Inviting Others to "Come unto Christ" - Gene R. Cook

Inviting Others to Come Unto Christ - Gene R. Cook

EVERY HOME TEACHER AND VISITING TEACHER SHOULD FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES.

As Aaronic and Melchizedek Priesthood brethren, we are commissioned with a purpose to “visit the house of each member,” (D&C 20:47) to:

1. —  To exhort them “to pray vocally and in secret” (D&C 20:47);
2. — “To stir them up in remembrance” of God (Alma 4:19); and
3. — “To turn [them] to the Lord with full purpose of heart” (Mosiah 7:33).

We do not visit the active just to “visit,” or the less active just to get them out to church, although that may be part of what happens. In essence, we visit to help the heads of those homes, male or female, to become the spiritual leaders in their homes, to lead their families to Christ, to pray, to fast, and to read the scriptures together. If that happens in our visits, all else will take care of itself.

May I suggest seven scriptural performances (see Alma 31:10) that, if humbly employed, will immediately invite the Spirit into your heart and the hearts of others.

• Pray. Pray for the Spirit. Ask those you teach to pray for you and for themselves while you are teaching. Ask for discernment to understand the needs of those you visit. (See 3 Ne. 17:2–3; 3 Ne. 20:1; D&C 136:29, 32)

•  Use the Scriptures. They are the words of the Lord to us, and the Spirit of the Lord will speak through them to all, both young and old. (See 2 Ne. 32:3; Alma 31:5; D&C 32:4.)
  

• Testify. If you follow His promptings, the Lord will direct you to testify frequently throughout these visits. Testify that the Lord has sent you. As you do, “the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” (2 Ne. 33:1; see also Alma 5:44–47.)

• Use music. Using recorded hymns or singing the songs of Zion with or to the Saints in their homes, as prompted, will always bring the Spirit of the Lord. (See D&C 25:12; Matt. 26:30; Col. 3:16; 1 Sam. 16:23.)
  

• Express love and gratitude to God and man. Express love openly for God and for His children, and the Spirit will be felt profoundly. (See John 13:34–35; 1 Ne. 11:21–23; Moro. 7:47–48.) 
  

• Share spiritual experiences. Spiritual experiences have great impact upon men’s souls. Share them as prompted by the Spirit. (See D&C 50:21–22; Luke 10:25–37; Acts 26:1–32.)
  

• Perform priesthood ordinances. “In the ordinances … , the power of godliness is manifest.” (D&C 84:20.) Bless the Saints. Bless the sick. Bless the homes of the Saints. Encourage others to seek for priesthood blessings. (See 3 Ne. 20:2–9.)
  
  IN SUMMARY
  
  
  1. We are to be instruments in the Lord’s hands to bring souls to Christ. Perhaps this is the greatest gift one man can bestow upon another.
     
     
  2. We must better relearn how to invite the Spirit of the Lord for such an endeavor, even humbling self “to the dust.” (D&C 138:56; Alma 34:38.)
     
     
  3. The process described works for all men, young and old, who qualify with “faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God.” (D&C 4:5.) You young men, encourage your fathers and companions to hold such visits. You have a right to be shown how, and to motivate and teach us as well.
     
     
  4. Remember, these suggestions are not meant to change the processes for home teaching, visiting teaching, or auxiliary visits, but are a suggested means for bringing the Spirit into all such visits.
     
     
  5. The process described for inviting the Spirit works the same with a rebellious child at home, a discouraged individual, an associate or even yourself, as well as in visits to homes. 
     
     
  6. Let us commit as one leader did: “There will not be one less-active member who has turned from God in my quorum or class. I will do all in my power to see that mighty change come into his heart.”