Relearning the Call: Fatherhood, Priesthood, and the Spirit's Guidance

There are moments, even in the most devoted among us, when the routine of the covenant path can feel… familiar. We know the hymns, we recite the testimonies, and we are steeped in the doctrine and covenants. But sometimes, the Spirit whispers that the lessons we need are not found in the established curriculum, but in the raw, unscripted drama of discipleship itself.

The concept of 'relearning' is potent. It speaks to the very nature of the Restoration—that even those who have been taught the fullness of the gospel must continually return to the source, to the core principles, to the very essence of the calling. It reminds us that priesthood authority, like any divine gift, requires constant, conscious reinvestment.

When we consider the cinematic framework presented in the recent podcast discussion—the duties of Peter Pan—we are not merely analyzing a film. We are examining a model for spiritual maturation. The three skills: flying, fighting, and crowing. These are not mere physical proficiencies; they are metaphors for the spiritual disciplines required of every Latter-day Saint who seeks to build Zion.

The Disciplines of Discipleship

To 'fly' suggests transcendence—to rise above the mundane concerns that anchor us to the earth. For us, this is the constant upward gaze toward the celestial kingdom, remembering that our citizenship is prepared in heaven. It is the spiritual buoyancy that allows us to endure the trials of this mortal dispensation, knowing that the Lord watches over us (D&C 121:9).

To 'fight' speaks to the necessary defense of truth. This is not mere temporal conflict, but the spiritual warfare against the subtle deceptions that seek to erode our commitment to the restored gospel. It requires the courage to stand firm on revealed doctrine, even when the intellectual currents of the world—or even within our own scholarly circles—attempt to dilute the clarity of the covenants. We must be prepared to defend the truth, remembering that the Spirit does not whisper whispers; He speaks with power.

And finally, to 'crow'—to call out, to proclaim. This is the outward manifestation of our covenant keeping. It is the calling to bear witness. It is the active participation in the work of the Restoration. It is not enough to merely *know* the doctrines; we must *live* them until our lives become the sermon.

Iron Rod and the Calling

These concepts resonate deeply with the stewardship we are entrusted with. The 'iron rod' is not a mere title; it is the constant, tangible reminder of our covenant responsibilities—the stewardship over our families, our testimonies, and the preservation of sacred knowledge. To be a true disciple is to be perpetually in the process of relearning how to wield that rod with wisdom, guided by the Spirit.

The podcast episode provided a rich framework for this reflection. I urge my brethren to listen to the full episode and consider how these abstract concepts—flying, fighting, crowing—translate into the concrete realities of our weekly callings. Where are we spiritually complacent? Where have we allowed the comfort of familiarity to dull the edge of our devotion?

This is the work of Operation Iron Rod: to keep the discourse sharp, the covenants fresh, and the focus fixed on the eternal pattern revealed through the prophets and apostles. We are not merely preserving history; we are preparing disciples for a world that demands radical, renewed commitment.

I invite all who feel the Spirit stirring on these themes—those who feel the call to articulate these profound lessons—to submit your reflections. Let us continue to build this training corpus together, ensuring that the next generation of disciples can draw upon the deepest wells of revelation, not just the surface ripples of popular culture.