Finding the Real Power Source: More Than Just Superpowers

Have you ever felt the pull toward something—a goal, a skill, a status—that seems like it will grant you ultimate power or fulfillment? We see it in movies, in the worldly ambitions of our culture, and sometimes, we even feel it in our own missionary discussions. We chase the 'Atma Lingam,' the ultimate source of power, believing that if we just acquire *this* thing, *then* we will be whole, or powerful enough to change the world.

It’s easy to get caught up in the drama of what we *don't* have, or what we *think* we need to prove our worth. The script we sometimes write for ourselves sounds a lot like the temptation to bypass the Spirit—to find a shortcut that promises everything but costs everything.

The message I’ve been pondering lately, especially after reviewing some material that dealt with characters seeking ultimate, almost magical, power sources, is a profound reminder about where true strength comes from. It’s not in the artifact, the secret knowledge, or the momentary burst of worldly might. It’s in the constant, quiet reliance on the Savior.

The Power of Recollection: Remembering Who You Are

In the narrative excerpts I was reviewing, the focus kept circling back to moments of profound realization—moments where characters were warned away from dangerous shortcuts. They were warned that touching the wrong thing, or relying on the wrong source, would lead to utter ruin, or worse, simply leave them empty.

As returned missionaries, we are constantly taught to *remember* the covenant path. We are taught to remember that the power we need—the power to overcome doubt, the power to share the gospel when it's hard, the power to endure the long haul—doesn't come from our own grit alone. It comes from the Spirit, which is a gift, a constant, gentle prompting, and a divine endowment.

Think about that feeling when you’re studying the Book of Mormon or preparing for a missionary discussion. You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the testimony you need to convey. But then, you pause, you breathe, and you remember the foundational principles. You remember that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the ultimate, inexhaustible source of power. It’s the only 'superpower' that doesn't come with a catastrophic fine print.

Being Christlike: The Best Strategy

The pattern emerging from these stories, and the pattern I see in our own efforts to be disciples, is that the greatest power is found in *humility* and *obedience*. It’s not about mastering the secret technique; it’s about mastering the heart.

If you are feeling the pull to 'achieve' your discipleship—to get the perfect testimony, to have the perfect answer for every tough question, or to feel like you need to accomplish a monumental thing to feel worthy—I encourage you to pause. Ask yourself: Am I seeking a worldly 'Atma Lingam,' or am I seeking the quiet, consistent guidance of the Spirit?

The work requires us to be perpetually students. We need to keep our ears open for the gentle whisper, the prompt that leads us back to scripture. This is why I keep reminding myself and those I teach that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our field is the digital space, our tools are our testimonies, and our power source is the Spirit.

If you want to practice this—if you want to strengthen your ability to discern the subtle promptings of the Spirit over the loud, tempting noise of the world—I highly recommend diving into some scripture study. Check out the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook and see how others are highlighting passages related to faith and reliance on the Savior. It’s a beautiful way to strengthen that muscle.

For those of you who are feeling the call to deeper study, I’ve got a great resource. If you haven't already, I suggest picking up a book from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. They always have a fresh perspective on keeping the covenant path clear.