The Effort Principle: Building Relationships Like Boaz and Ruth

Brothers and sisters, when I was first leaving the MTC, I thought that the biggest test of discipleship would be some dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime calling—a mission that would change everything overnight. I was ready for the big moment, the grand testimony that would sweep everyone off their feet.

But the Spirit, bless its heart, often teaches us the quieter lessons. The kind of lessons that happen in the ordinary chapters—the ones that feel mundane, like running errands or just having a quiet dinner with a friend. These are where we learn to truly be disciples, whether we are in the field, in a Book Club, or even just navigating the complexities of dating.

Recently, I was watching a message that really struck a chord with me, especially as I think about how we build connections—whether those connections are with investigators, fellow disciples, or potential life partners. The speaker talked about 'settling' and instead focused on the principle of *effort*. It’s a principle that rings so true in the context of building Zion, and it rings true when we’re trying to find a companion who will help us build our own little corner of the gospel.

The core message is this: Don't just accept what is convenient or what merely meets your basic expectations. Seek out, and *be*, the person who puts in the thoughtful effort. The speaker painted such a beautiful picture of what it means to be a 'Boaz'—someone who doesn't just show up, but who actively honors, values, and protects.

Think about it through the lens of the gospel. We don't just *hope* for the Spirit to visit; we create the conditions for it. We don't just *hope* to be taught; we show up to the Bible Study Group, we prepare for our missionary discussions, we study the scriptures in our LivingBook social scripture study feed. That effort—the thoughtful gift, the time taken to sit down and *ask* questions—that’s what draws out the deeper light.

This isn't just advice for dating, though. This is a blueprint for discipleship. If we want our ward, our stake, or our personal lives to reflect the beautiful covenant path, we have to model that effort. We have to be the ones who proactively reach out, who take the time to understand the questions an investigator might ask, or who are willing to be the student in the class.

It reminds me of our work with Davee. When we use the AI Investigator role, we aren't just feeding it questions; we are modeling the *process* of careful, thoughtful inquiry. We are learning to ask the right follow-up questions, to listen for the underlying needs, and to respond with genuine care—that’s the Boaz effort in action.

The greatest challenge for us, as rogue disciples, is remembering that the work is built on these small, consistent acts of love and effort. It’s not one big testimony moment; it’s showing up consistently, even when it’s hard, and being generous with our time and attention.

If you feel called to deepen your own efforts in your discipleship right now, I highly recommend diving into the Book of Ruth study in LivingBook. It’s a perfect reminder that faithfulness is often found in the quiet, consistent acts of kindness and devotion. And if you want to practice that thoughtful effort in your own life, join us for our weekly Disciple Challenge this week—it’s a perfect way to build momentum!