Today's priesthood lesson in our ward was on service. As we talked about the different kinds of service that we have the opportunity to perform, the discussion turned to why service is important. Numerous true principles were brought up. One topic discussed was how serving other people helps us to overcome our own problems. Some elders even said that they believed it was the only way to overcome your any problem. I immediately began thinking of the Advice and Mentor programs. That was the basic philosophy behind the Mentor program, but I wonder if it still serves the original purpose. In the Advice Program, one is able to request advice or support from those that are signed up in the Mentor Program (so the two programs are connected). We used to have an application process in order for someone to become a mentor. While the mentors did not receive any training, it just helped to keep things under control. However because of the principle that was previously mentioned, we thought that it would be important for anyone struggling to be able to reach out and help others. So now, anyone can be a mentor. We still review their responses to make sure that they are giving sound advice. In theory, it seems like that could bring about amazing results, but of course, it all depends on the condition of the heart while serving. This is true for any service rendered. We have some mentors who respond begrudgingly and never see the great opportunity that they have to reach into someone else's life and help those who are where the mentors once were (or maybe still are). Most mentors seem to love the opportunity that they have to serve and have openly stated the great difference that it has made in their efforts to gain strength against temptation. Often, they give the best advice to others that they themselves have been looking for.


Another topic covered was why serving seems to be difficult for us? Common responses regarded the selfish nature of mankind, especially at a time in our lives when we seem to focus on ourselves constantly. The majority in the room were returned missionaries and had experienced completely turning their lives over in service to others and the Lord and the incomparable joy that results from such selfless service. I think it's something that we long for but feel constrained because of the requirements placed on us to get a good education and provide for a future family. While this is true, we must proceed with extreme caution because I would even say that selfishness is addictive and can easily lead someone down a slippery slope of spiritual destruction. There is an addictive cycle when one focuses on themselves and notices that they are not as happy as they used to be. Upon realizing that, the reaction determines what will happen with the spirituality of the individual. Do they follow the Lord's plan and turn and serve others to pull themselves out of the slump that they're in or do they focus on themselves even more and try to find their what they're unfulfilled needs are as the world teaches. One focuses on others and another focuses on self. The result can be quite a difference. I believe that we need to strategically place check points throughout our week where we will force ourselves to serve others so that our mind set shifts to those around us. Ideally, this would happen multiple times a day to make sure that we aren't drifting towards selfishness. But for starters one might say that they will spend an hour, one day a week, doing something for those they home teach, or visit others in their ward, etc. This will help us to realize where our focus has been. This goes along with being "Quick to Observe" and gaining the spirit of discernment as Elder Bednar recently taught at a BYU devotional. These strategic checkpoints may be the greatest reason for personal, daily scripture study and prayer, weekly covenant renewals, at least monthly temple visits, and keeping a reminder of temple covenants on us at all times. Set up checkpoints for yourself that will help you to keep your mind set on the importance of those around you and the importance of serving to lift them up to higher levels.