Frostbite of frustration

Service

During His ministry on the earth, Jesus Christ spent His time serving and helping others. True disciples of Jesus Christ do likewise.

The Savior said, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:35).

Mosiah 2: 17 “And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”

In these days of selfishness, and covetousness what is the most important contribution we can make? - service

How do we magnify our calling as priesthood brethren? – service

What are some of the most important attributes to have as saints? – Charity & Love

I have learned that 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. (See Matt. 10:39.)

39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

Not only do we “find” ourselves in terms of acknowledging 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]

Heber C. Kimball made this prophecy in the early days of the church- “The spirit of extravagance and speculation will take possession of the saints.”-Covetousness and selfishness – the results will be financial bondage.

“If we are not careful, we can be injured by the frostbite of frustration; we can be frozen in place by the chill of unmet expectations. This is what happens if we focus too much on ourselves. To avoid this we must—just as we would with arctic coldness—keep moving, keep serving, go forward with faith, and keep reaching out, so that our own immobility does not become our chief danger.”

As the contrasts between the ways of the world and the ways of God become more separated, the faith of the members of the Church will be tried even more severely. One of the most vital things we can do is to express our testimonies through service, which will, in turn, produce spiritual growth, greater commitment, and a greater capacity to keep the commandments. Our testimonies should be such that we should hate sin and our whole desire should be to do good continually.

In addition to holding an ordained office in the priesthood, most priesthood bearers also are called to a specific position in their ward or stake. Your callings will come and go, but the need for your constant and committed service in some Church capacity will continue. Remember, brethren, your responsibility to honor and magnify your priesthood is an eternal obligation.

Each of us, as holders of the priesthood, is under covenant to serve faithfully in any assignment to which we may be called.

D&C 107
99 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
100 He that is slothful shall not be counted worthy to stand, and he that learns not his duty and shows himself not approved shall not be counted worthy to stand. Even so, Amen

Do we ever get to old to serve and let the youth take over?

Occasionally we hear that some of our older brethren, feeling perhaps that they have done their duty, think they have reached a stage of retirement from active service in the Church. You may have heard the story about one high priest who passed out during priesthood meeting. Thinking the man had suffered a heart attack, his group leader called the paramedics. According to the story, they carried out five sleeping high priests before they found the one who had passed out. We may find some humor in this story, but I trust that we will not miss the message. Let us never be asleep at our posts. No office in the priesthood is given as a sedative but rather as a stimulant for service.

Regardless of your priesthood office or your years of membership and service in the Church, you always can do more. To receive the priesthood is to make an eternal commitment to serving others.

President David O. McKay declared: “Priesthood means service. This is true even in its divine source, as we may infer from the sublime declaration: ‘This is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’ Emanating from Deity is the service that leads to the redemption of God’s children.”

The question should be asked frequently: Who among quorum members, ward members, or our neighbors is in need, and how can we, the brethren of the priesthood(or saints), assist? Do the individual members need to wait for an assignment to serve?
All of us should be actively aware and should be looking for opportunities to reach out and help others.

Remember that we are at war with Satan for the souls of men, women, and children. We should be wise as priesthood leaders and members and employ every possible resource that we have available, to help save Heavenly Father’s precious children.

Service is not something we just endure on this earth so we can earn the right to sit back and relax when we reach the celestial kingdom. It’s a principle of life. Service is the source of which an exalted life in the celestial kingdom is made.

“Knowing that service is what gives our Father in Heaven fulfillment, and knowing that we want to be where He is and as He is, why must we be commanded to serve one another? … Service is what Godhood is all about.”

Why then do so many people choose not to serve? Why do some make so many excuses not to? Why are some not more often anxiously engaged in a good cause? Why are the general home teaching stats so low? Why have some forgotten that when you are in the service of your fellow beings you are in the service of your God? Why?

By Kent Wentzell