Missionary Work: Sharing What Is in Your Heart
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What are some of the challenges that come with missionary work?
- What are Elder Uchtdorf's five suggestions for effective missionary work?
- How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we deal with rejection or criticism in missionary work?
- What role does love for God and others play in missionary work according to Elder Uchtdorf?
- How can we make missionary work a natural part of our lives?
Topics
Understanding the Scope of Missionary Work
Elder Uchtdorf discusses the current state of the Church and the vast opportunities for missionary work. He emphasizes that despite the Church's growth, there are still many people who have not heard the gospel message. He also acknowledges that even within the Church, there are members who do not fully participate.
There are roughly seven and a half billion people in the world, compared to some 16 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—a very small flock indeed.
Even in the Lord’s restored Church—while overall membership continues to grow—there are too many who do not claim the blessings of regular Church participation.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf mean when he says that there are plenty of opportunities to share the gospel?
- Why is it important to acknowledge the members of the Church who do not fully participate?
- How can you help to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard it?
- What can you do to support those members of the Church who do not fully participate?
Embracing the Call to Missionary Work
Elder Uchtdorf encourages members of the Church to embrace the call to missionary work. He acknowledges that some members may feel hesitant or uncertain, but he assures them that the Lord requires only a willing heart and mind. He also provides five suggestions to help members participate in missionary work.
The Lord has never required expert, flawless missionary efforts. Instead, "the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind."
If, however, you feel that you have been dragging your feet when it comes to sharing the gospel message, may I suggest five guilt-free things anyone can do to participate in the Savior’s great commission to help gather Israel?
- What does Elder Uchtdorf mean when he says that the Lord requires "the heart and a willing mind"?
- What are the five suggestions that Elder Uchtdorf provides for participating in missionary work?
- How can you apply Elder Uchtdorf's five suggestions in your own efforts to share the gospel?
- What are some ways that you can show a "willing mind" in your missionary work?
Dealing with Challenges in Missionary Work
Elder Uchtdorf acknowledges that missionary work can be challenging, especially when faced with rejection or criticism. However, he encourages members to persevere, reminding them that disciples of Jesus Christ have often been persecuted. He assures members that by responding with Christlike love, they may be able to soften hardened hearts.
Yes, that may happen. Since ancient times, disciples of Jesus Christ have often been persecuted. The Apostle Peter said, "Rejoice … as you share Christ’s sufferings." The early Saints rejoiced "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
Remember, the Lord works in mysterious ways. It may be that by your Christlike response to rejection a hardened heart could be softened.
- How does Elder Uchtdorf suggest we deal with rejection or criticism in missionary work?
- Why is it important to respond with Christlike love when faced with rejection or criticism?
- How can you prepare yourself to face rejection or criticism in your missionary work?
- What are some ways that you can respond with Christlike love when faced with rejection or criticism?
Living as Disciples of Jesus Christ
Elder Uchtdorf emphasizes the importance of living as disciples of Jesus Christ, both in our personal lives and in our missionary work. He assures members that as they strive to follow Christ, they will become better, happier, and more authentic. He also encourages members to share their faith in natural and normal ways, letting their light shine for others to see.
Walking the path of discipleship takes practice—each day, little by little, "grace for grace," "line upon line."
In fact, the gospel will be such an essential, precious part of your lives that it would feel unnatural not to talk about it with others. That may not happen immediately—it is a lifelong effort. But it will happen.
- What does it mean to walk the path of discipleship?
- Why is it important to share our faith in natural and normal ways?
- What are some ways that you can strive to walk the path of discipleship in your daily life?
- How can you share your faith in a way that feels natural and normal to you?
Trusting in the Lord's Miracles
Elder Uchtdorf reminds members that it is not their job to convert people, but to share what is in their hearts and live consistent with their beliefs. He assures members that as they follow this path, God will work miracles through them to bless His children.
Understand that it’s not your job to convert people. That is the role of the Holy Ghost. Your role is to share what is in your heart and live consistent with your beliefs.
Follow this path, and God will work miracles through you to bless His precious children.
- What does Elder Uchtdorf mean when he says that it is not our job to convert people?
- How can we trust in the Lord to work miracles through us?
- What are some ways that you can live consistent with your beliefs?
- How can you better trust in the Lord to work miracles through you?
