I have been thinking a lot lately about serving others. At this stage in my life, it feels impossible to reach outside the needs of my own little family that demands so much, to others that might be in need. However, I believe that the Lord expects so much more of each of us.
In the book, Daughters in My Kingdom, there is a quote by George Albert Smith that states, “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.” When you really think about that statement, it is hard not to feel inadequate and like we have so much more that we can be doing. No matter how difficult our own life’s circumstances may be.
It is not to say that we should sacrifice our responsibilities to our own families to help others. In fact, I think that would be contrary to the Lord’s will also. Our families have to come first. That is our most important calling. That is our responsibility above everything else. However, can we ask ourselves at the end of the day, “Did I spend all my time wisely?” or “Could I have sacrificed something more to help someone else?”
My Father in Law is a good example of always being there for others in their time of need. His favorite thing to do is to help someone else out, and get something productive done. He will most likely never look back at his life and think he was a time waster. That is true. He is a good example of staying busy, but staying busy doing good and important things.
John Taylor said, “Our feelings toward the world of mankind, generally, ought to be the same as Jesus manifested to them. He sought to promote their welfare, and our motto ought ever to be the same as His was-‘peace on earth good will to men'”
Christ did devote his entire life to teaching, helping, healing, and loving mankind. It is our responsibility to find little ways that we can do the same.
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