In his talk “O Be Wise” Elder M Russell Ballard speaks about the importance of finding the proper balance as you strive to do your callings in the church. He shares the story of Jacob, from the Book of Mormon, who strove to teach his people all he could, and his finals word of counsel were to be wise.
Elder Ballard goes on to talk about the importance of fulfilling your callings. He then talks about people who become so wrapped up in their callings that their lives become out of balance. At times people may neglect their family or professional responsibilities as they serve in the church. He warns against this. He also warns against focusing on the programs instead of on the people who you are serving.
Elder Ballard gives six ways that you can improve your service in the church while maintaining balance in your life. First you should focus on people and principles and use the programs to meet their needs. You should not put the programs before the people you are serving. Second you should be innovative. You can be creative within the guidelines of the church to make sure that the needs of those you serve are being met.
Thirdly, Elder Ballard counsels the importance of dividing the work and delegating responsibility. It is important to allow others to grow by allowing them the chance to serve. Similarly you do not need to do everything your self. Fourth you need to eliminate the guilt. This includes using guilt as a motivating factor. It also includes feeling guilty because you have conflicting demands and schedules. Family needs should still be met.
The fifth piece of advice is to be careful how you to use your time, income and energy. There is always more to do. There will always be more to do, but you need to realize your limits and set your priorities. The final advice is to Bishops. It is important to give new converts a calling, which will help them learn more about the church and be involved, but does not overwhelm them. Elder Ballard goes on to say:
“Brothers and sisters, may we focus on the simple ways we can serve in the kingdom of God, always striving to change lives, including our own. What is most important in our Church responsibilities is not the statistics that are reported or the meetings that are held but whether or not individual people-ministered to one at a time just as the Savior did-have been lifted and encouraged and ultimately changed. Our task is to help others find the peace and the joy that only the gospel can give them. In seven words, Jesus summarized how we can accomplish this. He said, ‘If ye love me, keep my commandments'”
This is a great talk. Elder Ballard addresses an area where many people are struggling to find the proper balance. It is an area where each of us has the chance to grow through helping others. The counsel that Elder Ballard gives is excellent, and I hope that you will take the time to read it.
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