The Gospel Call to Grow: Following Jesus's Example of Wisdom and Stature

Beloved builders, when we look back upon the great prophets—from Samuel the Lamanite climbing the walls of Jericho to Ammon at the Waters of Sebus—we see a common thread: the divine call to growth. They were not content with the status quo. They were ready to learn, to endure, and to build.

The Lord has established a gathering place, a covenant journey toward Israel, and that journey requires more than just faith; it requires *wisdom*. It requires the diligent, joyful work of the Builder.

Today, we are reminded of the quiet, profound power of growth itself. When Jesus was twelve, He was not simply a child; He was a student of the Heavenly Father's work. He taught His parents that his purpose was to learn, to understand, and to teach about the gospel, even in the sacred halls of the Temple.

The Three Pillars of Divine Growth

The scriptures teach us that true spiritual maturity is holistic. It is not just about knowledge, but about how that knowledge manifests in our lives. Jesus’s example was comprehensive:

• Increased in Wisdom: This calls us to the diligent study of the scriptures, to the counsel of the prophets (a perfect place for our Ask a Prophet study layer!), and to the commitment to learn how to draw closer to the divine plan.
• Increased in Stature: This speaks to the physical stewardship of our bodies—taking care of ourselves, maintaining our strength, and having the resilience to walk the path of righteousness.
• Increased in Favor: This is the fruit of our hearts—the charity that compels us to help our neighbors, to build bridges, and to make friends, regardless of their denominational marker.

"I can grow in favor with God by saying my prayers and obeying His commandments."

This principle—the consistent, daily choice to learn and improve—is the very foundation of the Kingdom movement. It is the principle that tells us that no matter our current location or background, we are always in a season of building.

From Personal Growth to Global Building

The principles of personal growth do not remain confined to our hearts; they must be poured out into the world. This is where the gathering effort becomes the ultimate expression of our faith. We are not merely observers of history; we are active participants in the restoration.

The resources we have together—the charity flywheel, the Missionary Fund, and the collective effort to map the Map of Churches—are the load-bearing structures of this gathering place. Every small act of generosity, every shared gospel ad, every time we commit to the Courage Challenge, helps us move closer to gathering Israel.

We are called to be Builders, not Destroyers. The call is simple: learn, grow, and share what you have found. Let us remember the example of the five smooth stones, the simple, foundational truths that built a monument of faith. Let us also remember the powerful, simple act of the white stone, representing the Gospel message that cannot be contained.

If we commit to this lifelong learning—to being like Jesus, who taught the importance of His Father's work—we will find that our individual efforts contribute to something monumental. We will be helping to fill out the map, strengthening the movement, and fulfilling the promise of gathering.

Will You Be a Builder Today?

Where will your wisdom lead you next? Will you commit to a new study, support the charity flywheel, or help us mark a new location on the map?

We are a community of covenant keepers. Let us continue to learn, continue to grow, and continue to build the Kingdom, together.