2023
Ministering through Service
August 2023

“Ministering through Service,” Liahona, Aug. 2023.

Ministering Principles

Ministering through Service

We can become more like the Savior as we learn to minister as He did. We can make a profound difference by sincerely serving in natural ways.

Image
Jesus reaching out to man with a disability

Jesus Christ “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” (Matthew 20:28). Service is part of ministering because serving is what the Savior did. Time after time, He stopped to listen, heal, teach, pray for, and even work for the people around Him, despite exhaustion, the many demands of His ministry, or the clamor of crowds.

The New Testament also mentions other people who selflessly worked to build the early Church, including Phebe, “a succourer of many” (see Romans 16:1–2); Priscilla and her husband, Aquila (see Acts 18:1–3; Romans 16:3–5); and several others (see Romans 16:6–15). While the details of much of their service wasn’t recorded, these early Saints saw a need and filled it.

Sometimes service is a sacrifice, involving hours, days, or even years dedicated to a cause—and sometimes it’s as simple as offering a prayer in a friend’s behalf. Sometimes it isn’t what we do that makes a difference in the lives of others but just the fact we were there for them.

The heart of serving as the Savior did—even when it’s not convenient—is to serve sincerely, tenderly, and wholeheartedly.

Image
man walking out a door, with others standing behind him

Developing a Heart for Service

As we come to know the Savior, we will know better what we can do to minister in His place. How can we develop the Christlike attribute of serving willingly?

  1. Consider what it means to serve as Jesus Christ did. What did He do? How did He do it? How can we apply those things to our own service?

  2. There are many blessings that come with unselfish service, including a distraction from our own burdens and cares, even if only momentarily. But Jesus served out of love, and we hope to serve this way too!

  3. Service to others is service to Him (see Matthew 25:40).

  4. We’re never too important to serve: “He that is greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).

  5. We can seek guidance from the Holy Ghost through prayer. If a thought to do good comes, it is inspired (see Moroni 7:13). “Never postpone following a prompting” (Thomas S. Monson, “The Spirit Giveth Life,” Ensign, May 1985, 70).

  6. “Men [and women] should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27).

  7. Don’t be afraid to serve using your creativity, talents, and personal interests.

  8. Service doesn’t have to be grand. Remember that even simple things—like being there for a friend, whether it’s in the form of a hot meal, a handwritten card, or even a text message—make a difference. The important thing is to be the Savior’s hands here on earth.

Although offering service can at times feel awkward, with practice and prayer we will improve our abilities to serve in the best ways. In time, service may become one of the most natural and delightful parts of our daily lives.