Nothing extraordinary or earth-shaking happened; they were simple acts - but they were in their own little ways life-changing. A recent convert last week felt that her 8-year-old son was too young to receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost, that he should wait until he's older. She also brought up a few "concerns" regarding the meetings on Sunday's. We could tell that those weren't real concerns, but that the real issue rested on that fact that she was getting caught up in the little things and not relying on her testimony that the Church is true. I felt inspired to share D&C 18:2-31 and we helped her realize that she knew the Church was true, and that being the case, the organization of the Church, as directed by the prophet and apostles, is how Christ wants the Church organized. It clicked with her and she understood. Later this past week she told the elders she knew that her son needed to receive the Holy Ghost, which he did today.
Another example is Bill, the investigator we visited today. He's an alcoholic, but he knows that it's wrong. He's working on quitting and prays for help in that area of his life. He trusts the elders and is a very humble man. I think he understands the importance of doing the Lord's will, and that is why he's searching for the truth. He's very willing to do what the elders ask him to do, which to me shows the faith he'll need to eventually get an answer from the Lord about the Church and what the elders are teaching him.
Finally, the lady we met tonight is a new convert. She recently became a ward missionary and is studying "Preach My Gospel"2 to better understand missionary work. She loves sharing the gospel and is very meek and ready to do the Lord asks of her. I easily felt the Spirit as we sat with her.
I was definitely impressed as we met with these people. I had a greater appreciation and understanding of the importance of humility. It has caused me to reflect on my own life and see where I get caught up with things of the world. It was a nice reality check for me. That's one thing I love about the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: we can constantly be uplifted and strengthened by each other. By the examples of those around us can we be motivated and encouraged to improve our lives and grow closer to our Savior. As the Savior once said, "Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me."3
Footnotes:
1. D&C 18:2-3
"Behold, I have manifested unto you, by my Spirit in many instances, that the things which you have written are true; wherefore you know that they are true. And if you know that they are true, behold, I give unto you a commandment, that you rely upon the things which are written..."2. "Preach My Gospel". 2004 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc.
3. D&C 19:23
