May
12
Women’s Conference–Sacred, Selfless Service
Filed Under Personal Light, Scriptures, Written by Emily
A conference about coming unto Christ could not be complete without messages about service. Service is the lifeblood of His example to us and the ministry to which we all are called. This class was a wonderful reminder of those principles. I am grateful for the quiet voice of the Spirit that spoke to me during this class about a specific thing I can do to serve my family more selflessly and a specific thing we can do as a family to serve in our community. I know that if you seek to know through the Spirit what He would have you do to serve more like the Savior, He will enlighten you too!
Sharleen P. Campbell
- I am a believer–I am a follower!
- Example of King Benjamin–Mosiah 2:14 “And even I, myself, have labored with mine own hands that I might serve you.” Service is work! It is a labor of love.
- Alma 1:30 “And thus, in their prosperous circumstances, they did not send away any who were naked, or that were hungry, or that were athirst, or that were sick, or that had not been nourished; and they did not set their hearts upon riches; therefore they were liberal to all, both old and young, both bond and free, both male and female, whether out of the church or in the church, having no respect to persons as to those who stood in need.” How can we be more liberal in or service to others? What does that mean to you?
- Instead of judging others, we can spend our energy on doing what we can to help.
- Am I using my resources to build up my own kingdom or the kingdom of God?
- The gospel is not convenient, but when we live it, great blessings will come!
- Give of yourself at all times.
- You will have to step out of your comfort zone to give sacred, selfless service.
Karen Gasparac Dissel
- Why do you give service? What are your motivations? Do we sometimes do it because we hope to get something in return? When we are doing this we are giving gifts with strings attached. (She had a great visual aid for this–a beautifully wrapped present with strings all over it and notes attached that said things like, “I hope you will praise me,” “Then you will owe me one,” etc.)
- Ephesians 6:6 “Not with eye service, as men pleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” Are we serving to please men or to serve Christ?
- We are seeking to Bless–Not Impress!
- It is the Living Water that will soothe and bless others. Our job is to be like the bucket brigade and take His love–His Living Water–to others. How do we do that?
- Initiative–Notice what is going on around you and anticipate the need. Don’t wait to be asked, because most of the time people just don’t ask! Elder Bednar counseled, “Be quick to observe and quick to respond.”
- Compassion–When Pharaoh’s daughter saw the basket she asked for it to be brought to her and she had compassion. She was an instrument in the hands of God because she followed that compassionate instinct, even though it may not have made sense or been convenient. What can you do to be guided more by your spirit of compassion?
- Gratitude–Have an attitude of gratitude. It is the eternal antidote for a grumpy heart! Do we feel gratitude to the Lord and gratitude to those in our lives? She referenced the song “Because I Have Been Given Much”–”I’ll show that love by word and deed, Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.” To whom do you owe a debt of gratitude?
- Love–If you want to love God you must learn to love those around you! If we don’t love God and neighbor, whatever else we do will be of little consequence.
- May we all have living filled with giving!