"For This is the Message"

"For this is the Message"
~Reflections on our era of Ministering~
By: Jacob Sok

This week when reflecting on what could be written, I reviewed something I had marked in my scriptures in my reading of the New Testament this week. In 1 John 3:11 we read, "For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another," We are living in a time when I think the adversary does not have to destroy dramatically but convolute subtly the essence of the gospel. The message from the beginning is one of love, a plan and gospel that helps us find the love of God, and share that love with others.

When it comes to ourselves he (the evil one) bombards us with the deceitful endless torment of perfectionism, blinding us to God's love and grace that is so readily accessible. When it comes to serving others, we some times fall as prey to a level of caring for others that is as Elder Jeffery R. Holland states becomes, "function-without feeling" (see Conference 2018). In that latter-day conundrum, I took great hope this week in the reminder of love, that LOVE was the message since the start, and will be the message till end.

This week I had the distinct privilege to hear from Elder Neil A Andersen of the Twelve Apostles, who shared with us the joys of this "Message of Love" will come into our lives as we follow the prophetic initiative to "minister in a holier way". He reminded us that the first and second commandments are that of love, teaching that "the first commandment must be understood and followed before exercising the second"(see BYU Speeches, 2018).  As we come to God Elder Andersen promised we will be given spiritual power to love and bless others. I know this to be true for the in the epistle of John we also are taught "for God is Love"(see 1 John 4:8)

It is my hope and prayer that we can study the invitation by our Prophet to minister unto others, and remember that this is the message/ heart/ and essence of the gospel. Please note I am so grateful for that the church has done in the past, and by no means wish to belittle what was done in previous years. I do however wish to invite us to reflect on the beauty of the bold new era of the Lord's work, even His labor of Love!

NOTE: *In that spirit, I humbly present a feeble attempt at a poetic reflection on our opportunity to minister. I do not claim to be a poet by any sense, and I only pray that this small piece, can in loving fun and unique way, instill a chance for us all to consider how we can take this "message from the beginning"--even the message of Love, to those around us.

Remember to Love

Long since uttered in the dusty streets, of far off Galilee;

Still comes the earnest invite sweet, from a moder'n pulpit's plea;

Hark to the words and listen to, that eternal Clarion Call;

Turn to your feeble brothers near, and strive to serve them all;

 Remember Love--He pleads,

Sanctioned by reminder's kiss, once more a work has begun;

While not exactly picture perfect, Saints look to what can be done;

On occasion a call is given to, a lonely sister's phone;

A monthly message perhaps presented, in a quick visit to a home;

 Cookies baked and dishes washed, cans of jellies all preserved;

Folded chairs and floors freshly swept, are halmark's of those that served;

Scrambled dashes to the finish, oft make up this hectic dance;

Most of the time without second thought, until the next month's chance;

But Remember Love--He cries;

With efforts made and service rendered, the reports are thence submitted;

The pattern then repeats itself, to the serving charge we're recommitted; 

Tossing from plans to practice, a small thought begins to spark;

In all this effort to make a goal, have we begun to miss the mark;

In all the times you drove the Scouts, or social functions you have aided;

Snow shoveled and those gardens kept, has the purpose silently faded;

In the quantifying checklists made, to achieve our mandate from above;

Its funny how we so quickly we forget, that the whole point is love;

Oh how the deceitful one works all day, at great lengths  to convolute;

The rather simple task we have, and cloud us from the truth;

The truth is that with love as the root, of this celestial command;

We'll remove the facade and rut, from a falsely painted routine demand;

Oh Remember Love--He reminds,

Now please rest assured the afore mentioned acts, are still counted with great worth;

For any stride to help mankind, will bless our home on earth;

However we live in a time, where we can now take a stand;

By serving in"a holier way", the idea of ministering will expand;

As we sing "Called to Serve", "On this day of joy and gladness";

Strive for the gift of which Mormon spoke, to avoid all the madness;

No written rubric or monthly quota, will dilute your helping hand,

Simply "love thy neighbor as thyself', and with your Savior stand;

Do Remember Love-- He teaches,

Lend a listing ear to him, who feels to scared to speak,

Help some find the strength to stand, when they are down and weak;

Included can be thoughtful texts, or basketball just fine;

Use your natural gifts and talents, with this end in mind; 

We are to help others come to know, the Precious Savior dear;

Help them on paths to covenants, and happy families rear;

With hopeful hearts and fresh eyes of faith, by small and simple things;

Miracles both large and small, will remove adversarial stings;

For this is Love--He demonstrates,

For in a lowly garden, with no bare minimum in mind;

He entered meekly and paid the price, for us the indebted and the fined;

In His darkest hours, of pain and agony;

He Himself became Pure Love, to rescue you and me;

Today for Him there is no stressful checking, of some big cosmic clock;

To juggle time to answer prayers, with other things of nought; 

His focus is on us you see, and those we often might pass by;

So hear this invitation once again, to remember love as the "why";

Love is in the simple, the giving of one's time; 

Love is in the efforts, to follow the Divine;

God be thanked for this the day, the new era of Ministering;

Were we can help ourselves and all, feel near the King of Kings

Remember--He IS Love.  

I love the Savior, and I know that blessings will come as we strive to minister this message of Love, in new exciting ways. I know Christ lives, and that He has called a Prophet to help us in these our times, not only feel this live more, but also serve as emissaries of this love for others.

This I share with my love for you, in His name- AMEN.

Sources:

-New Testament, 1 John 3&4

- April Conference, LDS.org 2018

-BYU Speeches, April 2018

-Pictures by Google Search/ Images

~Original Poem, By Jacob Sok.