Knowing by Our Works: Focusing on the Fruit of Discipleship

Sometimes, as returned missionaries, I find myself reflecting on the sheer weight of the work. We are taught so much in the MTC—about the sacred covenant, the power of the Spirit, and the necessity of showing up every day. But the Gospel isn't just about what we *say* we believe; it's about what we *do*. It's about the fruit.

This concept is a perennial pillar of our faith, and it’s one that rings especially true when we step out into the field, whether that field is across the street or across the world. We tend to be quick to assume the best intentions, the best hearts, and the best potential in others. We see the *potential*—the good tree—and we want to believe that the bad fruit is just a temporary lapse.

But the Lord teaches us a profound lesson: the good tree brings forth good fruit, and the bad tree brings forth bad fruit. We know them by their works.

The Discipline of Looking Inward

As disciples, we need to translate this scripture into a personal discipline. If we are constantly looking outward—analyzing the motives, predicting the outcomes, or judging the effort of our companions or investigators—we risk getting lost in the noise. Instead, the most powerful mission-prep skill we can develop is radical self-awareness. We must become intensely focused on cultivating our own fruit.

What does ‘good fruit’ look like in the context of being a Latter-day Saint? It’s not just showing up. It’s showing up with *effort*. It's having the humility to admit when we fail, the courage to correct our own course, and the willingness to consistently follow the pattern of the Savior. It is the fruit of preparation, of study, and of Christlike action.

When Assumptions Fail: The Role of the AI Investigator

This is where the power of the Internet missionary comes into play. We can’t control what people believe or what they do, but we can control how we are prepared to discuss the Gospel. When an investigator asks a tough question—one that challenges a core assumption—we can’t rely on platitudes. We need answers rooted in Scripture and guided by the Spirit.

This is where I love leveraging our resources. If you find yourself stumped on a doctrinal question, or if you're trying to understand how to best answer a difficult question about agency, I highly recommend running through a session with Davee. His AI Investigator role is a goldmine. He doesn't give you the answer; he walks you through the process of asking the *right* questions, helping you understand the nuances of the Gospel enough that you can answer with confidence and grace.

Three Ways to Cultivate Good Fruit

If we want to be the good tree, what do we need to water it? I suggest three areas of consistent focus:

1. Consistent Study: Make the Gospel a habit, not a chore. Use the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Don't just read the scriptures; highlight passages that challenge you, and engage with the related panel and community feed. This turns passive reading into active discipleship.
2. Intentional Service: Don't wait for a transfer or for a specific assignment. Be a disciple *where you are*. Whether you're running a Book Club or volunteering at home, treat it like a mission. The commitment to the work itself is the fruit.
3. Seeking the Spirit: Never assume the Spirit will speak to you if you aren't actively listening. Pray for discernment, and when you feel the promptings to study a specific scripture, follow them.

Remember that the goal isn't perfection; the goal is growth. It's about the steady, daily effort to become more Christlike. That consistent effort—that's the fruit that matters most.

Your Path to Preparation

If you are feeling the call to hone your skills, join us for our free weekly Disciple Challenge! We’ve structured a few activities designed to sharpen your doctrinal knowledge and help you practice translating the core tenets of the Gospel into modern, relatable language. It’s a great way to prepare for the field, regardless of your current status.

For deeper study, I highly recommend revisiting *The Faith-Filled Citizen* by Iron Rod. It beautifully connects our modern covenant keeping to the foundational principles of the Gospel, giving us a framework for understanding what true discipleship looks like today. Check it out on LivingBook!