"No Less Serviceable"

President Smith on a train with his daughters, son-in-law,
my grandfather (the younger man) and I'm not sure who the young woman is

This past week I had a new experience.  As the Ward Clerk it was my job to put in the curriculum order for the upcoming year.  Much to my delight, I was reminded of the fact that this coming year we will be studying the teachings of President George Albert Smith.  I grew up listening to my Grandfather and my Mother tell stories about President Smith's kindness and Christian goodness.  So  have a great love for this great Prophet.

President Smith at the Primary Children's Hospital Construction Site with
my Aunts Marilyn and Judy, and with my Mother (the youngest one)

Admittedly there are likely a large number of Church members whose first reaction to my excitement about the new manual would be to ask the question "Who?" or to admit that the extent of their knowledge of President Smith is limited to the Latter-day Prophets song from Primary (the one that seems to get more and more mumbled as we try to squeeze each new Prophet's name in at the end of the song).  Most members of the Church couldn't name a single contribution that he made, or discuss any events that happened during his six years as President of the Church.  But it is exactly this reaction and lack of understanding that makes me excited about the fact that we will be studying a little bit about President Smith.

At times as members of the Church, I think that we all pick our favorites among the Brethren.  It's only natural.  We are drawn to specific speaking styles.  We are bonded to leaders because of certain key events in our lives.  "This President of the Church called me on a mission," or "That man was President of the Church when I first gained a testimony," and so on down the list.  What's more, the events of certain presidencies are sometimes just more memorable than the events of other presidencies.  President McKay began to make this a worldwide Church.  President Kimball changed the missionary program forever.  President Hinckley left his indelible mark upon Temple building (and everything else in this Church).  And so these men deservingly vault their way to the top of our lists of great leaders whom we admire.

But then there are some Presidents who, because of a quiet demeanor or a short administration, do not always come to mind when we discuss the great Prophets.  Yet they nevertheless deserve to be studied and included in these discussions.

Mormon understood this principle.  The famous war chapters of Alma (Alma 43-63) justly place a great deal of emphasis upon Captain Moroni.  It is clear that Mormon had a tremendous love for Captain Moroni; so much so that he appears to have named his son after him.  As a military leader, Mormon was impressed with Moroni's courage and strategic decisions.  And as a disciple, Mormon was awed by Moroni's testimony and devotion.  Reading those chapters, you get the sense that Mormon, the Prophet-Historian could have written volumes about the great Captain Moroni.  But Captain Moroni wasn't the only leader who served faithfully during that time.  Writing of Helaman and his brothers, Mormon gave this short tribute, "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" (Alma 48:19).

Throughout the history of this Church, we have been blessed with wonderful leaders.  Some will provide materials and inspiration for countless volumes of history and for thousands of fond memories.  Others may receive only the smallest mention in the annals of the Church.  But each held and preserved the keys in worthiness, leading and guiding the Church by the spirit of Revelation, contributions which "were no less serviceable" than some of their more well-known companions.

I am grateful for this concept, because it reminds me that each of us, no matter what our calling or duty within God's Kingdom are serviceable and worthy contributors to His cause.  What President Hinckley said in during his first conference as President of the Church remains profoundly true today:  "Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence."

In the end, I believe that quiet devotion to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ will stand out as the greatest and most lasting contribution that any of us will have been privileged to make.  May we be worthy and willing to make that contribution!

Brett