--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I know the celestial criteria measure…" description: "\"I know the celestial criteria measure service, not status; the use of our talents, not the relative size of our talent inventories. I know that Church..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d4/neal-a-maxwell-925_celestial_i-know-the-celestial-criteria-measure-se_3036256.jpg" --- # I know the celestial criteria measure service, not status… ![“I know the celestial criteria measure service, not status; the use of our talents, not the relative size of our talent inventories. I know that Church membership is not passive security but continuing opportunity.” quote by Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d4/neal-a-maxwell-925_celestial_i-know-the-celestial-criteria-measure-se_3036256.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d4/neal-a-maxwell-925_celestial_i-know-the-celestial-criteria-measure-se_3036256.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5d4/neal-a-maxwell-925_celestial_i-know-the-celestial-criteria-measure-se_3036256.jpg) > “I know the celestial criteria measure service, not status; the use of our talents, not the relative size of our talent inventories. I know that Church membership is not passive security but continuing opportunity.” [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Service, not status, measures worth; church membership is active opportunity, not passive security. **In simple terms:** True value lies in serving, not titles. Key Takeaway Prioritize service over status. Themes service humility spirituality Mood inspirational thoughtful Type religious advice When to use this quote - volunteering - career development - faith community Key Concepts church talent membership Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance service with self‑care? - What opportunities can you create for others? A Different Perspective Focusing solely on service may neglect personal well‑being. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Celestial](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/celestial/) [Church](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church/) [Church membership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/church-membership/) [Opportunity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opportunity/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Security](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/security/) [Talent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/talent/) ## Related quotes > [Celestial criteria measures service, not status.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/celestial-criteria-measures-service-not-status/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Only this I know, That one celestial father gives to all.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-milton/only-this-i-know-that-one-celestial-father-gives-to-all/) [John Milton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-milton/) > [The gross size of our talent inventories is less important than the net use of our talents?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-gross-size-of-our-talent-inventories-is-less-important-than-the/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Go among the people. Don't assume you know what church looks like.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alan-hirsch/go-among-the-people-don-t-assume-you-know-what-church-looks-like/) [Alan Hirsch](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alan-hirsch/) > [I found out that many of our Catholics simply don't know what the church teaches, and why, on a lot of issues, and therefore…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/roger-mahony/i-found-out-that-many-of-our-catholics-simply-don-t-know-what-the/) [Roger Mahony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roger-mahony/) > [Most people have some sort of religion, at least they know which church they're staying away from](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-erskine/most-people-have-some-sort-of-religion-at-least-they-know-which/) [John Erskine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-erskine/) > [That's all the information I need to know about the church, Jesus picked it. And so instead of me telling the church how she…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-goff/that-s-all-the-information-i-need-to-know-about-the-church-jesus/) [Bob Goff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-goff/) > [It's a blessing to know that the church and the gospel are the same no matter where I go. I can find a church…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eric-weddle/it-s-a-blessing-to-know-that-the-church-and-the-gospel-are-the-same/) [Eric Weddle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eric-weddle/) > [I know only one Church: it is the society of men.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jean-paul-sartre/i-know-only-one-church-it-is-the-society-of-men/) [Jean-Paul Sartre](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jean-paul-sartre/) > [We all know that a church is not a building.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-h-schuller/we-all-know-that-a-church-is-not-a-building/) [Robert H. Schuller](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-h-schuller/) > [Well you say that it's gospel, But I know that it's only church.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tom-waits/well-you-say-that-it-s-gospel-but-i-know-that-it-s-only-church/) [Tom Waits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tom-waits/) > [There's a lot of churches that hide their dirty laundry under the rug, and I know about that from being in the church 27…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-green/there-s-a-lot-of-churches-that-hide-their-dirty-laundry-under-the-rug/) [Al Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-green/) > [Does the church have all kinds of problems? You bet, because it's made up of people like me, so I get that part too.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bob-goff/does-the-church-have-all-kinds-of-problems-you-bet-because-it-s-made/) [Bob Goff](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bob-goff/) > [Theres a lot of churches that hide their dirty laundry under the rug, and I know about that from being in the church 27…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/al-green/theres-a-lot-of-churches-that-hide-their-dirty-laundry-under-the-rug/) [Al Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/al-green/) > [Lecrae is not just, you know, church, church, church.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lecrae/lecrae-is-not-just-you-know-church-church-church/) [Lecrae](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lecrae/) ## More by Neal A. Maxwell > [Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/clearly-when-we-baptize-our-eyes-should-gaze-beyond-the-baptismal/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [We should not assume; however, that just because something is unexplainable by us, it is unexplainable.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/we-should-not-assume-however-that-just-because-something-is/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Naive optimism and pervasive pessimism are both to be avoided, therefore. It's not an easy balance to maintain, to be asked to work away…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/naive-optimism-and-pervasive-pessimism-are-both-to-be-avoided/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Occasionally some individuals let the seeming ordinariness of life dampen their spirits. Though actually coping and growning, others lack the quiet, inner-soul satisfaction that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/occasionally-some-individuals-let-the-seeming-ordinariness-of-life/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The acceptance of the reality that we are in the Lord's loving hands is only a recognition that we have never really been anywhere…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-acceptance-of-the-reality-that-we-are-in-the-lord-s-loving-hands/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [We can't dwell upon another's ingratitude without using up our time and talents unprofitably.