From Saul's Pride to David's Heart: Learning to Trust the Process

Sometimes, the weight of leadership—whether it’s leading a ward council, managing a big project, or just trying to keep the family running smoothly—can feel incredibly heavy. We start to feel like *we* are the ones who have to make the right call, the one who has all the answers. It’s easy to get caught up in the performance, isn't it?

I was thinking a lot this week about the difference between competence and covenant. We see it play out so clearly in the scriptures, particularly when we look at King Saul. He was given gifts, he was anointed, and for a time, he seemed like the perfect leader. But the pattern of his downfall wasn't a lack of ability; it was a creeping impatience and a subtle lack of trust in the Lord’s timing and method.

It’s a constant battle for us, isn't it? To remember that while we are called to *act* in the Savior's name, our actions must always flow from a heart fully surrendered to the Spirit. Saul’s impatience led him to act when he should have waited, when he should have sought counsel, and when he should have simply trusted the Lord’s timing.

The beautiful pivot point, the one that always catches me, is the contrast between Saul and David. David, the unlikely choice, the shepherd boy, was anointed by God looking past the outward appearance. It echoes what we hear so often in our missionary discussions: the Lord doesn't see the resume; He sees the heart.

This week’s podcast dive into 1 Samuel really illuminated this. Dr. Wright shared some powerful moments, including a story about his son Mason, and later, the lesson from his grandmother-in-law. It hit me hard: *Who are you to judge?*

That sentiment—the reminder to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts with a heart full of love—is the essence of discipleship. It’s not about having the perfect doctrinal answer; it’s about the posture of the heart. It’s about realizing that just because we are learning, or just because we *think* we know, we are still in a state of becoming a new creature.

We are all on this journey of refinement, moving from the caterpillar stage to the butterfly. It requires us to be willing to be taught, to be corrected, and to ask, "What does the Spirit whisper to me right now?"

If you’re feeling the pressure to *perform* your discipleship—to have the perfect testimony ready, or to know the precise answer for every investigator question—I encourage you to pause. Remember the lesson: Love is the currency. What does it hurt to show love, even when you feel misunderstood or when the process feels slow?

This is the work, disciples. It’s not about flawless execution; it’s about persistent, humble devotion. And that is a lesson we can carry with us, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake, or simply engaging in our daily lives as internet missionaries.

If you want to dig deeper into the mechanics of how we can better discern the Spirit's promptings and how to answer those tough questions with grace, I highly recommend checking out Davee’s AI Investigator role. He walks you through exactly how to handle those tough spots with confidence and Christlike empathy.

For those who are ready to build on this foundation, consider joining a Book Club in HolyPlaces or diving into the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Let’s keep learning together!