REXBURG—Bishop Sean Douglas, second counselor in the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, encouraged BYU-Idaho students to make caring for others part of their daily lives during his devotional.
In his address, “See that Ye Love God with All Your Heart, Soul, and Mind,” Bishop Douglas taught that loving God and loving others are connected. He encouraged students to begin serving now, even when their time and resources feel limited.
“Giving and serving is not to be put off for an ideal season of life, it is everyday discipleship,” Bishop Douglas said during his devotional.
Bishop Douglas shared experiences serving alongside his wife, Ann, including visiting a maternity clinic and school in West Africa and helping a widow clean her hurricane damaged home in Houston. Each experience illustrated opportunities to recognize God’s children and respond to their needs.
In an interview with BYU-Idaho Radio, Bishop Douglas explained how service strengthens a person’s relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
“Service is the lifeblood of discipleship. It is how we follow the Savior,” Bishop Douglas said.
He emphasized that meaningful service does not always require a major project. Opening a door, greeting someone between classes or offering encouragement can help someone feel loved.
Bishop Douglas recalled setting a daily alarm to remind himself to smile during his mission. At the end of his mission, a woman told him his smile had helped her become interested in hearing the missionaries’ message.
He also described a principle he and his wife follow: the law of little. Small expressions of kindness, he explained, can make a lasting difference.
During his devotional, Bishop Douglas invited students to connect with more than 20 community organizations at a service fair following his address. He also directed students to JustServe.org to find volunteer opportunities.
“Make caring for God’s children central to who you are and what you do now,” Bishop Douglas said in his devotional.
That invitation extended beyond a single event. Bishop Douglas encouraged students to make service a habit while trusting Heavenly Father with their own futures.
Reflecting in his interview on a career decision that changed his family’s direction, he offered students this reassurance:
“God knows where you’re going to be tomorrow. Trust Him,” he said.