Serve Anonymously

After Jesus Christ healed the man at the pool of Bethesda, the man took up his bed and walked. He was stopped by the Jewish elders and asked why he was cured on the Sabbath and who had done this. The man did not know what to tell them, "for Jesus had conveyed himself away" (John 5:13). Jesus did nothing to bring glory to Himself, but in all things glorified the Father, setting the perfect example.

Many inside and outside the Church give of their time, talents, and other resources anonymously. A family in my ward, whose daughter suffered from a life-threatening illness, went to Florida for treatment thanks to a charitable foundation. One night the family decided to go out to dinner on their own and splurge a little bit. After a feast of a meal at a popular restaurant, the father asked for the check. The waitress came over to the table and said, "Oh, there's no charge. Someone here paid your bill." The family was stunned. As the mother put it: "I instantly teared up and asked who had done it. She said that they wanted to remain anonymous. All I could do was say, 'Tell them thank you!' We got up and left, once again humbled by the generosity of others, even a complete stranger! People are so good."