Elder Dallin H. Oaks
“People serve one another for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. Perhaps none of us serves in every capacity all the time for only a single reason. Since we are imperfect beings, most of us probably serve for a combination of reasons, and the combinations may be different from time to time as we grow spiritually. But we should all strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best....
“Some may serve for hope of earthly reward. ... Others might serve in order to obtain worldly honors, prominence, or power....
“Another reason for service—probably more worthy than the first, but still in the category of service in search of earthly reward—is that motivated by a personal desire to obtain good companionship....
“These first two reasons for service are selfish and self-centered and unworthy of Saints. ... Reasons aimed at earthly rewards are distinctly lesser in character and reward than the other reasons I will discuss.
“Some may serve out of fear of punishment. ... Service out of fear of punishment is a lesser motive at best.
“Other persons may serve out of a sense of duty or out of loyalty to friends or family or traditions. ... Those who serve out of a sense of duty or loyalty to various wholesome causes are the good and honorable men and women of the earth.
“Service of the character I have just described is worthy of praise and will surely qualify for blessings, especially if it is done willingly and joyfully....
“... There are still higher reasons for service.
“One such higher reason for service is the hope of an eternal reward. This hope—the expectation of enjoying the fruits of our labors—is one of the most powerful sources of motivation. As a reason for service, it necessarily involves faith in God and in the fulfillment of his prophecies....
“The last motive I will discuss is, in my opinion, the highest reason of all. In its relationship to service, it is what the scriptures call ‘a more excellent way’ ( 1Corinthians 12:31 ).
“‘Charity is the pure love of Christ’ ( Moroni 7:47 ). The Book of Mormon teaches us that this virtue is ‘the greatest of all’ ( Moroni 7:46 )....
“If our service is to be most efficacious, it must be accomplished for the love of God and the love of his children....
“This principle—that our service should be for the love of God and the love of fellowmen rather than for personal advantage or any other lesser motive—is admittedly a high standard....
“Service with all of our heart and mind is a high challenge for all of us. Such service must be free of selfish ambition. It must be motivated only by the pure love of Christ” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1984, 14–16; or Ensign, Nov. 1984, 13–15 ).
2 comments:
I feel that service should reach a point where we no longer think about "why?". If God has truly shaped us according to His character, shouldn't it just be a part of who we are?
I agree Looney, but some of us have to take baby steps to reach that level. :) But I have to admit that this talk has made me really look at my motives for serving, and it makes me want to develop charity to the point that love is always my motivation.
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