1 Samuel 16 - 20

It seems almost everytime there is rumors or news that there will be a change in a bishopric or presidency, members immediately begin to speculate who may be called to serve as the new bishop or the new president such as a stake president. Some go as far as to predict who will serve in these positions long before any changes are even considered.

There may be little harm in this if the member has a firm testimony or spirit of prophecy -

"...that a man must be called of God, by prophecy..." (Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:5)

But when members are offended by not being selected or when members feel others "deserve" to be called to a position, expectations and speculations may be quite harmful. We learn a great deal of how this process works as Samuel is told to select a new King due to Saul's disobedience. The Lord instructs Samuel -

"...I will send thee to Jesse the Beth-lehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:1)

As Samuel meets with Jesse and his sons he naturally -

"...looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the LORD's anointed is before him." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:6)

In the spirit of prophecy, the Lord reveals that Eliab is not to be annointed and then provides this great statement that all members should be familiar with and understand -

"...Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:7)

I can testify that I have witnessed that men are called of God by prophecy. I can also testify, that contrary to a man's outward appearance, those in the fold of the shepherd who was called by the will of the Lord, will come to know of his heart and the shepherds divine calling.

This becomes evident after Samuel interviews all the sons of Jesse then asks -

"...Are here all thy children?" (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:11)

Jesse answers -

"...There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:11)

And as David enters the rooms the Lord instructs Samuel -

"...Arise, anoint him: for this is he." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:12)

"Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the LORD came upon David from that day forward..." (Old Testament 1 Samuel 16:13)

This story is all summed of the Article of Faith taught by the Prophet Joseph Smith -

"We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof."
(Pearl of Great Price Articles of Faith 1:5)