Mosiah 2:17

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Of course, I know this verse, I've heard it my whole life, but do I really understand it?

When I am in the service of my fellow beings, I am only in the service of God. I think I would understand its simple meaning, if it weren't for the word "only."

What does that word mean?

If that word wasn't there, how would the meaning of that phrase change?

(God's service and not my own? Serving God and not them? I guess I don't get "only.")

Maybe it means that I am deserving of not any thanks- but since it is entirely God's work (only, not my own)- then He should get all the gratitude and glory. That makes sense!

And it gives me much to think about and change.

I love how when I have a question in scripture, the answer is often in the following verses, but I have to pray for understanding and eyes to see it.