The Heart of Service: What Kind of Desire Fuels a Life of Service?

Brothers and sisters, as we continue our journey together in the vineyard—whether we’re preparing for mission discussions, serving in our local wards, or simply trying to live the gospel in the chaos of modern life—we often talk about *what* we should do. We focus on the qualifications: the study, the commitment, the scripture knowledge.

But today, I want us to pause and ponder something deeper, something that undergirds every good effort: the *source* of the desire itself. What kind of desire truly leads to godly leadership, to faithful service, and to a life dedicated to the Lord’s work?

It’s easy to get caught up in the *office*—the visible role, the title, the responsibility. We see the calling, and we feel the pull. But as I was pondering this recently, I was reminded of a deep principle taught in the Book of Mormon and echoed in the teachings of the Prophet. It’s not enough to *want* to serve; the wanting itself must be purified and refined.

The Depth of the Desire

The material we reviewed touched on the nature of desire itself. It’s a powerful thing, desire. It can propel us through the hardest missionary assignments, it can keep us studying scripture late into the night, and it can help us keep our covenants when the world screams at us to quit. But the desire must be *durable*. I’m talking about that deep, quiet conviction that isn't just a reaction to a powerful meeting or a moment of intense feeling.

A desire that flickers when things get hard, a desire that fades when the excitement wears off—those are fleeting. The desire that lasts, the one that truly points toward the Lord, is one that recurs, that withstands the seasons of life, and that roots itself in the reality of the gospel.

From Status to Service

This leads to the most crucial distinction: Is this desire to *lead* in order to be *led*? Or is it a desire to *serve*? The goal, always, must be service. We are called to be disciples, and discipleship is fundamentally about following and serving. When our desire is centered on our own status, or on the recognition of others, we are building on shifting sand. But when it is a holy desire—a desire that is strongest when we are at our best, when we are spiritually nourished—then we are building on the Rock.

This isn't just theory for seminary class, friends. This is for the field. When you are in the trenches, when the investigator is challenging, when the logistics of the work feel overwhelming, what keeps you going? Is it the *idea* of being a missionary, or is it the deep, abiding love for the Savior and the desire to share that truth?

This principle applies to every facet of our discipleship. Whether you are preparing for your own mission, helping a friend with their own scripture studies in HolyPlaces, or simply keeping your own home life aligned with the covenants, the fuel must be pure service.

The Informed Disciple

Furthermore, the desire must be *informed*. You can’t serve effectively if you are ignorant of the work, or if you haven't studied what the Book of Mormon actually teaches about priesthood authority, or what the covenants require of us as Latter-day Saints. Knowledge isn't just for the classroom; it's essential for discipleship. We must be able to answer those tough questions—the ones that make us pause and think—with wisdom and doctrine.

If you want to deepen your understanding of these foundational doctrines, I highly recommend diving into the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. They do a wonderful job of walking us through these nuances.

Remember this as you go about your week: Let your desire be durable, let it be focused on service, let it be informed by scripture, and let it be Christlike. That is the enduring fuel for every disciple, everywhere.

If you’re looking for a place to test these principles out with others, I encourage you to check out a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Or, if you’re ready to sharpen those skills, don't forget about the free weekly Disciple Challenge!