Jorge F. Zeballos: If You Will Be Responsible
Contributed By the Church News
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Elder Jorge F. Zeballos of the Seventy taught that Latter-day Saints have two primary responsibilities: first, to seek their own salvation; and second, to help others realize their salvation.
“These responsibilities that have been entrusted to us—and which we have freely accepted—must define our priorities, our desires, our decisions, and our daily conduct,” he said.
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Elder Zeballos shared four principles that will help members fulfill those sacred duties:
1. Learning our duty
“If we are to do God’s will, if we are to be responsible to Him, we must begin by learning, understanding, accepting, and living according to His will for us.
“The Lord has said, ‘Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence’ (D&C 107:99). Having the desire to do what is right is not enough if we do not make sure to understand what our Father expects from us and wants us to do.”
2. Making the decision
“Whether we have learned about the Restoration of the gospel, a particular commandment, the duties associated with serving in a calling, or the covenants we make in the temple, the choice is ours whether or not we act according to that new knowledge.”
3. Acting accordingly
“We need to repent and be obedient and patient, even if we do not understand all the circumstances that surround us. We must forgive others and live in accordance with what we have learned and with the choices we have made.”
4. Willingly accepting the Father’s will
“Discipleship requires us not only to learn our duty, make correct decisions, and act in accordance with them, but also essential is our developing the willingness and the ability to accept God’s will, even if it does not match our righteous desires or preferences.”
In conclusion, Elder Zeballos spoke of the day his father gave him permission to be baptized—47 years ago—on condition that he be responsible for his decision.
“I have come to understand that the condition he gave me—to be responsible for that decision—meant being responsible to my Heavenly Father and seeking my own salvation and that of my fellowmen, thereby becoming more as my Father expects and wants me to become.”
