Serving Wisely


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It takes wisdom to balance leadership callings with the demands of family, work, and other responsibilities. Here are six suggestions:

  1. Focus on people not programs. Focus council, presidency, and leadership meetings on people’s needs.
  2. Be innovative. Use creativity and the guidance of the Spirit within the framework of Church policies and principles.
  3. Delegate responsibility, and allow others to grow. A leader should counsel, advise, and motivate but not do the work of others.
  4. Eliminate guilt. Realize that we must do all things “in wisdom and order” (Mosiah 4:27), giving greater attention to different priorities at different times.
  5. Do the best you can. Understand your capabilities, pace yourself, and prioritize your resources to help others while protecting your health.
  6. Be mindful of the needs of new members. Give them opportunities to learn the gospel, get to know other members, and give meaningful service.

From Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “O Be Wise,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2006, 18–20.

Right: photo illustration by Laureni Fochetto

Notes

1. Bruce R. McConkie, “Charity Which Never Faileth,” Relief Society Magazine, Mar. 1970, 169; emphasis added.

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