by President Kristin Center
Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
There are chances for work all around just now,
Opportunities right in our way.
Do not let them pass by, saying, “Sometime I’ll try,”
But go and do something today.
‘Tis noble of man to work and to give;
Love’s labor has merit alone.
Only he who does something helps others to live.
To God each good work will be known.
“Have I Done Any Good?” Hymns, no. 223
This hymn has been in my heart ever since I listened to it traveling to a ward conference recently. It asks some powerful questions — questions about our ministries.
We have been called by the Lord through His prophet, Russell M. Nelson, to minister to our brothers and sisters. On churchofjesuschrist.org. ministering is defined as “… learning of and attending to others’ needs. It is doing the Lord’s work.” Elder Holland counsels, “May we labor side by side with the Lord of the vineyard giving the God and Father of us all a helping hand with His staggering task of answering prayers, providing comfort, drying tears, and strengthening feeble knees.”
I believe one of the best ways to minister is simply to be a friend; be the kind of friend your brothers/sisters need. Friendship does not always come easily and quickly. It can take an investment of time and energy and sacrifice. But who wouldn’t want a new friend? I have sisters to whom I minister that I have absolutely nothing in common with, but I have come to love them as I have accepted the privilege of ministering to them, learning to know them, and discovering who they are. We have become friends.
We cannot minister, really minister, alone. The Lord is anxious to aid us. Ask Him for help. Ask him for the desire to minister as He would. He will bless you with the answers you need to bless the lives of your brothers and sisters.
Akron Ohio Stake News 