Ministering to others means going the extra mile, exemplifying Christ’s compassionate and selfless love by actively seeking to understand and address their unique needs, creating genuine connections, and consistently offering practical support and encouragement. We don’t quit ministering to others just because we get tired of doing it; instead, we draw on the strength of our faith, leaning on the teachings of Jesus, and find renewed inspiration in the impact our selfless service can have on the lives of those we are called to uplift and support.
“Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28)
“And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)
In Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus addresses a scenario in which the disciples were deliberating on who among them would be the greatest. Jesus takes this opportunity to draw a contrast between the worldly concept of leadership, where those in authority wield dominion and control over others, and the principles of His Kingdom. He imparts the teaching that in His Kingdom, greatness is not determined by the exercise of power and authority, but rather by being a servant in order to minister to others. Jesus is the ultimate exemplar, affirming that even the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many.
In Mark 9:35, Jesus reaffirms this principle to His disciples. He takes a child and situates them in their midst, illustrating the humility and innocence associated with a child. He then declares that the one aspiring to be first must be the servant of all. This statement takes a sharp departure from the prevalent worldly mindset of pursuing prominence and recognition, advocating instead for a mindset of humble and selfless service.
These teachings of Jesus embody a fundamental principle in discipleship – the summons to mirror Christ in selfless service and humility. Leaders in the Church are summoned to lead through serving, prioritising the needs of others above their own yearnings for recognition or status. This teaching challenges the disciples (and by extension, all believers) to reevaluate their comprehension of greatness and leadership in the radiance of Christ’s example.
For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these teachings are in accordance with the emphasis on service, humility, and Christ-like love inherent in our beliefs. In our understanding, leadership does not entail dominating over others but rather uplifting and serving them, in accordance with the example set by our Saviour Jesus Christ.
Let’s not quit because we’re just tired of doing it. Instead, let’s be busy with serving others, by following Christ’s example, recognising that our commitment to selfless service is not bound by time but guided by the enduring principles of love, compassion, and humility that He exemplified throughout His earthly ministry.
