True Activity

One of the things that has amazed me through the years has been to see the constant ebb and flow of activity in regards to Gospel diligence. It happens to everyone, but why does it have to? It must surely be a manifestation of our own weakness, something that all of cannot help at one point or another. With that in mind, how is it that we can make the "ups" higher, and the "downs" lower?
In realizing my new calling as a member of the ward activities committee, this has become particularly salient as I see those that simply wish not to participate in the fun and camaraderie that takes place. Perhaps they see such social events as merely social, and not of worth to their physical, emotional, and spiritual development. I sorrow on the behalf of those who feel that way, because the ideal activity follows a template laid out by the Apostle Paul:

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him...And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.--Col. 3:17, 23

What does activity look like when it is done in the name of the Lord? I like to use the above painting as an example. It is a depiction of John the Beloved and Peter running to the empty Garden Tomb after hearing that Christ was no longer there. Their activity was accomplished with purpose, which purpose was motivated by faith and love.
Both those who facilitate and experience activities should have in mind their love of the Savior. They are meant to edify both the host and the recipient, and so we should attend in faith that its purpose will touch our hearts and strengthen our personal testimonies of the Savior. Elder Joe J. Christensen (1998) gave some a guide that we can apply:

"Learn to be the kind of person with whom others of high standards enjoy associating. More than 50 years ago, Dale Carnegie wrote How to Win Friends and Influence People (New York: Simon and Schuster). Among his suggestions that are equally valuable today are these time-honored principles for making friends:

• • Become genuinely interested in other people.
• • Smile.
• • Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest and most important sound in any language.
• • Be a good listener. Encourage others to talk about themselves.
• • Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.
• • Make the other person feel important—and do it sincerely.

"The Lord expects us to do the best we can with what he has given us. After we have done what we can to improve our own traits and appearances, we need to forget about ourselves and think of others and their needs."

I hope to be able to apply these precepts in my life as I strive toward "True Activity." Have a great week!