Neal A. Maxwell wrote to his granddaughter. . . .
There are as many degrees of doing good as there are ways of doing good. Some things are of only momentary value, while others are of eternal significance. Some activities bring “joy for a season” only—their satisfactions are fleeting (3 Nephi 27:11). Eating the miraculous loaves and fishes was a supernatural event, yet the participants’ natural hunger was only temporarily satisfied. Worse still, soon many of those very beneficiaries rejected the Bread of Life who could have helped them to never again hunger spiritually. Yet they “walked no more with him” (John 6:66).
The legitimate work of this world really does matter, being quite necessary for this mortal season. Some people give themselves to it with great devotion and intensity. They are “in their generation” (in their framework of time and perspective), more intensely devoted to their fleeting causes than the “children of light” (Luke 16:8) are sometimes to their grander cause. We should do much better, given our wider and deeper perspective, as a result of seeing “things as they really are” (Jacob 4:13). Without the gospel’s precious perspective, however, as one wit observed, we might end up enthusiastically building toothpick factories in times of famine!
Though the good work of the world does not compare to the work of eternity, it often lessens needless human suffering and may preserve, even increase, human freedom. It is reassuring to know, as King Benjamin said—and he knew both [we] in the service of our fellow beings [we] are only in the service of [our] God. (Mosiah 2:16).
Furthermore, God “delights” to honor all those who serve Him in various degrees and ways (see Doctrine and Covenants 76:5). How could it be otherwise? He is the living and merciful Father of us all and takes joy in all the good works of all His children.
How quickly and generously an outpouring and generous God blesses all those who obey Him! In one such episode, “even the high priests and teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure” (Helaman 3:25). We’re not quite prepared for all God will do for us when we are ready to receive. True, blessings come by obedience to God’s laws, but the gear ratio between our obedience and His blessings is generous indeed!
I love you for doing your part over the years and for coping with occasional disappointment. Grandfather
~Neal A. Maxwell, That We May Believe, (Bookcraft, Salt Lake City 1992) 72-73
