, I remember the wise counsel of Alma, and that the Lord is always listening. - Max A. Peterson, Agua Dulce, Calif.
