The importance of service is an essential part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are all called to serve in some capacity and it can bring us closer to God when we do so with love and humility. Ryan K. Olsen’s quote, “To those who will choose to serve, I can attest to the blessings that will come as you heed a prophet’s call. Serving is not about you; it is about the Savior” emphasizes this point by stating that serving is not about ourselves, but rather a way for us to share our love for the Savior with those around us. In this sermon, we will explore different types of service and why they are important as part of discipleship.
Discuss different types of service, such as service to fellowmen, community, and church
Service has many faces, and when our service is done in the name of Jesus Christ, it can be a powerful tool for good. There are three distinct types of service—service to your fellowman, service to your community, and service to your church. All three are essential components of building the kingdom of God on earth. Let’s explore each one further.
The first type of service is that which we do for our fellow man. This could include anything from visiting those who are sick or assisting those in need. It could also include small acts like holding a door open for someone or helping someone carry something heavy. These small acts may seem insignificant but they can make a massive difference in the lives of those around us and show that we care about them and their needs.
The second type of service is that which we do for our community. This could include volunteering at a local homeless shelter or cleaning up a park or beach. It could also include simply talking with someone who seems lonely or offering to help a neighbor with yard work or home repairs. By engaging with our community, we can make it a better place and demonstrate our commitment to serving others outside of ourselves.
The third type of service is that which we do for our church. This could be anything from teaching Sunday School classes or helping out in the nursery during worship services to leading Bible studies or organizing charity drives. It could also involve participating in activities such as youth activities and Relief Society functions where you can serve alongside other like-minded people and help spread the gospel message even further than before! By engaging in these activities, you will not only bring others closer to Christ but you will also grow spiritually yourself as well!
Serving others is an essential part of building the kingdom of God here on earth
Service is more than just a kind gesture; it’s an opportunity to demonstrate the character and mercy of our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ provided us with a perfect example of how to serve through His ministry on earth. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, taught His disciples, and showed us what real love looks like through His selfless acts.
Service gives us the opportunity to emulate this same selflessness and strengthen our own relationship with God. We can help build up each other as we come together to serve one another in times of need. Serving also helps us develop empathy for those around us who are struggling or going through difficult times—empathy that will be beneficial throughout our lives as we strive to become better individuals and followers of Christ-like service.
Service is truly an expression of our devotion to God and His Son Jesus Christ. When we live a life of service, we demonstrate that devotion through action—not only towards God but also towards our fellow man. We show the same unconditional love that Jesus showed while on Earth when he served all people regardless of their beliefs or background.
When we serve we are building the kingdom of God here on earth. We are showing that despite our differences, we all value giving back to the world and making it a better place for everyone.
When we serve we are sharing of our time and talents
The Savior taught, “To whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required.” (Luke 12:48) This means that when we are given time and talents, it is important to use them for the betterment of our fellow man. Serving is an important part of discipleship and this can help us become more like the Savior as we use our gifts to bless the lives of those in need.
Serving can be a rewarding experience and help us strengthen our relationship with God. It is an opportunity to learn more about others and ourselves, and to show our love for our Heavenly Father by caring for His children.
None of us can do this alone, it is only by coming together in service that any of us will be able to make it through this mortal life.
Explain why we serve – because we love God and want to share His love with others
Now we have spoken much about service, and how service is a good thing. But why do we serve? Ultimately, it is because we love God and want to share His love with others. Serving helps us build the kingdom of God here on earth and bring people closer to Him. It also allows us to demonstrate our devotion through action, just as Jesus did in his ministry on earth.
If we serve for the wrong reasons, such as seeking recognition or personal gain, then we have already received our reward. We miss out on the opportunity to experience true joy and spiritual growth that comes from serving with a pure and selfless heart. Serving for selfish motives does not lead to lasting satisfaction; instead it keeps us locked in a cycle of trying to fill an empty void.
The Pharisees of Jesus’ day were an example of those who served with the wrong mindset. They followed the law and performed acts of service, but they did it in order to gain recognition and status among their peers. This was a far cry from serving out of love for God and others, as Jesus taught. The Pharisees sought to prove themselves through their works instead of humbly following God’s will. Consequently, they missed out on true joy that comes from selfless service and lacked real spiritual growth that accompanies it.
In contrast, we have the example of Jesus who served out of love for God and others. He taught us what real love looks like through their selfless acts. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). By His example Jesus showed us the ultimate way to serve and love others.
Talk about how serving in a Calling is an important part of Discipleship
As we strive to follow the Savior and walk the path of Discipleship, serving in a Calling is an important part of the journey. A Calling is a formal invitation from God to serve Him and His children through various Church positions.
When we accept a Calling, we are committing ourselves to serve in whatever capacity has been asked of us. This means taking on additional responsibilities such as visiting members, teaching classes at church, and performing church service.
Serving in a Calling can be an incredibly rewarding experience if we do it with the right attitude. We must make sure to approach our Callings with humility, eagerness, and obedience. If we are willing to serve faithfully in whatever capacity God has called us to, then we will reap the rewards of this faithful service. It can help strengthen our relationships with God, as well as deepen our understanding of the gospel and our faith.
Ultimately, the purpose of a Calling is to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. As we seek to follow His example and show love for those around us through serving them, then we will be fulfilling our purpose as Disciples of Christ.
You may not feel qualified for the Calling you have been given, but God knows that you can do it. Through our Callings we are able to grow and become better people as we serve in His name. And if we approach service with the love of Christ in our hearts, then the Savior will step in and make up any deficiency that we may have.
Do not mistake a Calling as just a duty or responsibility; they are a privilege and an opportunity to serve God and His children. Your calling was given to you through an unbroken direct chain directly to the Savior Himself, do not think that it is not important or that it does not matter. The Lord called you to do whatever it is that you are doing, whether you are the prophet of the church or taking chairs down after a meeting. All of it is important and all of it matters to Him.
So let us accept our Callings with gladness in our hearts, ready to serve with love and enthusiasm. And let us remember that ultimately we are serving God Himself and the love He has for His children. Everything we do, from the grandest of Callings to the smallest of tasks, can be done for Him and He will bless us for it.
May we each accept our Callings and offer service with a willing heart, ready to serve in whatever capacity God has asked us to; this I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
Key Takeaways
- True joy comes from selfless service and real spiritual growth accompanies it.
- Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13).
- Serving in a Calling is an important part of Discipleship.
- Approach Callings with humility, eagerness, and obedience to reap the rewards of faithful service.
- The purpose of a Calling is to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ.
- Do not mistake your Calling as just a duty or responsibility; they are a privilege and an opportunity to serve God and His children directly from God.
- Accept your Callings with gladness in our hearts ready to serve with love and enthusiasm for God Himself regardless size or capacity given by Him
Inspiration Quote
To those who will choose to serve, I can attest to the blessings that will come as you heed a prophet’s call. Serving is not about you; it is about the Savior (Ryan K. Olsen, The Answer is Jesus, October 2022)
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