“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!
Jesus’ teachings
help us to have a correct view of life and our circumstances. Sometimes the
solution is not to change our circumstance, but to change our attitude about
that circumstance and its difficulties so that we see more clearly our
opportunities for more abundant service.
God 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. There is
great security in spirituality, and we cannot have spirituality without
service!” (“The Abundant Life”, Ensign, October 1985)
