“People serve one another for different reasons, and some reasons are better than others. Perhaps none of us serves in every capacity all the time for only a single reason. Since we are imperfect beings, most of us probably serve for a combination of reasons, and the combinations may be different from time to time as we grow spiritually. But we should all strive to serve for the reasons that are highest and best.
“What are some of the reasons for service? I will suggest six reasons, from the lesser to the greater.
“Some may serve for hope of earthly reward. …
“Another reason for service—probably more worthy than the first, but still in the category of service in search of earthly reward—is that motivated by a personal desire to obtain good companionship. …
“Some may serve out of fear of punishment. …
“Other persons may serve out of a sense of duty or out of loyalty to friends or family or traditions. …
“One such higher reason for service is the hope of an eternal reward. …
“The last motive I will discuss is, in my opinion, the highest reason of all. In its relationship to service, it is what the scriptures call ‘a more excellent way’ (1 Cor. 12:31).
“‘Charity is the pure love of Christ’ (Moro. 7:47). …
“This principle—that our service should be for the love of God and the love of fellowmen rather than for personal advantage or any other lesser motive—is admittedly a high standard. The Savior must have seen it so, since he joined his commandment for selfless and complete love directly with the ideal of perfection” (“Why Do We Serve?” New Era, March 1988, 6, 7; see also Dallin H. Oaks, “Why Do We Serve?” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 12–15).