“It’s time to do good!” Our motto for 2025 brought back childhood memories for District Apostle Enrique Minio of South America. And it gave a new twist to an old wish.
When I was 8 years old, I joined the Scouts. I participated in it for several years up to my pre-adolescence. There I learned that a Scout is helpful, that they must be committed to always helping others, and that they must always be prepared to do so.
When our Chief Apostle issued the motto for 2025, I could not help but go back fifty years in time and remember those moments.
The difference is that the good deeds we did then were generally focused on material situations. Helping an elderly person to cross the street, helping a neighbour with an everyday task, picking up rubbish that we saw while out walking, volunteering in a social undertaking, and so on.
When I came to know the work of God, the desire to serve as it had been instilled in me as a child took a special turn. Our mission states, “Providing soul care and cultivating a warm fellowship in which everyone shall experience the love of God and the joy of serving Him and others.” This became a daily necessity that changed the purpose of my life.
This year’s motto has gladdened my heart, as the Chief Apostle has once again showed us the way to our goal. We must learn to make good use of our time and define our priorities.
First, let us be good to ourselves and occupy ourselves with our own salvation. Let us overcome evil with good (Romans 12: 21). In trials, let us remember God’s love and trust in Him. In suffering, let us refuse to return evil for evil. And let us fight against the evil within us. Let us remember the confirmation vow and renounce Satan and all his work and ways every day and commit ourselves into the hands of our Father and be faithful to Him until the end.
Secondly, let us do good things to our neighbour. Let us be prepared for the opportunities God allows in our lives and bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us. May our lives be an open gospel to all. Let us help others to resist evil.
Thirdly, let us do good in the Church. Let us always be ready to seek unity, to master self-control, and to practise love in our family. May our home be a Bethany where peace and dedication are the hallmarks that define our relationships with one another.
Let’s make an effort and be prepared to do good.