Empowering Believers - Christian Resources for All Paths to Christ
Everything Dear: The Blessings of a Life Dedicated to Service
Today’s inspiration is drawn from “Everything Dear” by Elder Robert L. Backman Of the First Quorum of the Seventy.
Guided by Heavenly Hands
Imagine being cast as the Christ child in a pageant when you were just three months old. Elder Robert L. Backman had that honor, and as he reflects on his life’s journey, he recognizes the Lord’s guiding hand protecting him and leading him through various opportunities and challenges. This blog post explores the powerful message of gratitude, service, and devotion exemplified by Elder Backman’s life.
1. Gratitude for a Rich Life
Scripture: Psalm 118:24 (NIV) – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Elder Backman’s life was marked by a profound sense of gratitude. He often pondered why he had been given such rich opportunities to grow, develop, and serve. His gratitude extended to his family, his wife, seven daughters, and their husbands, who collectively filled his life with love and joy. In our own lives, we can also reflect on the richness of our experiences and the people who have influenced us positively.
2. The Highest Honor: Membership in God's Church
Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9 (NIV) – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Elder Backman shared President Benson’s words that the highest honor one can have is being a member of God’s church. This membership brings knowledge of Christ as our personal Savior, the privilege of holding His holy priesthood, and the blessing of an eternal family unit. These blessings make us members of God’s chosen people, and they are reasons for profound gratitude.
3. A Life Dedicated to Service
Elder Backman’s profound dedication to service extended far beyond his personal life. It was a reflection of his commitment to the principles of love and selflessness taught by Jesus Christ. He understood that service was not merely an obligation but a way of life. Throughout his service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Backman held various leadership positions, including serving in the First Quorum of the Seventy. In each of these roles, he approached his responsibilities with humility and a desire to lift and inspire those he served. His life was a testament to the idea that true greatness comes not from seeking recognition or acclaim but from seeking to bless the lives of others.
Elder Backman’s legacy of service reminds us that each of us has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of those around us. It’s often the small, everyday acts of kindness and compassion that have the most significant impact. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend in need, helping a neighbor with a challenging task, or offering a word of encouragement to a struggling colleague, our opportunities to serve are abundant. By following Elder Backman’s example and dedicating ourselves to acts of service, we can bring light and hope into a world that often seems dark and troubled.
The Legacy of Gratitude and Service
Elder Robert L. Backman’s life story teaches us about the transformative power of gratitude and the blessings that flow from a life dedicated to serving God and His children. His journey from playing the role of the Christ child to dedicating his life to Christ’s service is a poignant reminder that our lives, too, can be filled with purpose, meaning, and joy when we follow the path of discipleship.
As we express gratitude daily, seek opportunities to serve, and bear testimony of Christ’s love, we carry forward Elder Backman’s legacy of devotion. Our collective efforts to make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time, can create a ripple effect of goodness that extends far beyond our immediate circles.
Making the World a Better Place
In honor of Elder Backman’s legacy of service and gratitude, let us commit to making the world a better place:
Express Gratitude: Dedicate time each day to express gratitude for the blessings in your life. Consider keeping a gratitude journal to record the things you’re thankful for.
Acts of Kindness: Seek out opportunities to serve those around you. Acts of kindness, no matter how small, have the power to brighten someone’s day and strengthen your connection with your community.
Share the Message: Share your testimony of Christ’s love and the principles of gratitude and service with others. You never know whose life you might touch with your words of faith and hope.
Lend a Helping Hand: Be attentive to the needs of those around you. Offer assistance to friends, family, neighbors, and strangers when you see an opportunity to make their lives a little easier or more joyful.
By living a life of gratitude and service, we can follow in Elder Backman’s footsteps and contribute to a more loving, compassionate, and harmonious world. Remember that it’s the combination of countless individual efforts that can bring about meaningful change and inspire others to do the same. Link to the original: Click Here
God Is Available. He Loves You…Do You Want Help?…see Prayers Answered”
YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US!
Hi there!
Thank you for visiting our Christian Resource website. We’re building a special place here that brings Christians together from all walks of life, and your help would be great!
What we need from you are suggestions. Ideas for things we can include on our site that would help you, and other Christians, to learn, grow, and feel united in faith. Maybe there’s a specific topic you’d like to see covered, a prayer that touched your heart, or a Christian song that’s been on your mind.
This is a place for all of us, so let’s keep it friendly. We’re cool with different opinions – that’s how we learn from each other! But let’s remember to share our thoughts respectfully, with the kind of love that Jesus showed us. No room for ugliness or bashing here.
We appreciate your time and look forward to hearing what great ideas you have to make our site even better. Together, we can create a place that truly serves and unifies the Christian community.
