For Him
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What personal experiences does Sister Jones share to illustrate her message?
- How can understanding the "why" behind our service change our approach?
- What scriptural insights does Sister Jones use to support her message?
- How does focusing on serving God affect our relationships with others?
- What role does gratitude play in our service according to Sister Jones?
Topics
Understand the "Why" of Service
Sister Jones shares her personal experience of ministering to a family who initially rejected their efforts. Through sincere prayer and study, she and her husband realized that their true purpose in serving was out of love for the Lord. This change in understanding transformed their approach and made their service more meaningful.
So, after much sincere prayer and study, we received the answer to the why of our service.
We realized that we were sincerely striving to serve this family and to serve our bishop, but we had to ask ourselves if we were really serving out of love for the Lord.
- What was the initial challenge Sister Jones faced in her service?
- How did prayer and study help Sister Jones and her husband understand the "why" of their service?
- Reflect on a time when you felt frustrated in your service. How can understanding the "why" change your perspective?
- How can you ensure that your service is motivated by love for the Lord?
Serve with Love and Devotion to God
Sister Jones emphasizes that the highest manifestation of love is devotion to God. By focusing on serving Him, our efforts become more meaningful and fulfilling. This shift in focus helps us build a stronger relationship with Heavenly Father and allows His love to flow through us to others.
The highest manifestation of love is devotion to God.
Our love for and devotion to Him preempts the need for recognition or appreciation and allows His love to flow to and through us.
- What does Sister Jones identify as the highest manifestation of love?
- How does focusing on serving God impact our need for recognition?
- How can you demonstrate your love and devotion to God in your daily service?
- In what ways can you shift your focus from seeking recognition to serving God?
Follow a Holier Approach to Service
Sister Jones encourages us to adopt a "newer, holier approach" to service, as invited by President Nelson. This approach involves serving with a heart full of gratitude and putting God first in all our actions. By doing so, we can magnify our service and bless others more effectively.
When we focus on all that God has done for us, our service flows from a heart of gratitude.
President Nelson’s invitation to "a newer, holier approach to caring for and ministering to others."
- What does Sister Jones mean by a "newer, holier approach" to service?
- How does gratitude influence our service according to Sister Jones?
- What steps can you take to adopt a holier approach to your service?
- How can you cultivate a heart of gratitude in your daily life?
Prioritize God in All Actions
Sister Jones highlights the importance of placing God as our main priority. By doing so, everything else will fall into place, including our service to others. This principle is supported by the first of the Ten Commandments and the counsel to "look unto me in every thought."
The first of the Ten Commandments reiterates this divine wisdom: "I am the Lord thy God. … Thou shalt have no other gods before me."
The Lord counseled, "Look unto me in every thought."
- What does the first of the Ten Commandments teach us about prioritizing God?
- How can looking unto the Lord in every thought influence our actions?
- How can you ensure that God is your main priority in your daily life?
- What changes can you make to align your actions with the counsel to "look unto me in every thought"?
Serve with an Eye Single to the Glory of God
Sister Jones concludes by testifying that when we serve with an eye single to the glory of God, we allow His power to work through us to bless others. This principle is exemplified by Ammon's humility and the Savior's teaching to let our light shine before others.
When serving our God becomes our main priority in life, we lose ourselves, and in due course, we find ourselves.
The Savior taught this principle so simply and directly: "Therefore let your light so shine before this people, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."
- What does it mean to serve with an eye single to the glory of God?
- How does Ammon's example illustrate this principle?
- In what ways can you let your light shine to glorify God in your service?
- How can you apply Ammon's humility in your own service efforts?
