I'm kind of sad that as the semester is coming to an end that the readings in my mission prep manual are also getting smaller. I find such simple guidance and helpful advise in it.
This is the last chapter, it focuses on Christlike attributes. Missionaries should strive to develop good habits of study and Christlike attributes. Elder Jeffrey R Holland said: "People do not join the church because of what they know, they join because of what they feel, what they see and want spiritually."
~ On faith, President Boyd K Packer said, "Gradually your faith will be replaced with knowledge. You will be able to discern, or to see with spiritual eyes."
~On virtue, President Ezra Taft Benson said, "Virtuous behavior implies that (a priesthood holder) has pure thoughts and clean actions.. Virtue is akin to holiness, an attribute of Godliness. How can any man indulge himself in the evils of pornography, profanity, or vulgarity and consider himself totally virtuous?" Cleanliness is truly next to Godliness in all forms of the word. An old script says 'Virtue is our safeguard and our guiding star that stirs up reason when our senses err'.
~On knowledge, we need balance on seeking both secular and nonsecular knowledge. President Spencer W Kimball said, "Secular knowledge as important as it may be, can never save a soul, nor open the celestial kingdom, nor create a world, nor make a man a god, but it can be most helpful to that man who, placing first things first, has found the way to eternal life and who can now bring into play all knowledge to be his tool and servant."
~On temperance: Temperance can protect each of us from the aftermath of excess
~On diligence: Diligence in missionary work is an expression of your love for the Lord and His work- when you are diligent you will find joy and satisfaction in your work.
"Stick to your task
Till it sticks to you
Beginners are many,
but enders are few.
Honor, Power, Place and Praise
Will always come
To the one who stays
Stick to your task
Till is sticks to you,
Bend at it, Sweat at it, Smile at it too
For out of the bend
And the sweat and the smile
Will come life's victories after a while."
The diligent missionary will not waste time but considers every day an opportunity to serve the Lord. Missionary work can be repetitive and difficult. Some days seem to bring little success, while other, more productive days make up for the difficult ones. The number of baptisms does not determine a missionary's success. Working and serving effectively with the Spirit is essential for happiness in missionary service. Elder Jeffrey R Holland said, "I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never easy for Him?"
Missionaries who learn to faithfully obey are blessed with power. Elder Richard G Scott said, "A missionary who has lived a righteous life can bear a powerful witness because he has had spiritual experiences in his life. Such experiences are conditioned upon worthiness and faith in the Savior."
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