Study Guide for "The Greatest among You"

In his General Conference talk, "The Greatest among You," President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, offers profound insights into the nature of true leadership and service within the Church. Drawing from personal experiences, scriptural examples, and teachings of other Church leaders, President Uchtdorf emphasizes the principles of humility, selfless service, and the eternal significance of our callings. His message is a call to all members of the Church to embrace opportunities to serve with gratitude and to follow the Savior’s example of meekness and lowliness of heart.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What personal experience does President Uchtdorf share about feeling uninvited?
Who were the "Sons of Thunder" and what lesson did Jesus teach them?
What did President James E. Faust teach President Uchtdorf about handling praise?
How should we view our callings in the Church according to President Uchtdorf?
What example does President Uchtdorf give about serving in humble capacities?

Topics

Embrace Humility and Selflessness

President Uchtdorf shares a personal story about feeling left out from the Madrid Spain Temple dedication to illustrate the importance of humility and selflessness in our service to the Lord. He reminds us that our joy in the gospel should not be dependent on recognition or personal invitations but on our love for God and His work.

Harriet and I reminded ourselves that the temple dedication was not about us. It wasn’t about who deserved to be invited or who did not. And it wasn’t about our feelings or our sense of entitlement.

It was about dedicating a holy edifice, a temple of the Most High God.

Why did President Uchtdorf feel anxious about not receiving an invitation to the temple dedication?
How did President Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet, find joy despite not being invited?
How can you ensure your joy in the gospel is not dependent on recognition or personal invitations?
Reflect on a time when you felt left out. How can you apply President Uchtdorf’s counsel in similar situations?

Serve Without Expectation of Reward

Using the example of James and John, the "Sons of Thunder," President Uchtdorf teaches that true greatness in God’s kingdom comes from serving others without seeking recognition or reward. He emphasizes that leadership in the Church is about ministering to others with love and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.

In God’s kingdom, greatness and leadership means seeing others as they truly are—as God sees them—and then reaching out and ministering to them.

God’s greatest reward goes to those who serve without expectation of reward.

What did James and John request from Jesus, and how did He respond?
What does it mean to be "chiefest" in God’s kingdom?
In what ways can you serve others without seeking recognition?
How can you cultivate a mindset of ministering to others as God sees them?

Avoid Inhaling Praise

President Uchtdorf recounts a lesson from President James E. Faust about the importance of not letting praise and admiration affect one’s humility. He stresses that Church leaders should not take themselves too seriously and should always be willing to be directed by God.

The members of the Church are gracious to the General Authorities. They will treat you kindly and say nice things about you. Always be thankful for this, but don’t you ever inhale it.

Leadership in the Church is not so much about directing others as it is about our willingness to be directed by God.

What did President Faust mean by "don’t you ever inhale it"?
How should Church leaders approach their roles according to President Uchtdorf?
How do you react to praise and recognition? How can you ensure it does not affect your humility?
Reflect on a time when you had to lead. How did you ensure you were being directed by God?

See Callings as Opportunities for Service

President Uchtdorf explains that Church callings are opportunities to serve God and others with faith and humility. He emphasizes that no calling is more important than another and that every act of service helps us become true disciples of Christ.

We accept callings with grace, humility, and gratitude. When we are released from these callings, we accept the change with the same grace, humility, and gratitude.

In the eyes of God, there is no calling in the kingdom that is more important than another.

What should our attitude be towards our callings in the Church?
How does serving in a calling help us become true disciples of Christ?
How can you approach your current calling with more faith and humility?
Reflect on a time when you were released from a calling. How did you handle the change?

Serve with Honor and Gratitude

President Uchtdorf concludes by urging members to serve others humbly and with gratitude, following the example of the Savior. He reminds us that seeking honor and celebrity in the Church is contrary to the principles of true discipleship.

Let us serve others humbly—with energy, gratitude, and honor.

Even though our acts of service may seem lowly, modest, or of little value, those who reach out in kindness and compassion to others will one day know the value of their service by the eternal and blessed grace of Almighty God.

What is the danger of seeking honor and celebrity in the Church?
How did Jesus exemplify humble service?
How can you ensure your acts of service are done with humility and gratitude?
Reflect on a time when you served in a seemingly lowly capacity. How did it affect your understanding of true discipleship?