The Deep Dive: Unmasking the 'Why' Behind Our Choices

Brothers and sisters, as we continue on this journey of discipleship—whether we’re preparing for our mission, serving as returned missionaries, or just trying to keep the cogs turning in our daily lives—there’s one question that keeps echoing in my mind. It’s a question that feels huge, foundational, and frankly, a little scary to confront:

Why do I do what I do?

It’s easy to answer this in the moment. When the alarm goes off, we hit snooze. When faced with a choice at a restaurant, the path of least resistance—or perhaps the most delicious—is often chosen. When it comes to our finances, the immediate need often whispers louder than the principle of stewardship. We all have those patterns, those automatic responses that define our routines.

I recently came across a message that really hit home regarding this. It wasn't just about bad habits; it was about the *source* of the habit. We tend to look at the behavior—the snoozing, the ordering, the spending—as the problem. But this teaching pointed us deeper, to the engine room: our identity.

It’s Not the Action, It’s the Assumption

The speaker laid out some secondary reasons why we act: obligation (feeling we *should*), desire (wanting to please God or show love), or the desire to be liked. Those are real, and we all wrestle with them. But then came the primary driver, the one that ties everything together, and it’s something we need to keep at the forefront of our hearts:

"For as he thinks in his heart, so is he."

Our behavior is primarily dictated by what we *think* of ourselves. Our self-perception—our internal narrative—is the master architect of our actions. If we walk around believing we are defined by our mistakes, our anxieties, or our limitations, that belief will govern our choices, even when we know better.

Becoming a New Self

This is where the gospel becomes so powerfully practical. We can’t just *decide* to be better; we have to *become* better. We have to cultivate a new identity rooted in the Atonement of Jesus Christ. This isn't just about trying harder; it’s about changing the core belief system that drives us.

Think about it in the context of our discipleship. When we study the scriptures, especially through the lens of the Iron Rod, we aren't just gathering facts; we are gathering truth that allows us to rewrite our internal narratives. We are learning to see ourselves through the eyes of the Savior, not through the lens of our immediate feelings or fears.

This principle applies everywhere—in the quiet moments of personal study, in the intensity of missionary discussions, or even when we’re just trying to be better companions. We must constantly ask: "Who do I want to believe I am?" and then, by the grace of the Spirit, work to align our actions with that higher truth.

A Little Practice for Our Journey

For those of us who are actively engaged in missionary preparation or who are simply trying to deepen our walk as lifelong disciples, I want to suggest a small challenge this week. When you find yourself doing something automatic—maybe it’s scrolling through your phone when you should be studying, or perhaps defaulting to a negative thought pattern—pause. Don't judge it; just notice it. Then, ask yourself, "What belief about myself is causing this action?"

This simple act of observation is a powerful form of spiritual detective work. It’s the first step toward changing the habit, because you’ve identified the root belief.

If you want to dig deeper into this, I highly recommend checking out the LivingBook. If you’re interested in exploring how scripture can help rewire those core beliefs, look into the Book Club options or join a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We can even tackle this with Davee! If you want to run a scenario by our AI Investigator, throw a tough question at him regarding self-worth, and he can walk you through potential answers!

Remember, the goal isn't perfection; the goal is consistent forward momentum toward Christ. Every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep refining that identity together!