Episode 32: Ministering in Small and Simple Ways

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Just a note, this week's episode has a ton of amazing quotes. So I created a handout where I compiled them all in one place for you. Click here and you can download the handout. Then feel free to use the handout for a lesson or your ministering.

Small and Simple Ministering

I am sure this won’t come as a surprise but it’s worth noting that I am very prayerful about each episode.

I want to make sure I share the message God wants me to share, expressing my thoughts the way God would want them expressed and the message is helpful and uplifting to others.As I was praying about upcoming episodes and what to cover the thought came to me to share about the concept small and simple things

I wasn’t too surprised since that is my MO as a therapist. I preach over and over again how it is through small and simple strategies that make sustainable long term changes. It isn’t through the giant plans we make and enact in our lives.  Those plans usually default into all or nothing and 99.9% of the time nothing is what our brains default to. 

Also I just finished up a 5-day challenge to consistent scripture study and one theme I noticed the women expressing in this challenge was the desire to help others and receive inspiration to do so. So as I went to study the topic to receive guidance and direction from the Spirit I wasn’t surprised that these two concepts collided for me.

I remember back when Visiting Teaching was retired and Ministering was introduced that there were so many women confused at what they were supposed to be doing. They no longer had to report their monthly interactions so they thought they would wait to see what they were supposed to do. As if they were going to do it wrong. 

I think all the changes we have had in the church and especially this change in ministering in a higher and hollier way is about taking the gospel from this checklist mentality and realizing everything we do is about building a relationship with God. It’s not about what counts or doesn’t. The gospel is not about a checklist it’s about a relationship. 

Checklist Mentality

In fact so many obedient and faithful women I work with are not feeling that connection with God, and I wholeheartedly believe that is due to the checklist mentality. When we look at ministering as a checklist we can feel overwhelmed or like we are failing. Ministering is not just for those we are assigned to. It’s for anyone we have interactions with. 

🌟 Ministering is to act and bless others

🌟 Ministering to the one to bless them

🌟 Minister to the one suggests a small and simple approach

President Eyring said,

“Becoming a covenant woman in partnership with God is how great and good daughters of God have always mothered, led, and ministered, serving in whatever way and place He has prepared for them”

Mindset of Ministering

It’s not about coming up with a great and grand plan to minister to the one we are assigned to. It’s about a mindset of ministering in small and simple ways.

Elder Ballard said,

“Our ministering efforts will be more successful if we keep our ministering simple. The most joy comes from the simple things of life.” 

 

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Ministering Plans

Now I see you there coming up with a plan to minister MORE to the people around you. It really isn’t about a plan!

M Russell Ballard cautioned us that,

“At the same time, we must be aware that Satan will use small and simple things to lead us into despair and misery.”

We must be careful not to turn these small and simple things into a big thing. I think one of the reasons we women want to come up with big plans so often is that we don’t want to feel inadequate to the task. We want to plan it out and know that we can do it. 

I love what Virginia Pearce said about this concept of inadequacy,

“Given time, our very smallness—our fragileness—actually allows God’s grace to work in us.”

We are supposed to feel like we can’t do it alone and small to the task so that we will seek help from God and allow God to work with us. President Oaks talks about doing small and simple things so that the Spirit can work in us to guide and enlighten us.

Closer to God

Think about it, these small and simple ministering tasks help you to draw closer to God.

Elder Ballard said,

“When we love and serve the Lord and love and serve our neighbors, we will naturally feel more happiness that comes to us in no better way.”

Why is that? Because these small and simple tasks bring us closer to God. So how does this work then right? If we aren’t supposed to come with a giant plan?

Well it starts with recognizing that the efforts you are doing everyday to help others are considered ministering. My guess is, you are doing more than you already give yourself credit for. I see this with so many women I work with, they hear something inspiring and they try to go to work doing more.

When in reality they are already doing it and it is more of a confirmation that you are on the right path.

(D&C 64:33) says,

“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” 

Inadequate to the Task

But sometimes we recognize a need and feel inadequate to help or that what we have to offer won’t be enough so we don’t do it at all.

Bishop Waddell has some great things to say about this!

“There may be other times when we recognize a need but feel inadequate to respond, assuming that what we have to offer is insufficient. To do just as He did, however, is to minister by giving what we are capable of giving and to trust that the Lord will magnify our efforts to bless our “fellow travelers on this mortal journey.”

Why do small and simple efforts make a difference? 

Because Christ is there to magnify our efforts through His enabling power.So those are the two things you can do.

1. Recognize the efforts you are doing everyday for those around you who you are ministering to 

2.Even if you feel like your efforts aren’t enough realize that the Lord is magnifying your efforts through his enabling Power.

You do not need to be a superwoman, you just need a relationship with God and you will have all the superpowers you need.

Alright be sure to download this weeks handout for all the great quotes

Click here to order yours today!