There is a normal four-burner solid plate stove in my home. I live alone in Maseru, Lesotho, and often cook one pot meals so I use one particular plate more than the others. It is the front left corner plate and is convenient because of its larger size and proximity as I stand in front of the stove.
I noticed that this plate looks different from the other three and have wondered why. The other three plates tend to rust when a little drop of water lands on them. They lack the shine and glow of the plate that is used more often.
Alma asks, “Have you received [the Saviour’s] image in your countenances?” (Alma 5:14) How do we receive this image? It is received by those who have been spiritually born and strive to do the works of the Saviour. It is an outward appearance from an inner change. My frequently used stove plate has become shiny and has a glow from service. Those who are constantly and happily in the service of their fellowmen are like my stove plate – shiny and glowing.
Plate four on my stove is continually in service. When we are constantly serving our fellowmen, we are happy to be engaged. Mormon taught – “by their works ye shall know them” (Moroni 7:5).
Due to constant use, plate four heats faster than any of the others. When we are called to serve, at first we may feel unsure and unlearned about what we are asked to do. We may be slow in fulfilling our callings. As we gladly work towards magnifying our callings, it becomes easier to do what is expected of us.
My stove has four plates, but only one is used and does the work. Three do no work. We have the choice to do the works of the Saviour or not. “...He that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter...” (D&C 50:24) As we continue to keep the faith, keep the commandments, honour the covenants we have made, and do works of righteousness, the Lord will bless us and give us more light and knowledge.
I know that as we do the things which the Saviour has commanded us, we can reflect the glow of His image in our countenances. We can also increase in faith through our works. Thankfully all members of the Church are called to serve their fellow men in different capacities. None ever need feel like the three unused plates on my stove.
Each actively involved member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reflects a shine and glow in their countenance. Well-used plate four on my stove also shines and glows.
