Comments on: Self Reliance vs. The Need to Serve

By: J Pratt - SK

J Pratt - SK — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 16:49:16 +0000

There are times where it does one good to recognize they can not be completely self-reliant and have to ask for help. It is humbling. Also, there are times where we must learn that we need to accept help, allowing someone else to perform service. This is also humbling, but is also an opportunity to have and express gratitude. I would much rather be the giver of service than the receiver, but we all need to have both situations in our lives. It builds empathy and compassion. The Savior served, but he also let others feed him, wash his feet... and they were blessed for it.

By: ltbugaf

ltbugaf — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 03:29:25 +0000

What you said in comment 4 reminds me of an experience I had in moving. I had previously given some service to a member moving into our area. He needed to put some things into a storage unit, or take them out---I really can't recall which---and I provided some labor. This particular member had a wife who was almost totally intolerant of the Church. He couldn't come to meetings without threatening his marriage, and therefore was almost entirely inactive, even though he had reached a point where he wanted to become more active.

About a year later I needed to move some of my own stuff in a similar way, and I thought of him. I didn't need his help, really. I might have found someone else or gotten by on the help I had. But I thought it would be a chance for him to have just a little bit of gospel contact, that his wife would probably feel obligated to allow. I wanted him to have that contact, and I wanted him to reap some blessings of service. So I called, and he came. I don't know for sure if it enriched his life, but I hope it did.

By: JM

JM — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 03:41:25 +0000

I really like that point of view! I wish I would have thought to say that.

By putting others before yourself, you would tend to consider their need first, whether that be their need to serve or their need to be served.

... which leads to the purpose and function of the priesthood.

Nicely done!

By: ltbugaf

ltbugaf — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 01:50:58 +0000

One of the messages I see in Matthew 10:39, and in Mosiah 4:26, is that putting oneself after others is often the best, or even the only way for us to meet our own spiritual needs.

By: Kim Siever

Kim Siever — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 21:06:53 +0000

We had some good discussion as well. Less than we usually do, but it was still there.

By: Mary Siever

Mary Siever — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 20:55:32 +0000

I think it is certainly a tricky balance. I didn't get the RS lesson because my toddler wouldn't let me. I should read it though.

That's good there was good discussion. That's the way it should be.