Building the Kingdom of God

“The women in this Church must be resolute in purpose,” says Elaine L. Jack, Relief Society general president. “We must seek first the kingdom of God.”

Amid ever-changing challenges, we have opportunities to build the kingdom today as we develop our faith and share with others. We can show compassion for those around us, serve in our communities, and develop individual gifts. Thus we are focusing on the kingdom of God, while managing worldly concerns.

What are some concerns that distract us from building the kingdom?
How can we keep focused on our purpose?

We Can Build the Kingdom by Showing Kindness

The New Testament tells of Dorcas of Joppa, a “woman … full of good works.” She was known and loved for the “almsdeeds which she did.” When she died and was washed and laid in an upper chamber, “all the widows stood by … weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.” The Apostle Peter was called to her side. After kneeling and praying for her to arise, he “gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and … presented her alive” (Acts 9:36–41).

As we go about our daily work, we can build the kingdom by small acts of kindness, for “out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Smiling as we wait for the bus, reading with a child, taking a walk with an elderly sister, and standing up for righteous causes in the community are simple ways we can build the kingdom of God.

In Lucerne, Switzerland, every Saturday morning Sister Martha Stadelmann is one of the first customers at the flower stands in the open-air market. She stops first for a few bright pink baby roses and then at another stall for some bright yellow blooms for two friends who have birthdays next week. After breakfast she fills her basket with the bunches of brilliant blossoms, and then she tucks in a muffin to give to another friend as thanks for her lovely prayer last Sunday. Then Martha is off to visit her sisters. She spreads joy in her small Swiss branch by remembering and thinking of others—and showing her thoughtfulness in acts of kindness.

• What small act of kindness can I do today?

We Can Build the Kingdom by Bearing Testimony

Bearing testimony at all times and in all places is another way we can build the kingdom. We can start at home and in our own neighborhoods. Odalis Caba of Bonao, Dominican Republic, says, “Sharing my testimony is not like sharing an orange, which just gets smaller. My testimony grows, and for this reason I feel full of joy.”

• Whom could I bear my testimony to today?

“Be of Good Cheer”

The Lord has said: “Be of good cheer, … for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you” (D&C 68:6). We are called to serve God in an era when the adversary has increasing influence. But we sisters in Zion are undaunted, “for God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7).

Illustrated by Lori Anderson Wing