In fewer than a dozen words, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf offered a simple formula for training full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to be successful in their efforts.
“Success means doing well those things over which you have control,” said the member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the Tuesday night, Oct. 15, devotional at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.
Elder Uchtdorf’s message was delivered not only to the nearly 2,000 missionaries at the Provo MTC but via broadcast to missionaries at the Church’s other MTCs worldwide.
Some may think a missionary’s success is measured in other ways, such as the number of converts an elder or sister may help bring into the Church. However, baptism is a matter between the individual and God, and some missions are in areas where baptisms occur frequently while others are in areas where conversions may be few, Elder Uchtdorf said.
Equating success with baptismal numbers can result in frustration, disappointment or false pride, the Apostle added.
He listed the three things over which missionaries—and all individuals—have control: “Our thoughts, our feelings and our actions. Be successful with these three things, and the Lord will magnify your efforts as missionaries.”
Read more about Elder Uchtdorf's message at Church News.
For more inspiring messages about missionary work, check out these articles:
▶ 3 encouraging reminders every missionary needs in the MTC
▶ Elder Andersen’s simple tip will help anyone learn to love the scriptures
▶ Viral video of missionaries comforting someone on the street will make your day
▶ Fathers who served together in 1991 now have sons who are missionary companions