Have you ever heard the old saying, "a picture is with a thousand words", or "I'd rather see a sermon any day rather than read it"? Although, they take on different meanings, I believe they can also be applied toward action. This may sound like a "duh" statement, but the word action is a an action word. Before you dismiss this blog posting by saying this guy is crazy, let me explain.

The word action, in and of itself means the state or process of acting or doing. And the word do indicates some course of action. It is what we physically have to do in order to accomplish something. I blogged before and touched upon this subject. Action is doing. Doing is action. It might also be said that merely thinking about something is a form of action that requires no physical interactions.

However action, when used with physical interaction is the lifeblood to service. One can think and think about service, but to really be of service requires us to do something. One can think about and pray over the families they home or visit teach, asking The Lord to help you be a better home/visiting teacher to them. But it is my belief that until you make the appointment, go to those families homes, and learn to love them, will the Spirit whisper to you of things which you can be of service to those whom you have stewardship over.

I once sat in on a Priesthood Executive Committee meeting where I heard the High Priest Group Leader tell the Bishop  that they wanted to participate in service activities, but nothing that would require them to really do anything. As I sat there with a dumbfounded look on my face, I wondered what the real intention was. Having reflected on that scene over the years, how strange it did sound, it was still sincere. They were looking for service opportunities and the majority of them could really do no physical-type labor. The heart was willing, but the flesh was indeed weak. Their assignment from the Bishop was to help those that desired help with their family history. This was inspired counsel. As a result, our Ward's temple service increased. Work, or service was performed for those that could not do the work for themselves. And we were blessed as a Ward. The actions of a few may have potentially helped hundreds.

I often think about the labor parties I have been involved with over the years. Moving families in and out of the Ward is a given for an Elder's Quorum. It is a constant thing that, I can remember pleading with brethren to assist with. Many hands make the work lighter and quicker. And the feeling one gets by assisting their fellow brother is wonderful. I remember a Ward service activity to help fix up an elderly single sister's home. It became a true labor of love and really helped to bring a Ward, who was reeling from some recent activities - causing a division. It helped to mend those divisions. 

Our actions, when used in this context are the outward expression of true love. Many sonnets written can swoon the heart, but until the first actual kiss, it's just words. Similarly, saying that one will do something over and over are just words until the "something" is accomplished. Our greatest inventions were first, thought about, but we would not have them unless those thoughts turned into sketches, those sketches turned into blueprints, and those blueprints turned into manufacturing the real invention. Our verbal testimonies are nice, but if we don't back them up with acting upon those beliefs, then we are, more or less, "as the hypocrites are..." .

The Lord loves a busy son or daughter. There are always opportunities for service, no matter if its physical labor-intensive, serving in the house of The Lord, assisting those with family history - all these things are actions in helping to build the kingdom of God on the earth today. And it shows The Lord and others of our willingness to act and to do.



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