Being Serviceable

Last month as I was interviewing on camera some of the youth of the ward for my Book of Mormon video project, Andrea mentioned how studying the scriptures helped her want to be more "serviceable." I thought that was an interesting word - one I hadn't remembered hearing before, but a word rich in meaning.

It was interesting tonight as I was studying in Alma Chapter 48 that word popped up again. In verse 19 it says:

"Now behold Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words."

It says earlier in the chapter that Moroni was "a man who did labor exceedingly for the welfare and safety of his people." The chapter goes on to describe his faithfulness and valor as a military leader. But, the author of the chapter (I assume Mormon) makes a point of saying that those who were preaching the gospel an baptizing were doing an equally great service.

Reading that and remembering Andrea's words helped me understand the meaning of the word "serviceable" a little better and inspired me to want to be more serviceable to the Lord and my fellowmen.