Elder Dallin H. Oaks: Unselfish service
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Following the Savior's example of service leads to great blessings, Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve said during the Sunday afternoon session of conference.
"Our Savior gave Himself totally in unselfish service," Elder Oaks said. "He taught that each of us should follow Him by denying ourselves of selfish interests in order to serve others."
He said Church members follow that teaching as they engage in acts of service such as missions and temple work.
A service not unique to just Latter-day Saints, he added, is "the sacrifice parents make for their children.
But noting that some are no longer willing to make that sacrifice, Elder Oaks added, "We rejoice that so many Latter-day Saint couples are among that unselfish group who are willing to surrender their personal priorities and serve the Lord by bearing and rearing the children our Father in Heaven sends to their care."
Their ability to serve in cooperative efforts is also a trait of Church members, he said.
"Our willingness to sacrifice and our skills in cooperative efforts come from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, from the inspired teachings of our leaders, and from the commitments and covenants we knowingly make," he said.
Then he stated, "Unfortunately, some Latter-day Saints seem to forego unselfish service to others, choosing instead to fix their priorities on the standards and values of the world."
He denounced careless borrowing and excessive consumerism, as well as gambling, as results of greed, selfishness, entitlement and a get-something-for-nothing attitude that are contrary to the gospel law of the harvest: "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" (Galatians 6:7).
"The values of the world wrongly teach that 'It's all about me.' That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth," he said.
Elder Oaks talked about losing one's life in the service to others as a principle that should be applied to attitudes in attending Church. He said, "Some say, 'I didn't learn anything today' or 'No one was friendly to me' or 'I was offended' or 'The Church is not filling my needs.' All those answers are self-centered and all retard spiritual growth."
In contrast, he spoke of a friend who changed his attitude about going to Church. Elder Oaks quoted what the friend wrote in a letter: "No longer do I go to Church for my sake, but to think of others. I make a point of saying hello to people who sit alone, to welcome visitors . . . to volunteer for an assignment. . . .
"In short, I go to Church each week with the intent of being active, not passive, and making a positive difference in people's lives. Consequently, my attendance at Church meetings is so much more enjoyable and fulfilling."
Then Elder Oaks stated, "All of this illustrates the eternal principle that we are happier and more fulfilled when we act and serve for what we give, not for what we get."
He concluded: "Our Savior teaches us to follow Him by making the sacrifices necessary to lose ourselves in unselfish service to others. If we do, He promises us eternal life."
