“Serving God through Duty to God,” New Era, Jan. 2015, 20–21
Serving God through Duty to God
See how Duty to God can help you live this year’s Mutual theme every day.
Spiritual Strength
Deacon:
Serving as a full-time missionary, a father, or a leader will require you to understand Church doctrine so you can teach it better. See “Understand Doctrine” bullet 2 (page 18*) on studying doctrinal topics, and expand your knowledge so you can be an effective servant of the Lord.
Teacher:
Holding the priesthood gives you an opportunity to serve others forever and to develop your personal attributes. See “Live Worthily” bullet 1 (page 40*) for a list of attributes you should have as a priesthood holder, and pick a few to work on developing. Think about how those attributes help you serve better.
Priest:
When you have the Spirit, you can receive promptings of who needs your service or how you can serve. See “Pray and Study the Scriptures” bullet 1 (page 62*) for ideas on how to keep the Spirit with you always, and ponder how those actions help you serve.
Priesthood Duties
Deacon:
Serving with all your “heart, might, mind and strength” really does make a difference. “Invite All to Come Unto Christ” bullet 2 (page 28*) suggests comparing scripture stories showing the effects of different missionaries’ efforts. Read those verses again and ponder how your attitude and motivation affect your service.
Teacher:
One service opportunity you have is to prepare the sacrament each Sunday. See the “Administer Priesthood Ordinances” section (page 48*) for a guide to help you make the most of this service. See how your approach to the sacrament changes your experience when you think about how it lets you serve God and others.
Priest:
You can serve for many reasons. “Serve Others” bullet 2 (page 74*) lists some scriptures to remind you of reasons you might serve. What are some of your motivations to serve? Keep this in mind as you embark on your next act of service.
Strength of Youth
Deacon:
Being able to serve might start with being willing, but many people don’t realize that you should be physically able to serve too. Look at the projects listed in the “For the Strength of Youth” section (page 31*), and consider how improving your physical health will make you better able to serve now and in the future.
Teacher:
One way you can expand your capacity to serve is by developing your education. Look at the projects listed in the “For the Strength of Youth” section (page 55*) for ideas on projects you can plan to improve your education. You might add some goals about how you can use that education to serve too.
Priest:
The service you’re asked to give will often be for those closest to you, such as family or friends. By nurturing these relationships, you might see some of the greatest blessings. Look at the projects listed in the “For the Strength of Youth” section (page 79*) for ideas on different relationships you can develop through service, and then establish a plan to act on the promptings you receive.