Lesson Recap: Delight in Service and Good Works

Taught by Nancy Martin

November 1, 2009

“The more we serve our fellowmen

in appropriate ways, the more substance 

there is to our souls”

President Kimball said, "The Lord does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve each other.

Service to others deepens and sweetens this life while we are preparing to live in a better world. It is by serving that we learn to serve. When we are engaged in the service of our fellowmen, not only do our deeds assist them, but we put our own problems in a fresher perspective. When we concern ourselves more with others, there is less time to be concerned with ourselves! In the midst of the miracle of serving, there is the promise of Jesus that by losing ourselves, we find ourselves! "

Service
What do you think of when you hear the word service?
Unselfishness
Kindness
Giving
Sacrifice
Charity
Joy
Blessing
Time crunch
Challenge
Prayer
LOVE!

Family and Church Service
Nancy reminded us that our service to God begins with our families.

How can you better serve your family?

By being patient, helping them learn, but not doing everything for them. Letting them grow in a safe place where they can make mistakes.

Be open with your love and tell your spouse and children often and in public that you love them. We just had a great conference talk on this by Elder Bednar.

How can we better serve in the church?

By supporting others in their callings, coming to activities, doing our calling, being dependable, serving missions, inviting others to hear the gospel message.

Sometimes difficult?
Serving someone we don't love can change our hearts and theirs.

Several class members told stories of this kind of service: a coworker who was rude and offensive and was able to be tolerated after many prayers for a change of heart; another coworker with different political views, always clashing with a sister, finally softened after she found a way to help him with his language skills; children who gave up a couple of Christmas gifts to a family down the street and will never forget that Christmas.

Conclusion
Nancy praised the sisters of our ward for all their good works and deeds of kindness. [Yes, you are wonderful! Thanks for all you do.]

President Kimball again: "May we ponder carefully, deeply, and prayerfully our roles in life, where we can give the greatest service, to whom we can make the greatest contribution, what we should do with our lives and with our special skills and training. Our success will be measured by what we can give of our lives and our contribution to others rather than what we can get and receive from others."

Do you have a story to tell about service? Let us know by leaving a comment. 

Photo by Ellen King