Ministering

Ministering

August 20-26, 2018

This week I continued my gospel study by focusing on ministering or being a minister. My ‘deal’ seems to be going well so far. The first week of school was crazy. Soooooo much work, non-stop classes and work, every single day. It felt impossible to keep up. But it all worked out. Let’s just say the schedule for first year law students is no joke. We really have been spending 50+ hours a week at school or studying for school. I feel like I’ve done more homework in the last week than in my entire undergraduate.

Luckily, we have amazing people in our 1L group, it seems like we’ve all really clicked and everyone has been so supportive of each other and incredibly nice. Seriously, our classes are awesome because of the people and everyone is constantly reaching out to each other on what is coming up next or how they interpreted different things and so no one has really been left in the hot seat without something to share. It’s easy to look forward to the rest of the semester with everyone.

Class of 2021 - SIU Law School (Below) Me and Taylor and Marissa (8/24/2018)

                    

Back on topic. Ministering. This week I wanted to study about what it really means to be a minister, or what ministering really includes and entails. Partly because of the recent change at church, but mostly because I want to better understand what that meant before the change to see what examples there are on how to maximize the opportunities and calling.

Last week as part of that talk I read and learned about ministering angels, those who do the work of Heavenly Father to fulfill the blessings, guidance support, etc. as we fulfill the covenants we make with Him. Of course, the most perfect example is the Savior. The bible tells us that he came to minister not to be ministered to (Matt. 20:28). During His life, it is documented, that where ever He went, and whom ever He met along the way He reached out to them. But more importantly, He reached out to them individually.

He didn’t give the advice to the young rich follower that he gave to the widows or the woman found in adultery. Each person was given what they most needed, but always they were given love.

The neat thing about the New Testament in the bible is that it is all about ministering. The Savior ministering to the people and His twelve apostles and then the Twelve Apostles ministering to the people after the Savior has gone. As the Twelve minister to the people they teach them the gospel and they teach them to minister to each other. To serve and to keep the commandments, the greatest of which is to Love the Lord and to love each other. Amazing examples.

One scripture I really enjoyed related to these examples is Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

I love that thought, that the things we say to those around us might minister grace unto the hearers. What an impact that would on the world if everyone followed this advice.“…there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.” (4 Nephi 1:15)

Because of the love of the Savior, His followers are empowered and given a divine calling to continue His work by ministering to those we meet.

This week I felt ministered to by those around me. Since leaving Utah I’ve felt strengthened and motivated to try harder, to be better and I feel sustained in the effort.I know that is from family and friends “ministering” to me from far away, and I feel it.Since coming to Carbondale, I have been ministered to by those around me. Many have taken a moment to greet and welcome me and to share encouragement in my efforts at school.

And as I said at the beginning, even at school my fellow students, despite their own workloads, anxieties and stresses, have banded together ministering to each other and to me. Sharing kind words, friendship, insights into difficult homework, and even chocolate. They have shown me individual attention and kindness and I feel strengthened and encouraged to share it with others. They have truly reflected the Savior’s example and admonition to minister.

We are not always aware of those that we touch, and so if we, like the early followers of Christ, can approach each day with the love of God in our hearts, we will find opportunities to minister every day.

Other great resources that talk about the importance of ministering and examples of ministering:

                        Be with and Strengthen Them

                        Inspired Ministering

                        With One Accord

                        Ministering as the Savior Does