shirking

     This word does not appear in scripture though it is in a familiar hymn, "We all have work, let no one shirk." I have been thinking about the concept of shirking and even had a dream about it last night. I don't very often remember my dreams but I was truly troubled, even angry (which I also don't often indulge in as I find it too depleting) toward people in my dream who evade or neglect a duty or responsibility. (dictionary definition of shirk- can be a noun or a verb apparently) Most people have probably experienced or witnessed shirking a duty or responsibility. Having to go to the bathroom (who can deny someone that?) at a moment when one is hoping to avoid something or returning from somewhere purposely late hoping to avoid a task or pretending to be asleep or sick- these are all examples of "shirking". People who shirk often feel clever or relieved when their shirk is successful. On the other hand, people who are shirked often resent the person who left them holding the bag. It can be so thrilling to be a part of a group of people with the same goal in mind and the willingness to achieve that goal. It can be demoralizing to have in our midst those who shirk.
     I am thrilled when I hear people testify of Jesus Christ. He performed a unique service for every single human being who is, was, or ever will be even if they don't acknowledge it. His atonement allows every one of us the opportunity to be resurrected and forgiven and to potentially live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever. Anyone can know the truth of this if they have a desire to know.  Quoting from a talk in the LDS Conference Oct. 2017 by Elder David F. Evans,
    To know the truth, we need to live the gospel and experiment on the word. We are cautioned to not resist the Spirit of the Lord. Repentance, coupled with a determination to keep the commandments, is an important part of each individual's search for truth. In fact, we may need to be willing to "give away all" our sins in order to know the truth.
Once we know the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ for ourselves, most people are willing to be obedient to His teachings, including the Ten Commandments along with the admonition to be baptized. When we are baptized we can be reminded once a week by partaking of the sacrament of our willingness to take His name upon us and be obedient. Part of this covenant to follow Him is to "mourn with those that mourn, comfort those who stand in need of comfort". It isn't simply a willingness to believe in the Atonement or resurrection or the existence of God. It entails a duty or responsibility on our part. We are to do what Christ would do if He were here. That can be overwhelming! Most of us would readily admit we are FAR from being like Him despite our earnest intentions. Fortunately for us, His Atonement was just for the purpose of helping us do our duty despite our weaknesses. Forgiveness if freely and infinitely offered. However, we still have a duty that only each of us individually can perform. He cannot choose for us. He cannot perform for us. We are not going to change the world as He did by any huge action. We each have only a small part but it's OUR part and if we neglect or refuse to do our small part, we are shirking. Our small part may be attending church or being kind to our neighbors or seeking out our kindred dead or teaching and testifying of eternal truths. However small our part, we each must do it and endure well to the end of this mortal probation. God, please help me to never shirk. I want to be an effective part of the team.