Finding Joy in Doing the Lord’s Work
As young adults, life is busy. There are so many things we could be doing: furthering our education, searching for our eternal companion, deciding on a career, starting a family. And along with all those good things, we’ve also been encouraged to “ever be found doing the work of the Lord.”1
“It is time for all of us to understand more clearly our role in hastening the work of salvation. As we make member missionary work, … temple and family history work, and teaching the gospel a natural part of our lives, we will experience great joy and be endowed with the spiritual gifts we need to strengthen the Church.”2
Here are just a few busy young adults who find joy in making time for the Lord’s work.
Family History: Just Start Now
“The Restoration has done many things for me personally because I’ve come to know that families can be together forever,” says Itumeleng Tlebere from Maseru, Lesotho. “I can see my grandparents and my ancestors who have passed on. That’s why I love family history so much. Because I’m the first generation in the Church, I have so much work to do for them.”
Itumeleng knows from experience that tracking down records and information can be challenging, but she encourages other young adults to dive into their family history: “Just start doing it. … Family history has made me feel grateful for everything I have.” It can do the same for you.
Ministering: Be God’s Hands
Lucy Fergeson from Utah, USA, shares how ministering helped her through the worst week of her life—but in an unexpected way. It was final-exam week at school, a busy work week, and her boyfriend had just broken up with her. And then, she says, “I’d forgotten, but my ministering companion and I had planned to make muffins for the sisters we were assigned to minister to.”
As they baked together, Lucy’s ministering companion listened, empathized, and offered advice. “Making and delivering muffins wasn’t something that would be very important or make much of a difference,” Lucy reflects. “But after my companion dropped me off at home, I realized that it was exactly what I needed to feel better and that sometimes God sends other people to be His hands. What was neat to me was that the help came from my ministering companion instead of the sisters assigned to me. I’m so grateful she helped me feel like I wasn’t alone and that I was loved.”
Missionary Work: Live to Be an Example
You don’t have to be a full-time missionary to spread the gospel. Vennela Vakapalli, from Andhra Pradesh, India, explains, “When I go on busses, when I go on trains, I open the Book of Mormon and read it. And most people ask me about it.”
Ashlee Dillon from Utah, USA, shares: “Just because I didn’t serve a mission doesn’t mean I’m not a missionary. Instead of leaving my family to serve the Lord, I serve the Lord with my family. I serve others, and I live to be an example of a disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Parenthood: Teach Children the Gospel
Ingrid de Bastian Ortiz, from Veracruz, Mexico, is a 26-year-old mother of three. She explains, “As young parents of young children, there are days that are overwhelming, with the endless chores as well as the attention children require. However, we feel a great responsibility to teach the gospel to our children so they know that they are children of God.
“My duty as mother is to help them realize for themselves that our Heavenly Father has a plan of happiness for them.”
Even if you’re not a parent yet, you can still play a part in helping teach children. “It is so essential that children know about these principles and doctrines,” says Ingrid, “that we can surely contribute as young single or married adults in some of the Primary and nursery callings.”
We are all busy young adults. But whatever your circumstances might be, you can find simple ways of doing the Lord’s work in all areas of your life—both big and small.