Beyond Information: Cultivating the Will from the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve been in the field, or even if you’re studying for your mission, you know the difference between *knowing* something and *living* it. We can read the scriptures until our eyes glaze over, fill out a million study guides, and even nail the doctrinal points in a missionary discussion. But sometimes, the hardest part of the work isn't memorizing the answers—it’s letting the Spirit change what we *want* to do.

I was recently reflecting on a talk that really hit home about this. It talked about the beautiful distinction between our body, our spirit, and our soul. We can gather all the right information—the doctrinal truths, the covenants we’ve made—but if that knowledge doesn't get internalized, it's just... information. Like a library full of books, but no one is actually reading them to change their lives.

The Soul: Where the Real Work Happens

The speaker highlighted that the soul, which sits between the spirit and the body, is where we do the heavy lifting of discipleship. It’s where we process, where we *choose*. It’s where we have to actively choose to let the Spirit guide our will, rather than just letting our old, natural inclinations take the wheel.

This concept is so vital for us as disciples, whether we are in the MTC, serving full-time, or right here in our homes as Internet missionaries. We aren't just meant to *know* that we can have love, joy, and peace through Christ; we are meant to *act* like it. We are meant to *be* patient when things are hard, even when our immediate feelings scream otherwise.

From Information to Incorporation

The key takeaway here, which I want us to really chew on, is the difference between *hearing* and *doing*. It’s not enough to just read a chapter in the Book of Mormon and feel good about it. We have to work to let those truths become part of our very will. We have to actively choose to let the Spirit shape our thoughts and our decisions, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient.

This echoes so much of what we learn in our Bible Study Groups. It’s not just about the verses; it’s about the *application*. It’s about taking that principle—like the need for steadfast endurance mentioned in Luke 21:19—and applying it when your ward meeting runs long, or when you're dealing with a difficult family member.

If you’re feeling like you’re doing all the right things—studying, attending church, keeping up with your scripture study—but it feels like you’re hitting a plateau, I encourage you to think about this 'incorporation.' Where are you intellectually agreeing with the gospel, but emotionally or willfully resisting the change? That's where the Spirit is inviting you to dig deeper.

Staying Steadfast in the Wait

The talk brought up some powerful scriptural reminders about patience and endurance. We are taught to "wait patiently" and to keep our focus fixed on the covenant path. This isn't passive waiting; it’s active, faith-filled endurance—like the farmer waiting for the rain, trusting the process even when the ground looks dry.

My little mission-prep tip for you this week is to identify one area where you are *intellectually* agreeing with the gospel, but where your *feelings* are currently pulling you in a different direction. Write it down. Then, spend five minutes praying specifically for the strength to *act* against that feeling, trusting the Spirit more than your immediate emotion. That act of will, guided by the Spirit, is where the real gospel power is found.

If you want to dive deeper into how to wrestle with these concepts, I highly recommend checking out the latest materials on the Iron Rod. It’s a treasure trove for understanding the mechanics of discipleship!

If you haven't been to a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces lately, please consider joining one. These are the perfect, low-pressure environments to practice turning information into deep, lived understanding.