Perhaps the most important thing we can do in this life is to learn about and care for those around us. We of course want to improve our own life and enhance our personal circumstances, but before we seek our own interests we would do well to consider the needs of our families, friends, and neighbors.
In all that we do, we ought to ask ourselves, “cui bono?” To whom will the benefit of my action befall?
The scriptures teach us that the Savior spent all of his energy in service and we are then counseled to do the same. We are taught to provide those in need with their desires, not merely their needs, in areas of spiritual, physical, emotional, and social deficiency.
So what is most important in life?
People, the answer is always people. President Monson taught that we ought to “never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved.” And as Lorinda pointed out in her recent email, “life is more enriching and meaningful when you think about someone else.”
It is hard in life, when we often stand in need ourselves, to seek for the benefit of others, but as we simply attempt to lift those around us, our burdens too will be lifted. I believe that this is how we come to know the Savior for ourselves, through coming to know and serving those he has placed in our path. Then we “shall know the truth (Christ), and the truth shall set [us] free” (John 8:32). In this way, the answer to our question,’to whose benefit,’ can be answered: “all of us.” Whereas if we were merely to seek our own benefit, surely the answer would be: “none of us.”