Reading the Book of Mormon gives us a deeper understanding of so many things. I have realized a few things about service that I hadn't really before this month. For example, even this morning when I was reading 2 Nephi 33:3 a thought came to me. Here is the scripture:
3 But I, Nephi, have written what I have written, and I esteem it as of great worth, and especially unto my people. For I pray continually for them by day, and mine eyes water my pillow by night, because of them; and I cry unto my God in faith, and I know that he will hear my cry.
This gives us insight into Nephi's heart, his leadership style, his faith. It reminded me of my feelings as a mother. But this is for all his people; he loved them so much! And my thought was that this is an example of how important it is to
LOVE those we SERVE.
This for some reason reminded me of an experience. It's an interesting one about visiting teaching (a program in the church where women visit each other monthly) and one of my visiting teachers. Now the funny thing is, she didn't actually visit. She was not great at this part of her assignment. BUT, I knew that she really cared, that she was my friend, that she loved me. She would ask how things were, and talk to me when she could, and I found that it meant as much to me that she really cared as a visit would have. This is the miracle of loving those you serve. She still made a difference by her love, though she couldn't find the time to visit.
We are not perfect; we are trying to achieve perfection. But there is one who was and is perfect in His service: Our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In our family scripture reading last week, this stood out to me in the words of King Benjamin (who lived before Christ was born) in Mosiah chapter 3:
5 For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, causing the lame to walk, the blind to receive their sight, and the deaf to hear, and curing all manner of diseases.
6 And he shall cast out devils, or the evil spirits which dwell in the hearts of the children of men.
My initial thoughts were that this chapter would be wonderful to read on Easter with my family! But as I thought about service, I thought, "Look at the things Christ did with His service--He changed lives!" And then the deeper insight: As I strive to become more like Christ, my service can be more life changing, that helping to change someone's life for the better is fuller service.
I'm not saying that we need to do miracles or big things to provide service. I believe that even a smile can be an act of service. But as I look for ways to serve my fellow man, I will look to making the biggest difference in their lives through that service, and more guidance from the Lord on how to change lives with the service I render.
I love my Savior; I know He provided perfect service. I have faith that the Lord will guide us to give more perfect service as we seek help. These are insights that I have gained recently from reading the Book of Mormon. And I love it!!
