A couple of Scriptures come to mind that sometimes scare me.
In Luke 12:26 it says, “To whom much is given, much is required.” Then I think I live much better than even kings and queens of just a couple hundred years ago. I can drive a few blocks to the store and get almost anything I want; I have a hot shower and indoor plumbing – I truly have been given much.
Then in Matthew 22:14 it says, “Many are called, but few are chosen.”
What does that all mean? What is the “much” that is required? What does God want us to do?
I believe that what we must do is found also in Matthew, where it says in Chapter 22: “Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. That is the first and great commandment, and the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” We love God by believing in him, keeping his commandments and strengthening our faith. We show love to our neighbor by showing a smile, being kind, ridding our mind of bad thoughts about them and giving service.
So many people in the world today are still in need, and there are many opportunities wherein we can provide service. We get caught up in sports or the internet or myriad other things that prevent us from lending a hand to others or striving to make someone’s day better. A simple phone call to Mom or Dad, shoveling your neighbor’s sidewalk or volunteering time at places that are trying to assist others.
We need to live our lives with no regrets. We need to think things forward, and by that, I mean we need to look at our actions (or inactions) and see how those will affect our future happiness. When we cross over to the next estate and stand before God, will our countenance glow because we have loved God and loved our neighbor with all our hearts, mind and strength? Or will we cast our eyes down with regrets at things we should have done?
Reach out to others – there are many in need of a kind word, a pat on the back or some kind of help. Just think how wonderful our world would be if everyone had a Christ-like love for their neighbor.
*** Scott Bartlett *** is assistant director of public affairs for the Sioux Falls Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
