The Quiet Power of Humility: What the Pharisee and Tax Collector Teach Us About the Work

Brothers and sisters, when I was first out in the field, I remember feeling like I had to *perform* my discipleship. I thought that to be a worthy disciple, I needed the biggest testimony, the most eloquent answer, or the most impressive knowledge of the scriptures. I was trying to build my spiritual resume, brick by careful, visible brick.

It’s easy, especially when you’re fresh out of the MTC or just getting back from a mission, to fall into the trap of self-assessment. We compare our preparation, our calls, our service hours. We start to focus on what we *have done* rather than who we are becoming in the Savior.

Recently, I was studying some material—a powerful little clip showing the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. And honestly, it hit me right where I live: the difference between *appearing* righteous and *being* humble before the Father.

The Show-and-Tell vs. The Heart

The Pharisee, bless his heart, was meticulous. He was keeping score. He was standing up and listing all his good works: fasting twice a week, giving a tenth, avoiding sin. He was essentially saying, "Look at me! I've done enough for me to be counted!"

Contrast that with the Tax Collector. He doesn't even stand up. He can’t look up. He just bows his head and beats his breast, praying, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."

What strikes a seasoned disciple, what the Spirit whispers to the heart, is that the Savior didn't commend the one who boasted of his merits; He glorified the one who simply acknowledged his need for mercy. The true work, the work of the Spirit, never comes from performance; it comes from genuine acknowledgment of our Savior's Atonement.

Being an Internet Missionary with Humility

This principle, friends, is vital for us as modern-day disciples. Whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving in a local ward, or simply engaging in a social scripture study through LivingBook, the goal isn't to prove how much you know. The goal is to invite others to the Savior's mercy.

When we are doing internet missionary work—whether it's leaving a thoughtful comment, sharing a scripture insight, or even just having a genuine conversation—we must guard against spiritual pride. We must remember that every single person we encounter, every investigator, every friend, is standing in need of the Savior's mercy, just like that tax collector.

If you’re feeling the pressure of missionary preparation, or if you’re wrestling with a tough question in your missionary discussions, remember the tax collector. Don't try to answer every hard question with perfect theological citations. Instead, point them back to the Savior's grace. Let the Spirit do the testifying.

A Bite-Sized Skill for the Field

Here’s a little skill I want to pass along this week. The next time you are teaching or discussing scripture, don't start with the doctrine. Start with the *feeling*. Ask, "How do you think this scripture makes you feel about the Savior?" or "What does this make you want to confess or ask for forgiveness for?" Leading with vulnerability opens the door to the Spirit much faster than leading with perfect answers.

If you want to deepen this study, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of President David A. Bednar or any of the recent writings on the nature of grace. You can find excellent resources through the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook.

For those of you who are ready to practice this, I invite you to join our next Book Club session in HolyPlaces. We'll be discussing the Book of Mormon with a focus on covenant keeping. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to practice discipleship together. If you’re new to this, just pop in—we’ll take care of the rest!

Stay diligent, keep your hearts humble, and remember that every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.