It may seem to be an unbelievable Old Testament times account, but it happened to me. Getting my papers in, with all their medical information, took longer than expected. Thus, months and months had lapsed since my temple preparation class. So, I had to take it again. I was fine with it and learned a lot, until one Sunday when I developed some unspeakable flu. My mother asked if I’d be going to temple prep, to which I felt justifiable in answering that I wouldn’t. Our home teacher was over and she put me on the spot by suggesting that I get a priesthood blessing. “Sure”, I replied, thinking that since I didn’t even have the faith to want to feel better that a blessing would get everyone off my back. I should’ve realized the past experiences of others who’d tempted God. My attitude was off-base.

Our home teacher gave me the blessings, and as soon as he promised that I would be healed, all of my symptoms vanished. Great. Now I had to go to class. Little did I realize that this one lesson would have a profound impact on the course of my life. In the home of the couple that taught the class, we discussed the nature of covenants. They explained that we must understand our baptismal covenants if we are to understand our temple covenants. The promises we make at baptism are not the peewee league of commitments like I’d supposed, but rather, I learned that my faithfulness to my baptismal covenants are integral to all other blessings.

It is common, in our religion, to proclaim the example of Christ in submitting himself to the will of the Father in being baptized. Sadly, we often fail to make the connection between that covenant and the ensuing days and months. Jesus’ baptism marked the beginning of a concerted effort to fulfill that promise He had made to His Father. Thus, Christ went about all the land, healing and serving¹. We seem to more readily view baptism as a contract entered into based on a hope for reward. Although that is certainly one aspect of our covenant (to keep the commandments, always remember the Lord, and to be willing to take upon ourselves His name), it is more helpful to realize that we are also entering into a partnership with God. Through Baptism we become workers in the family business, with the stated purpose of providing immortality and eternal life to mankind².

This is obviously what Alma had in mind as he taught on the shores of the Waters of Mormon. In seclusion, Alma had been teaching the people the principals of the gospel as he had heard from the mouth of Abinadi. Many believed, and so Alma began to prepare them with an understanding of the covenant of baptism. He praised them for their righteous desires, and explained that baptism was a covenant to fulfil, in word and deed, those desires. Those who truly kept this covenant would be, “willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light…[,]mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places … even until death…”³. His counsel, then, suggests a proactive disciple who looks for opportunities to serve God’s children.

Where to start?

It can be overwhelming to consider the many needs of mankind and the numerous ways we can help. As King Benjamin taught, “it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength…”, but nevertheless, “it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize[.]“⁴ We’re not all sprinters― some of us are distance runners, some of us do better in a relay, others are perhaps adept at hurdles, and maybe some have more skill in racing horses or cars. The point being, we are each blessed with unique talents, gifts, and abilities. We have been placed in our individual circumstances, in part, because our abilities are of most use to others. Knowing that, make sure you’re running the right race.

An Example.

Recently I’ve felt a longing to participate more in the missionary effort of the church. I’ve prayed for experiences wherein I might share the gospel with someone and help them come into the fold. Despite my sincere efforts, it seemed as though I had failed. Then, one day, I received a letter in the mail. An old friend had visited a plan of salvation tour conducted by my Young Single Adult ward. As part of the tour, I gave a lesson on the fall of Adam and Eve. This friend informed me that, as a result of that lesson, a friend of her’s who went along, was now going to baptized, along with his children. I was filled with gratitude to realize something so simple could have such a significant impact on the life of a stranger. True, I did not get the play the traditional role of finding a stranger in need, and bringing them into the church, but still, I had done missionary work.

This past year I’ve had similar opportunities to realize, after the fact, that I had a significant impact on someone’s decision to be baptized by something I said or taught. Leafing through old mission letters, I read over and over how my mission president praised me for my teaching ability. I don’t remember feeling like such an excellent missionary, but looking back, what he said takes on new significance. He realized a talent in me, which I thought basically secondary to actual missionary work. You see, I was running the wrong race.

Now, I realize alternate ways that I can share the gospel, and I know that by participating in those ways, I will fulfill my baptismal covenant.

What are some examples you’ve seen of those who fulfill their covenants through use of talents?
What are some ways you have done the same?
What are some of your plans to fulfill your covenants?