Vol. 4 No. 6

"The Need for Spirituality"

I had an interesting discussion with Elder Gilbert E. Tayler a few weeks ago regarding spirituality. He was quite concerned about the fact that some missionaries seem to achieve this quality and others never seem to achieve it. This was also one of the important feature of Apostle Henry D. Moyle's message to the missionaries during his recent tour of this mission.

The Lord gave us the key to spirituality through the Prophet Joseph Smith, "Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly" and then he added this promise to all who would be spiritually minded--"then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distill upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever."

I believe that all missionaries would like to develop their spirituality to the greatest possible point, but many lack the understanding of just how to go about it, and some few have never concerned themselves with the thought that they need to develop this great quality in order to become a powerful messenger of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us examine what many do that prevent the growth of spirituality first.

We often have the opportunity to observe through reports through personal interviews, occasional contacts - the actions and feelings of all the missionaries. Those who have negative attitudes we try to labor with to help them gain a desire to become an effective missionary by developing spiritually. The missionary (and this may be you) who spends his free time reading magazines, writing letters, working on his hobbies (personal interests) or dreaming about girls, or concentrating on his future ambitions in life, being disagreeable (as President David L. Summers says taking "grump pills"), can be sure that he is putting a big damper on his spiritual growth. For hasn't the Lord said, "all those who embark in this service are to serve with all their might, mind and strength".

Missionaries who follow the counsel of the Lord grow in spirituality. There are too many missionaries that are failing in their callings because they fail to heed the instructions that are given. You have been asked to send in a weekly activity report, you have been asked to organize your time and to work by a schedule that you might serve with all your ability, you let the weather discourage you, and some few let branch business become their excuse for not doing a better job proselyting. It all boils down to borderline disobedience. And disobedience in the smallest things hinders your spiritual development.

Let's face our weaknesses and failings and resolve today that from this time forward we will give our full support to all that is required of us by our leaders so that the work of the Lord will not be hindered.

You can develop spiritually by seeking to fulfill what you pray for daily. If you are praying for harmony with your companion - then do all in your power to be completely agreeable and in harmony with him. Don't insist on having your own way. If you ask to be led to the "honest in heart" and then fail to get out and contact that day you can't expect to find what you have asked for. If you pray for understanding and read without concentrating on what you are studying - you will not receive an understanding.

Why fight against what you know and realize in your heart that you should do. Do it! Give of yourself of this work 100% - and labor as the Lord has asked, with faith, hope and charity toward all mankind.

How spiritual are you? What are you doing to develop this power? There never has been a better time than right now to get started. Are you willing?

Sincerely your brother,

Asael T. Sorensen