To Men, ‘Titles’ Are Important – Especially Some!

“We men sometimes identify ourselves by titles.  Many of us have multiple titles … and each says something important about our identity.

One’s title may be a doctor, dentist, lawyer, teacher, a farmer, a craftsman, or a soldier.

There are titles that describe our roles in families such as son, brother, husband and father, f ather-in-law.  And now in my life, with 24 grandchildren,  a grandfather!

In my career in the entertainment business I became known by titles such as singer, entertainer, writer, publisher, producer.

And how about in the church where we are known as a home teacher, an elder, a high priest, an ordinance worker, a bishop, a stake president, a patriarch, or a general authority, or just…. “Brother”.

What ever it is . . .we must ask:

What is my potential as a religious man
to bless my family and give service to others?

We must look outward as we become our potential in EACH title we bear.

A doctor can prescribe medicines and do surgery but also share faith and trust in the Lord as he or she operates on an individual…by  giving his patients hope that they will be made well.

A lawyer must negotiate and can be tough at times.  But, he still can remember to be Christ like in dealing with others, their mistakes, and be fair as much as possible … yet at the same time like Heavenly Father himself, adhering to the laws of the land.  He must be just . . like Heavenly Father will when we keep the commandments, and at our final judgment day.

A teacher must teach.  My grandfather who was a Principal at a High School said, “If a Student hasn’t learned, The Teacher hasn’t taught”  So, if a student hasn’t learned, the teacher should show patience and love especially to those innocent and young minds and teach them correct principles.  Some students may need more time and teachers who teach with a conscience.  They should also be responsible and wise and never teach anything that is ‘of the world’ or ‘un-Christ like’ even though it may be in the text books!

A farmer can use God’s creations of seeds, and plants and waters to bless lives everywhere.  As he plants, cultivates and harvests the various foods that are prepared for others consumption he can pray over his fields and make sure there are not any toxic or hurtful items used or mixed in with the good . . . always in his heart likening the scriptures to that of the harvest…  and to God’s harvest of His children.

A craftsman can take extra care using in his work seeking inspiration in creating works that portray the beauty of God’s creative works of wood, glass and metal or other elements of the earth.  He can also inspire others to do the same with patience and understanding.

Or as a soldier, who fights for justice and the cause of freedom, be willing to give his or her life for the cause of liberty and the truths which we believe . . . with faith and trust in the Lord, and a prayer in his heart, that he or she will be  protected from harm.

But the ultimate goals and titles that each of us men should have are to be, and to act like, is a:

1.  ‘Son of Heavenly Father‘.

No matter what else we are or do in life, we must never forget that we are God’s literal spirit children.  We were His children before we came to this world and were created spiritually before we were created physically.  And, we will be His children forever more.   This basic truth should change the way we look at ourselves, our brothers and sisters, and at life itself.

2.  ‘Disciple of Jesus Christ‘.

While Jesus is away, we must be like Him and reach out to others as He would if He were here.

3.  ‘Healer of Souls‘.

Jesus gave us The Priesthood of God to act in His behalf, to bless and heal the sick, to cast out the adversary, and to comfort those who are in need.

4. Heir of Eternal Life‘

Because of Jesus Christ, we all will live again after we die and be resurrected.  By keeping his commandments, and seeking His ways, we can become heirs to God’s Kingdom and live forever.

I was blessed growing up to have come from a loving home with goodly parents that loved us and taught us to work, to pray, to learn, and to have fun.  We were taught the gospel and yes, we loved music.   Our parents helped us learn to read music and play various musical instruments and to stay the course of good music as we performed ‘in the world’ but, not ‘of the world’, and never on Sunday when possible.

We decided at a very young age to always be strong and to never give in to temptations . . . even though we saw so much of it around us, especially when we moved from Happy Valley in Utah to California where we performed on a weekly TV Series.

We were often called the “clean cut” Mormon boys from Utah.  We were told, “You will never make it in show business because you are “too clean cut”. And,  “Too Goody Goody!”  How about those titles!

Names never hurt us, and it was actually a compliment.

