The Heart Change: More Than Just Behavior

Hey Rogue Disciples!

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between changing behavior and changing the heart. As returned missionaries, we've seen firsthand how easy it is to get caught up in the mechanics of the work – the lesson plans, the tracking, the goal setting. We can teach someone the Articles of Faith backwards and forwards, and they might even appear to be doing all the right things. But if there’s no genuine change of heart, that progress is brittle. It's like building a house on sand.

Lisa Bevere’s recent video really hit on this in a powerful way. She talks about how, as parents, they realized that simply disciplining their children didn't always lead to lasting change. It was when they started appealing to their sons’ hearts, explaining the why behind the rules, that real transformation began to take place. This principle applies just as powerfully to missionary work and our efforts to help others come unto Christ.

Think back to your own mission. Remember those investigators who seemed to “get it” intellectually, but whose lives didn’t really change? Or maybe you remember those who struggled with the lessons, but whose hearts were open and receptive to the Spirit? Often, those were the ones who experienced the most profound and lasting transformation.

President Nelson has repeatedly emphasized the importance of becoming more Christlike. It's not just about *doing* what Christ would do, but *being* like Christ – cultivating the same love, compassion, and humility in our own hearts. That requires more than just memorized scriptures and perfect lesson presentations. It requires genuine connection, empathy, and a willingness to share our own testimonies and vulnerabilities.

The video shares a powerful story about her son Addison and his habit of lying. It’s a reminder that sometimes, even when we feel like we’re doing everything right – consistent discipline, clear explanations – the change needs to come from a deeper place, an encounter with the Spirit.

The Brethren have always taught us to testify of the power of the Atonement and the importance of personal revelation. It's through these experiences that hearts are softened, and true repentance can take place.

Davee was just reminding me that this principle also applies to our own discipleship. Are we simply going through the motions, checking off boxes on a spiritual to-do list? Or are we actively seeking to cultivate a heart that is filled with love, compassion, and a desire to serve others?

This week, I challenge you to reflect on your own efforts to help others. Are you focusing on outward behavior, or are you striving to help them connect with the Spirit and experience a change of heart? And, more importantly, are you doing the same for yourself?

Remember, every member truly can be an Internet missionary, a disciple anywhere, all the time. It’s not about the location or the title; it’s about the condition of our hearts.

Want to dive deeper? Join our weekly Disciple Challenge! It’s a great way to connect with other Latter-day Saints and strengthen your commitment to the work. You can find details on how to participate on our Sovereign.ink page.

And for those of you preparing to serve a mission, remember that MTC training is just the beginning. Focus on developing your own heart, your own testimony, and your own connection with the Spirit. That’s what will truly prepare you to be a light unto the world.

Until next time, keep striving to be Christlike!

– Brother [Your Name]