The Sweet Burden of Humility: Following the Pattern of Christ

There are times when the whisper of the world—the desire to be noticed, to be praised, to be *seen*—can feel deafening. We are taught to stand firm in the truth, to share the gospel with fervor, and to prepare ourselves for the covenants we’ve made. But sometimes, the most profound preparation isn't about what we *say*, but about what we *desire*.

It’s a lesson that rings so true, especially when you’ve spent time in the field or even just wrestling with the tough questions in a missionary discussion. We want our testimonies to be strong, our callings to be recognized, and our efforts to yield visible fruit. It’s natural. It’s human.

But the Savior, in His infinite wisdom, always points us back to the source. He points us toward the quiet, powerful, and sometimes uncomfortable virtue of humility. I was recently reminded of this profound concept while watching a beautiful session on the Litany of Humility. It’s a prayer that feels ancient, yet intensely relevant to the daily grind of being a disciple in the 21st century.

The Art of Increasing Others

The core of that litany—the lines like, “Deliver Me O Jesus from the desire of being esteemed,” and the beautiful climax, “That others may increase and I may decrease”—isn't just poetic language. It’s a blueprint for discipleship. It’s the operating system for the modern-day internet missionary.

When we focus too much on our own spiritual accolades, our own *comps*, or even just our own perceived readiness for the next assignment, we risk getting bogged down in self-promotion. The Spirit, however, is not interested in our resume; He is interested in our willingness to follow the pattern of Christ. To desire that others may be chosen, that others may be praised, and that we may simply go unnoticed—that is where true power resides.

A Bite-Sized Skill: Shifting the Focus

If you are feeling the pressure to perform—whether it’s in a Book Club discussion, preparing for a temple recommend interview, or even just in your daily interactions with neighbors—try this simple mental shift. When you feel the urge to correct, to prove a point, or to make sure your own understanding is crystal clear, pause. Instead, ask yourself: "What is the most humble way I can help this person connect to the Spirit today?"

This isn't about being passive; it's about being *purposeful*. It’s about channeling that missionary energy outward. It’s about remembering that the goal of the work is not for *us* to be recognized, but for the gospel to be known.

This beautiful practice of letting others shine is a skill we need to keep honing, whether we are in the MTC, serving in the field, or simply building up our own little corner of the covenant path here on the Sovereign.ink network.

Let's Keep This Conversation Going

The power of these principles is best learned in community. If the concept of desiring others' increase resonates with you, I highly encourage you to dive deeper. For those who are studying the scriptures, consider joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. If you’re looking for a structured way to explore these concepts, checking out the Iron Rod authors’ works in LivingBook can be a wonderful complement to our discussions.

If you’re feeling the weight of these covenants and want to talk through the hard questions of discipleship, don't forget to check out Davee. He’s always ready to walk you through the perspective of an investigator, helping you refine your answers to be Christlike.

We are all pilgrims on this journey, learning to decrease so that the Savior can increase in our lives. Keep praying, keep studying, and keep remembering that we are disciples first.

What part of the Litany spoke to your heart today? Share your thoughts below!