Print or Email

TheDiscipleMD

In 2007 something happened in General Conference that many will never forget.  Ninety year old Joseph Wirthlin delivered his message, without missing a beat, while his legs wobbled before our very eyes. The tender way in which Elder Russell Nelson got up and helped him was heartwarming. But what most impressed me was that Elder Wirthlin continued delivering his message without hesitation as if nothing was happening.  In my mind, he reminded me of Paul,  Samuel the Lamanite,  or Abinidi, who despite opposition, conveyed the message they had been sent to deliver. With a strong voice Elder Wirthlin delivered these inspiring words:

“At the final day the Savior will not ask about the nature of our callings. He will not inquire about our material possessions or fame. He will ask if we ministered to the sick, gave food and drink to the hungry, visited those in prison, or gave succor to the weak. When we reach out to assist the least of Heavenly Father’s children, we do it unto Him. That is the essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we wish to learn truly how to love, all we need to do is reflect on the life of our Savior. When we partake of the sacramental emblems, we are reminded of the greatest example of love in all the world’s history. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.” …Because the Savior laid down His life for us, we have a brightness of hope, a confidence and security that when we pass from this worldly existence, we will live again with Him. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can be cleansed of sin and stand as partakers of the gift of our Almighty Father. Then we will know the glory that God “hath prepared for them that love him.” This is the transforming power of charity. When Jesus gave His disciples a new commandment to ‘love one another; as I have loved you’, He gave to them the grand key to happiness in this life and glory in the next.” (“The Great Commandment”, GC, Oct. 2007).

Lorenzo Snow declared this truth:

“…When you find yourselves a little gloomy, look around you and find somebody that is in a worse plight than yourself; go to him and find out what the trouble is, then try to remove it with the wisdom which the Lord bestows upon you; and the first thing you know, your gloom is gone, you feel light, and the Spirit of the Lord is upon you, and everything seems illuminated.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1899)

The key to finding true happiness in this life really is in doing service for others. It’s as simple as that!