Sacrifice, Service, and Cub Scouts

[NOTE: I was asked to give a 3-5 minute report on a Cub Scout service project in my ward's Sacrament meeting this morning. Remembering the counsel of my mission president to never speak in Sacrament on a topic that did not directly relate to the teachings of Jesus Christ, I wrote and presented the following.]

The Prophet Joseph Smith, in his lectures on faith taught to the brethren in the School of the Prophets in Kirtland, Ohio, said that “a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has the power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation” (Lectures on Faith 6:7).

King Benjamin, in his final address given to his people, recorded in the Book of Mosiah in the Book of Mormon, taught that one of the outward signs of true conversion to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is to “succor those that stand in need of your succor; ye will administer of your substance unto him that standeth in need; and ye will not suffer that the beggar putteth up his petition to you in vain, and turn him out to perish” (Mosiah 4:16).

And, of course, we have the two great commandments given by Jesus Christ himself: to love God and to love our neighbours (see Matthew 22:37-39).

Yesterday afternoon I had the joy of taking a group of Cub Scouts, leaders, and families, along with our full-time missionaries who happened to be there at the same time as us, to Memorial Stadium to participate in the Sixth Annual Campus and Community Day of Service with over 1,000 other volunteers. For about two hours, our group alone package hundreds of Fast and Hearty Family Rice Casserole meals for Illini Fighting Hunger. These meals will be distributed to local food pantries and given to those in need. We also assisted with cleaning equipment, stacking chairs, and gathering up materials. In the process, the boys learned how to work together, to wait patiently, to help each other, to listen to and follow directions, and to provide selfless service with no thought of reward. While we may never know any of the individuals who will specifically benefit from our efforts, it was a wonderful feeling to know that we were giving of our time to serve those in need and, in so doing, were showing our love for our neighbours and our Heavenly Father.

A friend of mine once observed that, while the doctrines of the restored Gospel are beautiful and inspiring, it is the day-to-day living of Gospel principles that actually lead us, step by step, closer to the Lord. I testify that this is true. As I have served with the Cub Scouts in various capacities for the past several years, I have seen that these are principles that can and should be taught at an early age. I am grateful for my own experiences in Scouting as a youth which taught me to love and serve others. I know, through a personal and indescribable witness of the Holy Ghost, that our Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. He sent us here to earth to learn, to grow, and to become more like him. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to give us a perfect example of faith, service, and sacrifice. As we follow our Saviour’s example and set aside our own selfish interests so that we can serve others, we draw that much closer to God.

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