I haven't been a member for very long, and for me, service is a gospel principle that I'm still learning about. Growing up, it was always "family first, friends second, the rest of the world...eh;" but I have watched others serve, and I have been blessed in the service that many have provided for my family and me. Even the little things count in this category, such as being offered a chair to sit in, being asked about my health or my family, or simply being approached to share in a conversation. I have learned from all of those examples, as well as from an article I just read in the May Ensign: "Service, a Divine Quality," Elder Carlos H. Amado. In this article, three passages struck home for me, the last one in particular... " 'If then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 'For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (John 13:13-15)'." "Christ cannot help us if we do not trust Him; He cannot teach us if we do not serve Him." "Those who serve...will not find reason or have time to become offended. They develop the virtue of praying for those who criticize." I think that in learning about and truly understanding the gospel, you become naturally inclined to learn from Christ's examples and the good examples of those around you; and as a result, you're given tools to improve yourself and the weaknesses you may have often wished (but never knew how) to overcome.
