The Humility of a Missionary Heart (and Marriage)

Hey, Rogue Disciples! It's good to be with you again. I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it truly means to be strong – especially as we strive to be better disciples, better missionaries, better husbands and fathers. We put so much emphasis on discipline, on checking off boxes, on *doing* the right things. I know, because I’ve been there! Cold tubs at 5 AM? Check. Early mornings, consistent routines? Check. But sometimes, the most significant growth comes not from what we *do*, but from who we *become*.

This video really hit home for me. It’s about the surprising difficulty of apologizing – truly apologizing – in your marriage. And it’s a lesson that applies powerfully to the missionary work, too. We’re called to serve, to lift, to testify. But service isn’t just about handing out pamphlets or sharing a lesson. It's about serving hearts. And that requires a humility that’s often uncomfortable.

Think about the MTC. You're thrown into an unfamiliar culture, surrounded by brothers and sisters from all over the world. You're learning a new language, a new doctrine, a new way of relating. You’re going to mess up. You’re going to say the wrong thing. You’re going to misunderstand. And the easy thing – the *natural* thing – is to deflect. To explain. To justify. To find a way to be right, even if it’s just a little bit.

But what if, instead, you took ownership? What if you swallowed your pride and simply said, “I was wrong. I’m sorry. Please forgive me.” Like the video says, even if you’re only 1% wrong, own that 1%. It's a powerful way to disarm defensiveness and open hearts. I’ve seen it happen in missionary discussions, in companion relationships, in ward council meetings – it’s a game-changer.

Davee and I were just talking about how this principle applies to answering tough questions from investigators. How often do we try to “win” the argument instead of acknowledging a genuine point or a valid concern? Sometimes, the most Christlike response isn’t a perfect answer, but a humble apology for not understanding. It shows vulnerability, and vulnerability builds trust.

Elder Holland talks about meekness as controlled strength, and that’s exactly what it is. It’s not about being a doormat; it’s about being rooted in Christ, so that you can handle the inevitable bumps and bruises of life – the misunderstandings, the disappointments, the criticism – with grace and humility. It's about remembering that we're all striving, all imperfect, and all in need of God’s mercy.

So, let’s challenge ourselves this week. Let’s look for opportunities to be the first to apologize, to own our mistakes, to serve with humility. It won't be easy. It will require a conscious effort to put aside our pride. But I promise you, the rewards – both in your marriage and in your missionary service – will be immeasurable.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Share your own experiences with humility and apology in the comments below. And don’t forget to join us for the weekly Disciple Challenge – it’s a great way to sharpen your skills and connect with other members who are committed to becoming more effective disciples. See you there!