Considering Our Ways: Finding True Fulfillment in the Gospel

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt that nagging sense that something is missing? You've worked hard, you've acquired things, you've experienced moments of comfort, but deep down, the cup still feels empty. It’s a feeling I know well—the kind of spiritual hunger that no amount of worldly success can truly quench.

Lately, I’ve been pondering a sermon from L. Tom Perry, "Consider Your Ways." It hit me with the force of a spiritual revelation, echoing warnings that feel both ancient and startlingly immediate. He challenged us to look at our daily lives, to measure our efforts against the eternal promises of the gospel.

Consider Your Ways: A Call for Reflection

The core message is simple, yet profoundly challenging: Consider your ways. We are so easily distracted by the 'externals'—the refined food, the style over substance, the wages earned for mere sustenance—that we forget the true currency of the gospel: spiritual effort and sincere discipleship.

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle. We are all striving, all building, all accumulating. But as the speaker pointed out, if our efforts are not anchored by eternal principles, they can lead to a kind of spiritual depletion. We can be busy, but are we *blessed*? Are we building things that will last beyond our mortal years?

This isn't meant to be a sermon of guilt, friends. It’s an invitation—a loving nudge from the Spirit to pause, to recalibrate, and to ask ourselves: Where are we investing our deepest energies? Is it in the things that fade, or is it in the things that build character and draw us closer to our Heavenly Father?

The True Sources of Strength

What did I find most encouraging in the talk? The contrast between worldly motivation and the motivation fueled by the Spirit. The speaker spoke of those who, armed with the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, were enthusiastically building the kingdom of God. That spirit, that divine endowment, isn't reserved for a select few; it’s available to all who earnestly seek it and are willing to be humbly guided by it.

This is the heart of the rogue disciples movement, isn't it? We are taught that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. We can find that sacred space for prayer, that commitment to Christlike living, whether we are in our own homes, in a Book Club, or simply scrolling through our feeds.

And let’s not forget the foundational strength of family and community. The speaker highlighted the profound joy of being near family—a tangible reminder that the bonds of love and support are essential anchors in this journey. When we strengthen those earthly bonds, we create the sacred space needed to better focus on our heavenly ones.

A Quick Thought for Our Journey

As we all strive to be more Christlike, I wanted to share a small piece of missionary preparation wisdom. When you feel overwhelmed by the sheer scope of the work, remember to focus on the *next* conversation. Don't try to solve the entire world's spiritual deficit in one afternoon. Instead, focus on listening deeply, asking thoughtful questions, and pointing them toward the Savior. That focused, loving attention is often more powerful than the loudest lecture.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your study, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on the Atonement. If you're looking for a good, solid resource to help guide your thinking, check out the latest insights from Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. It’s a treasure trove for any latter-day Saint seeking deeper doctrine.

Will You Join Us?

The Spirit is calling us to be more intentional. If you are feeling the need to "consider your ways," I invite you to join our next virtual gathering. We'll be diving into some passages from the Book of Mormon through a Bible Study Group format. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to deepen our understanding together.

If you're new to this, or just need a gentle nudge, don't hesitate to connect with a local district leader or reach out to a friend who is also on this journey. We are better together as disciples!