Luke 15:4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it?
I know exactly how Heavenly Father feels. I’ve had several times where as a family we will go to a sporting event or a festival with crowds of people and I will look down and one of my precious children is missing. Instantly, panic sets in, and there is absolutely nothing more important than finding that one child. I’ve been fortunate that these incidents have just been a slow-walking child who needs me to wait for him or her, or to give them a shout to redirect them where to go; however, even those short moments have given me a glimpse of how desperate a parent becomes at the loss of one child. The importance of the event that we are attending has zero worth at that moment. 100% attention is put on the effort to find the missing one. I don’t just look myself, the rest of the family all become desperate. Together we put in a full assault on recovering our lost family member. As we look we recruit everyone around us to help us find our lost child.
Is this not how Heavenly Father feels as he watches his children lose their way? I believe he does. This is what I think is meant by ministering in a holier way. It is not simply playing a game of hide and seek, where you try and find the most creative spot to hide and then turn around and seek out your opponents spot. No this isn’t a game, this is a real life desperate search to find, wait for, or redirect our brothers and sisters who are lost in the crowd.
During our family study, the kids were curious about why one lost sheep is important enough to leave the whole flock behind. My family enjoys the animal kingdom movies, so I asked them who does the lion or tiger eat? They said they always chase after the one that is too slow, the one that gets distracted, or the one who wanders off alone! This gives a lot of insight to why “the one” is so crucial. Heavenly Father is fully aware of how powerful, conniving, and tricky the adversary is. He understands that once one is lost, wandering, or strays off the path, that the adversary will immediately prey on that one. For that reason it is important that we put all of our efforts into helping those who are on their own. I loved M. Russell Ballard’s talk about keep it simple. Simple ministering is the best. Forget about the cookies and the flowers, find ways to sincerely help each other. Be a friend.
The other day a friend of mine came over to drop off some boxes for me to use for my move. She happened to come just as I was rushing off to pick up my kids from school. As I thanked her I could see that she was having a rough day. So I invited her to ride with me to pick up the kids. We spent the next half hour talking, laughing, and giving each other advice. That night she sent me a text thanking me for not being in too much of a hurry to help her, and told me that I had done a great patch job on her hurt emotions for that day. That’s ministering, and it’s really that simple! I will be honest with you, I was just being a friend. Not for one second did I feel put out or like I was doing anything special, yet it mended a heart that day. You know why? Because the Lord knew she needed a friend, and I was her friend.
“Although we may feel that our efforts are inadequate, President Dallin H. Oaks shared an important principle regarding “small and simple.” He taught that small and simple acts are powerful because they invite “the companionship of the Holy Ghost,” a companion who blesses both the giver and the receiver.” -Bishop W. Christopher Waddell (2019)
When I was pregnant with Chelsea, I had a lady minister to me in a holier way, that has set an example to me for 16 years. I was super sick, and Brooke needed diapers, Mark was out of town, so I needed to get myself to the store. I dressed myself and Brooke, and got in the car for what seemed at the time, the most treacherous, impossible trip I could venture on. Though the grocery store was less than 2 miles away, I wasn’t sure how I would make it without throwing up. I grabbed a couple large Ziploc bags for my emergency moments and headed out. By the time I was in the store and had put Brooke in the cart, I was exhausted! I sat down at the little cafe and just cried. I wasn’t sure how I was going to muster enough energy to finish my grocery shopping. A lady, whom I didn’t know and who didn’t know me, walked past me, then turned around and came and sat with me. As we talked, I cried and she cried with me, she sympathized with me and told me that she had five boys who were brutal on her while in the womb as well. She absolutely healed my aching heart. She gave me the strength that I needed to finish my grocery shopping. Since that day, I see her around town, and think of her as a great friend, because she was willing to be my friend when I needed a lift. That’s ministering in a holier way. That’s being a friend.
“We minister because we love our Heavenly Father and His children. Our ministering efforts will be more successful if we keep our ministering simple. The most joy comes from the simple things of life, so we need to be careful not to think that more needs to be added to any of the adjustments we have received to build faith and strong testimonies in the hearts of God’s children.” -M. Russell Ballard
That is what the Lord is asking us to do, slow down a little, pay attention to others needs, and spend a little time. Ministering should add depth to your own life as you seek to find others, and they will lift you as well. As we minister together we will be lifting each other where we stand.
“When we lift the burden of others, it blesses our lives in ways our trials cannot take away. I have a quote by President Gordon B. Hinckley placed where I see it every day. He said: “You don’t … build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen.” -Sharon Eubank
Missionary work and gathering Israel is exactly the same. Keep it simple. Love the Lord! Learn of the Lord! Then share that joy with others. My sister is the best example of being a member missionary! She loves the gospel with all her heart and doesn’t hesitate to share her joy, especially when prompted to by the Holy Ghost. One of my favorite stories that illustrates this about her was when she was intensely praying about who invite to church. She had invited many people. She stopped at a garage sale and she talked to the owner for awhile. While talking, the topic of church came up and she invited him to come listen to her talk. He didn’t come, even though my sister felt that he really needed something. So she sent the missionaries, and told them to tell him who had asked the missionaries to come. He accepted their offer to take the lessons. They weren’t home for the appointment they set. My sister stayed on it, and tried to get a hold of him. When she finally did, he kindly told her that this wasn’t a good time in his life, and then put the missionary number on his fridge with all his other magnets. A year later he called called the missionaries and told them that he was ready the time was right. He took the missionary lessons and joined the church. What a beautiful example of sharing the joy of the gospel and then allowing the Lord to do the rest.
“The most effective way to preach the gospel is through example. If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of Jesus Christ shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. One of the greatest sermons ever pronounced on missionary work is this simple thought attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi: “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.” Opportunities to do so are all around us. Do not miss them by waiting too long.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Lord is not asking us to do more, he is asking us to do better. Listen to others, pay attention, and then care. Be more intentional. Slow down. Look up.
“Do better and be better. And I bless you that as you make these efforts, you will experience miracles in your life.” -Russell M. Nelson
“The Lord has established The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to help you in this commitment to serve God and fellowmen. Its purpose is to encourage, teach, lift, and inspire. This wonderful Church provides opportunities for you to exercise compassion, reach out to others, and renew and keep sacred covenants. It is designed to bless your life and improve your home, community, and nation.” -Dieter F. Uchtdorf
-Sherri Jorgensen
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