Today's Sunday School lesson on the Priesthood brought home an important point for me. Hell is no other people.
Our greatest triumphs in life come through other people. When we are truly successful in life, it is because we have served others and made their way a little easier; in so doing, we become greater than we otherwise would be because we become part of something bigger than ourselves. Consider some successful people: doctors (who heal other people), firemen, (who save other people), musicians (who entertain and inspire other people), or policemen (who protect other people).
When we truly fail in life, it is because we have turned inward and acted solely for our own entertainment, desires, or interests. Consider some famously bad people: corrupt politicians, greedy businessmen, gangsters, or the like. All make sure they take care of #1 first.
In reality, the #1 doesn't need our help. Instead, He taught that we should love our neighbors as ourselves; neither they nor I are more important. Instead of ignoring others or wallowing in misplaced asceticism, the Lord would have us moderate, seeking our individual salvation in the company of others.
When we are surrounded by people we love, we are in heaven, for we are exalted by the bonds between us which in turn both stretch and mold us. When we are alone, or when we are alienated from those around us, then we are in hell, an isolation so complete that we shrivel up into our own nothingness.
That's why the Priesthood can only be used to bless another. Joseph Smith couldn't baptize himself; he needed Oliver Cowdery. I cannot bless myself, I can't even give myself the sacrament--instead, I need others as they need me, and together we can advance as a company on our lifelong migration toward God.
Serving others does dispel loneliness. Too bad most of the world doesn't understand that.
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