From the book “A Little Book of Ministering” by Kelly Merrill:
I’m afraid modern technology has effectively taught us to live separate lives in crowded rooms. Go to a restaurant and instead of lively conversations you will see people photographing their food and posting on social media. Go to a church classroom and almost half the people in the room are so captivated by what is on their devices that they don’t hear or see what is around them. This is our challenge today as we are called to learn how to minister to each other. How do we do it? What exactly is ministering, and where can we look for examples on how to duplicate this coveted ability? We are being challenged to learn a skill that many took for granted in earlier generations, before the advent of technology.
Elder Thomas S. Monson spoke many times using examples of ministering while rarely using that word in his talks. Back in his day it was just called “service to others” and “true religion.”. . . . Going forward I will quote a portion of a particular talk then follow it with comments of my own. In this instance the talk quoted is part(s) of one from Elder Monson. The important thing to look for as you read his talk is to think of ways in which we can follow his example in ministering today.
Consistently the Master has taught, by example, His concern for the widow. To the grieving widow of Nain, bereft of her only son, He came personally to the dead son and restored the breath of life—and to the astonished widow, her son. To the grieving widow of Zarephath, who with her son faced starvation, He sent the prophet Elijah with the power to teach faith as well as provide food. We may say to ourselves, “But that was long ago and ever so far away.” I respond: “Is there a city called Zarephath near your home? “Is there a town known as Nain?” We may know cities as Columbus or Coalville, Detroit or Denver. Whatever the name, there lives within each city the widow deprived of her companion and often her child. The need is the same. The affliction is real.
I love the word “concern.” Too often we lack the concern for others and their welfare that would enable us to be a real blessing in their lives. The Lord demonstrated over and over again during his ministry in mortality his concern of the welfare of others. We have become too accustomed to rituals that consisted of home and visiting teaching.
My wife recently had one of the ministering sisters over for a visit. I sat across the room and waited. I so hoped she wasn’t going to make something formal out of what eventually turned out to be a very pleasant and informative visit. There were no prayers, no lessons, thought or trite statements about being at the ready, to serve. She genuinely wanted to get to know my wife and my daughter. In return we learned some things about her life that surprised us all. We felt we had gotten close to one of our neighbors in a socially intimate way. It felt good. ~~~Kelly Merrill, A Little Book of Ministering, www.mormonbasics.com (website address) p.1-4 (continued. . . see Ministering Like a Prophet II. )
