Last Week
On Wednesday, we had interviews. This transfer, I’ve struggled a little with what I thought I was hearing from others, it seemed to conflict with what the Spirit was telling me. I expressed to President Sinclair my worries about my shortcomings in discipleship. Even though I’m doing my best, maybe I’m doing something wrong. He gave me this counsel: focus on how my actions align with my key indicators for conversion.
Listening to the advice of my brothers beforehand, I humbled myself quickly and followed President Sinclair’s counsel. But I didn’t fully understand it until Sunday. A family in the ward had us over for lunch that afternoon, they’re the best. They have four sons who are great friends, so it was a really fun time. The father asked me about mission culture and what I thought would happen if I participated in church activities and other events that aren’t typical missionary work.
It was the Spirit’s response to that question that helped me internalize what President Sinclair had taught me. I told him it’s not so much about what we’re doing, but where our focus lies. The Lord can magnify our efforts—if I’m diligent, He can magnify almost anything. Preach My Gospel says again and again, “The Lord will magnify your ___ as you ___.”
So where does our focus lie? Am I going to the store just because I want something, or am I hoping to meet someone who needs Christ? Am I attending a youth activity because I’m tired of proselyting, or because I want to inspire and encourage those youth who have a natural gift to love their friends to invite others to partake in greater joy?
My why is much more important than the how. That’s how I see it, anyway. And as I’ve kept my purpose at the center, everything else seems to fall into place.
Love you all again,
Elder Hixon