As we spent the next 7 years trying to live up to our potential as young ‘Mormon’ entertainers‘ and ‘musical’ priesthood holders” in making our music reflect the goodness of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.  We always had a word of prayer before every performance praying that ‘someone’s heart  might be touched and become interested and investigate the gospel of Jesus Christ’.

We weren’t going to change our lifestyle and beliefs as we got into Show Business and the recording industry, but with our music, we would try  to reach more young people of our age.

We left the Andy William’s show and about starved for the lack of work during the following year while we tried really hard to get a hit record. The Lord truly blessed us with a number one hit record and we promised Him we’d never change.  Making promises and covenants to God really work!

After we had a few more hit records, we wanted to musically ‘say something’ to ‘make a difference in the world’, so with much fasting and prayer, we wrote, with the help of the Holy Ghost, an original album of music called “The Plan”.  The Plan of Life, with songs like “Before the Beginning”, “Are You Up There”, a repentance song directed to Jesus called, “Let Me In… Let Me In Your Arms Again” and a song about our day called, “It’s Gotta Be The Last Days”.  This album caused many young people to search their hearts and to come unto Christ.

Just like in our many businesses and occupations with our various titles, there are always ways and opportunities to bring people to the Lord.  Purposely, we should bring into our work and casual conversations truths and principles of the gospel besides delivering quality work that might make someone realize the work of the Lord through us!

Become the title of “Disciple of Christ” …. not only in title, but in action, and let others know that we are so blessed to also be titled: “A Child of God”, a “Son of Heavenly Father”, one who the Lord knows in these latter days!

If you see someone who is in need or is in need of a blessing, Be “A Disciple of the Lord”, and tell them you’ll pray for them and put their name on the temple prayer rolls.  Be “A Saint” and the Hands of the Savior until He returns by  reaching out to those in need; those who are lonely or looking for a place to belong.  Be “A Friend”.  Be “A Healer of Souls” by visiting the sick and the afflicted.  Be “A Father” to that young person that doesn’t have one by putting your arm around him or that teenager that has chosen wrong things, and as ”A Savior of Mankind”, like Jesus, help influence him or her to come back to the Lord and not go the way of the world.  When we ‘Give Service To Others’, we are in the service of the Lord.

Let us not forget our ancestors who have gone on and need our help.   Bear the titles as “Indexers, Researchers, Genealogists, and Ordinance Workers” and help fulfill the prophecy of “Turning the hearts of the children to their fathers.”  Genealogy is one of the most favorite hobbies today!  Families can be together, forever!

Men, most importantly, we must bless our families.  We all are “Heirs of Eternal Life” and if we can save but one soul, how great will be our reward.  Let’s make sure the first one we bless and save is our own life!  And then, that of our children’s and grandchildren!  Yes, we men have ‘Titles’ of being “Providers” and “Protectors” but we must also spend TIME with our families and grandchildren and let them know they are loved and that they are also ‘heirs to eternal life‘ in Heavenly Father’s mansions on high.

Be “Teachers” and “Missionaries”, and teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ from the Bible and the Book of Mormon.  Read the scriptures to them.  Be ‘a sermon’ instead of just preaching one.  We must be “Leaders” and let our lives be the example of how they should be, especially in our later years of life, showing that life is good, and that all things are possible if they believe in Christ.

The title that I hope I am most remembered for and successful in, is that of being a good “Husband”, and  “A Good Father“.  Plus, a “Great Grandfather“!   It is then, that I will have peace of heart… much more than any worldly title or award could give, and know that my family and I will be together forever for all eternity – with the title of:  “An Eternal Family“!

That is how our potential as a priesthood holders can bless our families and give service to others!

I know that Jesus is the Christ and that His Church is here on the earth today with a Living Prophet.  I pray for everyone who has a righteous desire in their hearts to be better, to learn more, to not block the opportunity of knowing about God’s ‘Plan of Salvation‘ with questions like, “Who am I?, “Why am I here?, and “Where am I going?  If any would like to know more, please let me know and I will be glad to share!

Alan Osmond
Strengthening The Family