Leaving Yesterday’s Dust Behind: Focusing on the Good Work Ahead

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying a backpack filled with yesterday’s regrets—the stumbles, the poor choices, the moments where you felt you let the Lord down—you know the weight. It’s heavy. It saps the energy you need for the day’s calling, for the family, for the work.

It’s so easy, when we’re deep in the field or even just in our own homes, to get stuck in the narrative of what *wasn't* good. We focus on the failure, the mistake, the hurt—and suddenly, the joy of the gospel feels distant.

But the Savior knows that we are not defined by our worst moments. We are defined by our willingness to accept the Atonement and keep moving forward. This principle—the power to choose where we focus our attention—is one of the most vital skills we need as disciples, whether we are in MTC, serving in a mission, or right here in our homes as internet missionaries.

The Divine Shift: From Devil’s Talk to God’s Talk

What struck me most while studying this message was the clear contrast presented: dwelling on the adversary’s works versus focusing on the Savior’s works. It’s a pattern we must actively cultivate.

We are taught to keep our focus on the good. When we talk to investigators, or even when we are just having a missionary discussion with our companions, what is the natural tendency? Sometimes, it’s to recount the world’s problems, or perhaps to dwell on our own past struggles to gain sympathy or understanding. But the Spirit guides us to something better.

• Don't just list the problems: Instead, point to the divine solution.
• Don't just recount the hurt: Instead, share the grace you’ve received.
• Don't just talk about what’s missing: Instead, testify of what the Lord *is* providing.

This isn't about ignoring reality—we can't just "bury our heads in the sand." But it is about controlling the narrative we bring to the conversation. We must intentionally shift our conversation from the 'what went wrong' to the 'what is right' and 'what is coming.'

A Lesson for the Rogue Disciples

As we continue to build up our capacity to be disciples anywhere, all the time, we must practice this mental muscle. If you are preparing for your mission, or if you are a returned missionary feeling the weight of your past assignments, remember this: Your history does not dictate your future testimony. The Atonement covers it all.

I was reminded of this while reviewing some scriptures—the pattern of repentance and forward motion is woven throughout the Book of Mormon. We keep falling, we keep getting up, and we keep moving toward the Savior. That's the pattern of discipleship.

This week, I want to challenge you to practice this in your own conversations. Before you speak, take a breath and ask yourself: "Am I focusing on the deficiency, or am I focusing on the divine provision?"

Your Weekly Disciple Challenge

To help us all practice this shift, I’m inviting everyone to join our free weekly Disciple Challenge this week. It’s a low-pressure way to practice finding the good things to talk about, whether it’s a scripture insight, a positive action in your ward, or a moment of peace you found in the temple. It’s a wonderful way to keep the Spirit flowing and keep our focus firmly fixed on the Savior.

If you’re looking for more deep dives into this kind of principle, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on endurance and faith found in the writings of Iron Rod. Check out the Book Club discussion on [Book Name Here] in LivingBook—it really helps frame how we can apply these principles to our modern lives.

Remember, we are called to build Zion, and that requires leaving the dust of yesterday behind. Let’s focus on the light He is shining on us today.