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/we-can-t-dwell-upon-another-s-ingratitude-without-using-up-our-time/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The winds of tribulation, which blow out some men's candles of commitment, only fan the fires of faith of others.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-winds-of-tribulation-which-blow-out-some-men-s-candles-of/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Power is most safe with those who are not in love with it!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/power-is-most-safe-with-those-who-are-not-in-love-with-it/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Ultimate hope constitutes the anchor of the soul.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/ultimate-hope-constitutes-the-anchor-of-the-soul/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Frequently, we busily search for group service projects, which are surely needed and commendable, when quiet, personal service is also urgently needed. Sometimes the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/frequently-we-busily-search-for-group-service-projects-which-are/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [The cumulative weight of all mortal sins--past, present, and future--pressed upon that perfect, sinless, and sensitive Soul! All our infirmities and sicknesses were somehow,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/the-cumulative-weight-of-all-mortal-sins-past-present-and-future/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [“When we feel so alone, we cannot presume to teach him who, at the apogee of his agony, trod “the winepress alone” anything about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/when-we-feel-so-alone-we-cannot-presume-to-teach-him-who-at-the/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [How myopic it is to view His ministry as all crucifixion and no resurrection!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/how-myopic-it-is-to-view-his-ministry-as-all-crucifixion-and-no/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/patience-stoutly-resists-pulling-up-the-daisies-to-see-how-the-roots/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) > [Our little pebble of poor performance helps to start, or to sustain, an avalanche.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/neal-a-maxwell/our-little-pebble-of-poor-performance-helps-to-start-or-to-sustain-an/) [Neal A. Maxwell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) [Explore all 328 Neal A. Maxwell quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/neal-a-maxwell/) ## More Celestial quotes > [It shows you exactly how a star is formed; nothing else can be so pretty! A cluster of vapor, the cream of the milky…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/benjamin-disraeli/it-shows-you-exactly-how-a-star-is-formed-nothing-else-can-be-so/) [Benjamin Disraeli](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/benjamin-disraeli/) > [Music. A meaningless acceleration in the rhythm of celestial experience.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/music-a-meaningless-acceleration-in-the-rhythm-of-celestial-experience/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [There are, after all, atheists who say they wish the fable were true but are unable to suspend the requisite disbelief, or who have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-hitchens/there-are-after-all-atheists-who-say-they-wish-the-fable-were-true/) [Christopher Hitchens](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-hitchens/) > [The stars begin to fade like guttering candles and are snuffed out one by one. Out in the depths of space the great celestial…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edward-robert-harrison/the-stars-begin-to-fade-like-guttering-candles-and-are-snuffed-out/) [Edward Robert Harrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edward-robert-harrison/) > [A hidden spark of the dream sleeps In the forest and waits In the celestial spheres of the brain.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dejan-stojanovic/a-hidden-spark-of-the-dream-sleeps-in-the-forest-and-waits-in-the/) [Dejan Stojanovic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dejan-stojanovic/) > [What does it mean to be a Saint? In the Lord's Church, the members are Latter-day Saints, and they attempt to emulate the Savior,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/quentin-l-cook/what-does-it-mean-to-be-a-saint-in-the-lord-s-church-the-members-are/) [Quentin L. Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/quentin-l-cook/) > [Even if I knew nothing of the atoms, I would venture to assert on the evidence of the celestial phenomena themselves, supported by many…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lucretius/even-if-i-knew-nothing-of-the-atoms-i-would-venture-to-assert-on-the/) [Lucretius](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lucretius/) > [The very serpents bite their tails; the bees forget to sting, For a language so celestial setteth up a wondering. And the touch of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathalia-crane/the-very-serpents-bite-their-tails-the-bees-forget-to-sting-for-a/) [Nathalia Crane](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathalia-crane/) > [Even broken in spirit as he is, no one can feel more deeply than he does the beauties of nature. The starry sky, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/even-broken-in-spirit-as-he-is-no-one-can-feel-more-deeply-than-he/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [I despise the proper constructions and cases, because I think it very unfitting that the words of the celestial oracle should be restricted by…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/pope-gregory-i/i-despise-the-proper-constructions-and-cases-because-i-think-it-very/) [Pope Gregory I](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/pope-gregory-i/) > [The most powerful influence exercised by the Arabs on general natural physics was that directed to the advances of chemistry ; a science for…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/alexander-von-humboldt/the-most-powerful-influence-exercised-by-the-arabs-on-general-natural/) [Alexander von Humboldt](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/alexander-von-humboldt/) > [Just as order gave life and beauty to the earth when it was dark and void, so it does to us. Obedience helps us…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-e-faust/just-as-order-gave-life-and-beauty-to-the-earth-when-it-was-dark-and/) [James E. Faust](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-e-faust/) > [Before thou callest a man hero or genius, investigate whether his exertion has features of indelibility; for all that is celestial, all genius, is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/johann-kaspar-lavater/before-thou-callest-a-man-hero-or-genius-investigate-whether-his/) [Johann Kaspar Lavater](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/johann-kaspar-lavater/) > [I work in celestial mechanics, but I am not interested in getting to the moon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marston-morse/i-work-in-celestial-mechanics-but-i-am-not-interested-in-getting-to/) Marston Morse > [Every wild apple shrub excites our expectation thus, somewhat as every wild child. It is, perhaps, a prince in disguise. What a lesson to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/henry-david-thoreau/every-wild-apple-shrub-excites-our-expectation-thus-somewhat-as-every/) [Henry David Thoreau](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/henry-david-thoreau/) [Browse all 353 Celestial quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/celestial/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "I know the celestial criteria measure service, not status; the use of our talents, not the relative size of our talent inventories. I know that Church membership is not passive security but continuing opportunity.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Neal A. 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