Service for the Right Reason

Mosiah 2

This is one of my all-time favorite chapters in the Book of Mormon. There is so much meat to chew on and this morning my mind was spinning the entire time. It could be because it's Monday after another Ward Conference where I spoke and wish a little I could have a re-do. Oh well. That's of no consequence for now.

Mosiah gives an accounting of the talk King Benjamin gave as the people gathered around the temple. Interesting note that he caused the talk to be written for those who could not hear – just like today! (v8) I can't wait for my November Ensign so I can read the Conference talks.

Dallin H. Oaks said “Christianity is service for the right reason – unconcerned with self and heedless of personal advantage. Just because of the love we have for God.” Everything we do for others in the name of service must be for our love of God. When we serve in this manner, we will be blessed. We will see the blessings. Why does the Lord ask this of us? Because he knows it is our nature that when we serve like this, we will begin to have Charity, which is the pure love of Christ. We will begin to love because that is who we are.

Of course, I can't read the last nine or so verses of this chapter without serious concern for loved ones who have chosen to come out against God in open rebellion. I'm speaking of those who have been taught and know the commandments of God and have chosen to withdraw from the Spirit of the Lord (v36). They have basically said “thanks but no thanks” to the guidance of the Holy Ghost in wisdom's paths; to be blessed, prospered, and preserved. Think on it. Who would not want these four blessings in their lives? The fate of one who says “no” is in verses 38 through 41.

Shrink from the presence of God

Filled with guilt, pain, anguish like an unquenchable fire

Mercy hath no claim on you.

What does that mean? Mercy hath no claim? Well, we all make mistakes. Even when we are trying our hardest to serve and do as the Lord has asked us. For those who sincerely repent of their mistakes and move forward, mercy comes into play. We don't deserve it, but the Lord does forgive us and we are able to continue progressing. For this I am and will be eternally grateful. I have made some bad mistakes and I make mistakes even still. I'm able to be shown these mistakes and repent of them as I go along. I know the Lord forgives me because he continues to bless me more than I could ever repay – just as King Benjamin speaks in verse 21.

King Benjamin doesn't end on the down side of choices, and neither should I. In the last verse he tells us to consider the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. They are blessed temporally and spiritually. If they hold out faithful to the end they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. Doesn't that sound like a much better outcome of one's life? Service for the right reason is the answer.