The Weight of Being Right: Finding Peace in the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever found yourself in a discussion—maybe with a family member, maybe even in a missionary discussion—where the desire to be *right* felt more important than the desire to be *good*? It’s a subtle trap, isn't it? We can get so wrapped up in proving a point that we end up sacrificing something much more valuable: genuine connection, and most importantly, our peace with the Savior.

I was reflecting recently on a talk that hit me hard. The speaker talked about how we can sacrifice broken relationships and personal peace just to feel that little internal 'Ha! See? I knew it!' moment. It’s a dangerous place to live, friends. We are taught to build up Zion, to be Christlike, to build Zion in our hearts, but sometimes the ego gets in the way, making us more stubborn than the very adversary we’re trying to overcome.

The Quiet Strength of Humility

The talk stressed that what we need most isn't more knowledge, or even more doctrinal certainty; it’s humility. And let’s be honest, humility doesn't just appear overnight like a miracle cure. It’s a muscle we have to exercise, especially when we’re out in the field or when we’re just trying to live our daily discipleship.

When we focus too much on winning an argument, we miss the entire point of the gospel. The gospel isn't a debate club; it’s a pathway to the Savior. The Lord asks us to *learn* to be meek, to be humble, and to be willing to be wrong sometimes—if being wrong keeps us closer to the Spirit.

Working With the Spirit, Not Against It

The speaker pointed out something profound regarding our stewardship and our giving—it’s not just about money, but about our emotional currency. If we are constantly in conflict, if we are harboring bitterness or unforgiveness, it seems that nothing we do—no amount of service, no tithing, no study—is going to yield the desired result. Our efforts get bogged down in the muck of unresolved conflict.

This hits home for me as a returned missionary. We learn so much about sharing the plan of salvation, but sometimes the hardest lesson to master in the field isn't the book of scriptures; it's the art of letting go of the need to control the outcome or the conversation. It means making the conscious choice, even when it’s uncomfortable, to say, "I will do the right thing, even if no one else does."

A Small Challenge for Our Discipleship

So, what can we do with this knowledge? If you are feeling the pull of stubbornness this week, I want to suggest a small shift in focus. Instead of going into a conversation or a challenging interaction with the goal of *being right*, I invite you to go in with the goal of *understanding*—understanding the other person's heart, understanding where they are coming from, and understanding what the Spirit is trying to teach *you*.

This week, I challenge you to practice radical acceptance of imperfection—both in others and in yourself. When you feel that urge to correct, pause. Take a deep breath, and ask the Spirit, "What is the most Christlike response here?"

Remember, the power of the gospel isn't in our perfect articulation of doctrine; it's in our imperfect, persistent willingness to keep showing up, to keep forgiving, and to keep following the Savior, no matter what.

If you want to dig deeper into the principles of charity and overcoming strife, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on charity found in the Iron Rod. It’s a foundational text for every disciple.

For those of you who are looking for community to practice these things with, check out the HolyPlaces group for a Book Club focused on overcoming bitterness. It’s a wonderful place to share these struggles and find strength together.

If you’re new to this concept, or if you want to walk through some difficult doctrinal questions with a seasoned guide, don't forget to connect with Davee. He’s ready to run through some AI Investigator scenarios with you!