Day 12 - Receive the Holy Ghost Through Service - By Randall McNeely

​In his recent general conference address, President Henry B. Eyring indicated that one of the best ways for members of the church to receive the Holy Ghost is through service. The question this raises, at least for me, is “what is it about service that invites the Holy Ghost into our lives?”
 
As I contemplated that question, the words to a proverb came to my mind:

Cast your bread upon the waters, it comes back to you again.

When we serve others, we cast our bread upon the waters by giving of our time, talents, and abilities to bless someone else’s life.  As we sacrifice with unselfish enthusiasm, we emulate the Savior Jesus Christ of whom it is written, “He went about doing good,” (See Acts 10:38).
 
Then, as a natural consequence of such emulation, our bread comes back to us again through the Holy Ghost who fills our hearts with peace, love, a sense of accomplishment, gratitude for the opportunity to serve, a desire to serve more, and the many other resplendent feelings that come when we forget ourselves and go to work.
 
I’ve learned through multiple personal experiences that this is true, particularly through small and simple acts. For example, making the bed in the morning, cleaning the bathroom, putting my dirty clothes in the hamper, playing with the kids and reading to them, tucking the kids in at night, leaving notes for my wife and children, giving hugs, kisses, and words of praise when called for, and dozens of other things. As I’ve done these things, along with keeping the commandments and my covenants, I’ve always received the Holy Ghost.
 
We can all do the same…if we will.
 
And that is truly…
 
WONDERFUL!
​

Author

Randal McNeely is a husband, father of five, and committed disciple of Jesus Christ.