God gives us talents so that we can serve and bless others. He wants us to develop them in order to serve others more. As we use our talents in service to others, they grow.
To Advance the Cause
We work harder and longer when our efforts are infused with a sense of mission. Captain Moroni's people were victorious because they "were inspired by a better cause." When we enlist in "the cause of Christ," our daily efforts contribute to the most uplifting and important work on earth.
He Will Consecrate
In 2 Nephi, we learn that God will consecrate our afflictions, our performances, and our prayers for our benefit. We usually think of consecration as something we do, but we know that God can turn our offerings into something of far greater value.
Lukewarmness
God said that He wants us to be hot or cold, not lukewarm. Nephi warned that we shouldn't be "at ease in Zion." When we choose to participate in an activity, and especially in the gospel, we need to fully commit. We need to be all-in.
Not Shrinking
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was determined not to shrink from His responsibility to suffer for our sins. We can follow His example by not "shrinking" or holding back from the hard things that God has asked us to do.
Poured Out
As Jacob traveled to Padan-aram to live with his uncle, he had a dream in which the Lord renewed the promise He had made to Jacob's father and grandfather. Waking the next morning, Jacob built a stone pillar and poured oil on it as a form of worship. (See Genesis 28:18.) Years later, after Jacob... Continue Reading →
Spare Not
The Lord told Isaiah to preach the gospel whole-heartedly, holding nothing back. "Cry aloud," He said, "spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet" (Isaiah 58:1). In another passage, he instructs the children of Israel to prepare for massive growth and prosperity: Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the... Continue Reading →
Impart of Your Substance
King Benjamin urged his people to "administer of [their] substance unto him that standeth in need." He told them not to judge beggars, but to share what they could with those who needed their help. If they were unable to give, he encouraged them to say in their hearts, "I give not because I have not, but if I... Continue Reading →
Immersion
The word "baptism" comes from the Greek word baptisma (βάπτισμα), which refers to dipping or submerging something. Jesus instructed His disciples on the American continent how to perform baptisms. They should stand in the water with the person being baptized, call the person by name, pronounce some specific words, and then "immerse them in the water,... Continue Reading →
“If Thine Eye Be Single” – 3 Nephi 13:22
Jesus said, "The light of the body is the eye." Therefore, He added, "if...thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light." But He added this warning: "If thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness" (Matthew 6:22-23, 3 Nephi 13:22-23). The Greek word translated as "single" in... Continue Reading →