"First, 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 how 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!
"Not only do we 'find' ourselves in terms of acknowledging divine guidance in our lives, but the more we serve our fellowmen in appropriate ways, the more substance there is to our souls. We become more significant individuals as we serve others. We become more substantive as we serve others—indeed, it is easier to 'find' ourselves because there is so much more of us to find!"
- Spencer W. Kimball, "The Abundant Life," address Weber State College, Ogden, UT on Nov 4, 1977; see Ensign, July 1978 pp. 2-7
Click here to read the full talk
What a marvelous perspective President Kimball shares! As one who spent his entire life in service to others, he knew of the benefits it can bring. And those benefits aren't just to the recipients of the service; they come readily to the person offering as well, as our own concerns are lifted or put into "fresher perspective":
The second paragraph is fascinating. Service brings "more substance" to our souls! What a wonderful thought.
No comments:
Post a Comment