What I Learned from the Back Row of Sacrament Meeting

By Garrett Gray

An experience in sacrament meeting taught me how Christ ministers—to the one.

One Sunday I went to listen to the talk of a friend who had returned from a mission. When I arrived, I realized I didn’t know many people in the congregation, so I sat alone in the back of the chapel.

Soon the sacrament was being passed. There were only three of us on the long bench at the back of the chapel, with me on one side and an older couple on the other. I sat there silently, and when one of the deacons got to our row with the water, I moved toward the couple so the deacon wouldn’t have to walk all the way around the pews just to give the water to me.

But because I’d moved, the deacons were confused about whether I’d received the sacrament. After the deacons had handed their trays back to the priests, there was some discussion among them. I watched as one of the priests walked over to the bishop and asked him a question, with the bishop nodding in the affirmative. Next thing I knew, a deacon, with a bread tray in hand, was walking up to me, asking, “You got the bread, right?”

I nodded quickly, and the deacon returned to the front of the chapel. At first, I was embarrassed that I had caused an interruption. But then I thought of the spiritual implications of the situation: the priesthood holders, representatives of Jesus Christ, were concerned that I had not received the emblems of the body and the blood of Christ and went out of their way so I could participate fully in the ordinance.

Being a True Disciple

The actions of the priesthood holders during that sacrament meeting reminded me of what Christ would do in a similar situation—He would go out of His way to minister to the one. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917–2008) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught that “true disciples of Jesus Christ have always been concerned for the one.”¹

To be like the Savior, we must always be on the search for those who feel lost or forgotten and help them return to the ninety and nine. For those who are struggling, sometimes simply being a Christlike example can open their hearts and sprout the seed of faith buried within. President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) said, “As we follow the example of the Savior, ours will be the opportunity to be a light in the lives of others.”²

Being like the Savior can bring many opportunities to help others come closer to Him. I am often surprised by how many of those around me have questions regarding the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and approach me simply because of my example. I enjoy helping them understand more about who we are, what we believe, and how Christ is at the center of all we do.

Taking His Name upon Ourselves

This experience with the sacrament also helped me better understand the sacredness of the ordinance and how it enables us to renew our covenants with Heavenly Father and become better disciples of Christ.

The sacrament prayers say, “That they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them” (Moroni 4:3). And what better way to take upon ourselves the name of Christ, to remember Him, and to keep His commandments than to follow His example in ministering to the one? Seeking and praying for opportunities to find those who are lost is a way in which we can keep our covenants and express our appreciation for the Savior.

The Lord taught, “If it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:15). Whether that one soul is a family member or friend who is struggling with their faith or a visitor whom we make certain is given the sacrament, we should always have our eyes open for the one.

I know that Jesus Christ lives and is looking out for us, because to Him, we are the one. And in return, we can look out for those around us and guide them toward His light as well.