While reading in Mosiah of the Book of Mormon, I came across a stunning truth that has particular application for a graduating student stepping into a vast never-never land of adult choices- how to find and maintain a professional career.
I often assumed that King Benjamin, like Alma the Elder, was both a king and prophet over a designated land. We learn, however, that King Benjamin's office was contained to the kingship, and he was supplied the 'assistance of the holy prophets.' It was with the 'help of these' prophets that King Benjamin established peace in the land (WofMormon 1:16-18).
Having substantiated this understanding, King Benjamin's words explaining that he was 'suffered by the hand of the Lord that [he] should be a ruler and a king over [the] people,' and that he 'spent [his] days in the service [of his people]' imply an added dimension to his sermon on service.
He wasn't forced due to position, per se, to serve his people; he wasn't 'required' by position to serve that his people might not have heavy taxes, or be thrust into prision, or any other manner of wickedness.
King Benjamin found the wisdom of appreciable self-application: service is not profession-constrained any more than God's love is membership-constrained :).
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