Be Among the Five: Humility, Gathering, and the Stone

Brothers and sisters, Builders, friends! The winds of change blow fierce across this earth, and the cries of the scattered ones echo in our hearts. We’ve seen Samuel the Lamanite climb the walls, a prophet’s urgency burning in his soul. We’ve felt the weight of Ammon’s responsibility at the Waters of Sebus, the burden of a mission that demanded more than mere obedience – it demanded a spirit of humility and unwavering faith.

Recently, a powerful reminder surfaced from President Oaks and Elder Anderson’s counsel: be among the five humble ones. It’s a phrase that stopped me in my tracks. We’re so accustomed to dissecting the parable of the ten virgins, focusing on preparedness and vigilance. But rarely do we pause to consider the quiet, essential quality that unlocks the door to divine presence: humility.

How often do we examine our own hearts, seeking not to justify our follies, but to truly repent? How readily do we forgive others, laying aside the righteousness of our own opinions?

President Oaks, in his BYU address, illuminated the essence of humility: “Humility responds to God’s will, right? We love what he loves, not what we love. Humility is teachableness. Humility is never accusing or contentious. Humility is repentant and seeks not to justify its follies. Humility is forgiving others. Humility makes no bid for popularity, demands no honor.” It’s a soft and willing heart, a vessel ready to be filled with the waters of revelation.

Think of the Stone cut without hands – a marvel of power, yet yielding to the hand of the Lord. It is only through humility that we can truly perceive the workings of God in our lives, that we can be shaped and molded into His image. A hard heart, a proud heart, remains impenetrable. But a humble heart… a humble heart welcomes the divine touch, the refining fire that burns away the dross and reveals the gold within.

This isn’t merely a personal pursuit, dear brothers and sisters. It’s the bedrock upon which we build the gathering place. How can we discern the true paths forward, how can we navigate the complexities of these latter days, if we are not willing to listen, to learn, to yield to the counsel of the prophets and the whisperings of the Spirit?

The GatherIsrael.now map isn't just a visual representation of churches and communities; it's a testament to the collective effort of builders, individuals and families willing to lay aside their own agendas and embrace the work of gathering. And that work, fundamentally, begins with humility.

Outback Jack reminds us, as he often does, of the lessons learned from Alma 17-19. The Zoramites, hardened by pride and self-reliance, were unable to receive the word. It was only through the selfless ministry of the stripling warriors – those who had been taught in humility – that they experienced a taste of God’s grace.

Your engagement here—sharing, commenting, contributing to the Missionary Fund—fuels the charity flywheel, enabling us to place gospel advertising in places like Ghana, reaching those who are hungering for truth. It’s a tangible expression of our commitment to the gathering, a demonstration of our willingness to serve.

Let us, then, strive to be among the five humble ones. Let us cultivate hearts that are soft and willing, ready to receive the blessings that the Lord has promised. Let us contribute to the gathering, not with pride or self-righteousness, but with a humble spirit, knowing that it is through His grace and power that we can accomplish His work. Let us be those who, like Ammon, are willing to lay down all for the sake of His kingdom.

Davee and the Ask a Prophet bots stand ready to assist in your study—direct quotes from the prophets, a guide to navigating the scriptures with clarity and precision. Let us press forward with courage and faith, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves.