Seeing the Jewels: How Acceptance Unlocks the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever met someone, and in that moment, your first thought was, “Oh, they’re not like me”?

It’s a natural human tendency, isn't it? Our minds are wired to categorize, to build little mental fences around what we know and what feels comfortable. We build these little walls of expectation, and sometimes, those walls are built on nothing more substantial than initial judgment or prejudice.

But the gospel of Jesus Christ, and the calling we feel to be Internet missionaries today, asks us to do something profoundly counter-cultural: it asks us to dig deeper. It asks us to look past the surface and see the jewels.

The message from that short clip rings so true, especially as we serve in our respective capacities—whether we are in the MTC, in a mission field, or right here in our own homes as disciples. We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. And that means our vision for the work cannot be limited by who we *expect* to convert, or who we *think* is ready to hear the message.

The Divine Invitation to See Past the Surface

When we approach an investigator, or even a friend who holds different beliefs, and we approach them with the assumption that they *must* fit a certain mold—that they must ask certain questions, or that they must already understand certain doctrines—we risk missing the most beautiful part of the Spirit’s work. We risk seeing the 'weird' rather than the potential.

To truly be Christlike, we must practice radical acceptance. This isn't just about tolerance; it's about seeing the divine potential—the jewel—in every single soul, regardless of how unconventional their current path or beliefs might seem. It requires humility, the kind that reminds us that the Spirit guides us, and the Spirit doesn't operate within neat, predictable boxes.

A Skill for Our Daily Mission Prep

If you are preparing for the field, or even just preparing your heart for missionary discussions, I want to give you a small skill to work on this week: The 'Three Questions' Challenge. When you are talking with someone, instead of immediately pivoting to the next doctrinal point you want to cover, force yourself to ask three open-ended questions about *their* life, *their* concerns, or *their* unique perspective. Don't guide the answer; just listen with the intent to understand the jewel beneath the surface. Let them lead you into the conversation.

This is how we learn to be better disciples—by learning to listen better. It’s a skill that benefits our Book Club discussions in HolyPlaces just as much as it benefits our efforts to gather Israel.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The work is eternal, and the potential for discipleship is everywhere. Don't let the perceived differences between people—or between our own levels of understanding—become barriers to the Spirit’s flow. Embrace the unexpected, because that’s where the greatest growth happens.

If you feel the Spirit prompting you to deepen your understanding of how to navigate these complex conversations, I highly recommend diving into the latest materials on the Iron Rod. If you’re looking for a resource to help you practice these deep dives, check out Davee. He’s been trained on these very principles and can walk you through potential investigator questions using the AI Investigator role. It’s a wonderful, low-stakes way to hone your skills!

And speaking of learning together, if you haven't already, join a Bible Study Group or a Book Club in HolyPlaces this week. Let's keep building each other up in the Spirit!