Growing in Grace: Navigating Beliefs and the Transforming Power of the Spirit

Sometimes, when you're deep in the work, or even just trying to have a quiet missionary discussion with a sincere investigator, the questions that pop up aren't the ones you expected. They aren't always about temple ordinances or the Book of Mormon. Sometimes, they are deeply personal, complex, and touch on the very fabric of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

I was listening to a recent Q&A discussion the other day, and one question really struck a chord with me. It dealt with people who claim to be faithful to the gospel while holding views on social or political issues that seem to contradict the spirit of the law of conscience. It made me pause and think about what true spiritual growth really looks like.

It’s easy, especially when we’re fresh out of the MTC, to think that once we know the core doctrines, we’re set. But the reality, as I’ve learned through years in the field and now as a returned missionary, is that discipleship is a lifelong process of refinement. It’s about moving from merely *knowing* the words to *living* the Spirit.

The Steady Work of the Spirit

One speaker mentioned something that really resonated: that growth isn't always an overnight revelation, though those moments are glorious when they come by the Spirit. More often, it’s a steady, persistent growth in grace. Think about it—we are taught to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. That renewal is the work of the Spirit at play, convicting us, challenging our assumptions, and guiding us toward what is truly righteous.

It reminded me of how sometimes we get so focused on the *big* doctrinal hurdles that we forget the subtle, daily work of sanctification. It’s about recognizing that what seems like a small habit, or a seemingly harmless opinion, can actually point to a deeper, unexamined area of the heart that needs the Lord's light.

Being Christlike in All Things

This isn't just for our time in the mission field; this is for our living rooms, our workplaces, and our online interactions. It’s about applying the principles we learn in our Book Club discussions or our Bible Study Groups to the messy reality of modern life. We are called to be disciples *anywhere*, all the time.

If you are feeling challenged by the breadth of the gospel—whether it’s wrestling with the intricacies of the Atonement, or figuring out how to talk about the plan of salvation with someone who has a completely different worldview—remember that the process is the point. Keep studying, keep asking questions, and keep inviting the Spirit to guide your mind.

For those of you who are preparing for your own missions, or who are just looking to deepen your personal study, I highly recommend diving into the resources available in LivingBook. Sometimes a focused reading on a particular topic, like the teachings of Avraham Gileadi, can provide the framework needed to process these big, complex questions.

If you want to continue this deep dive into scripture-discipleship, please join us for our next gathering! We're hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to practice applying what we learn.

Remember, the goal isn't perfection; the goal is consistent, Spirit-led effort. Let’s keep building each other up!