When Striving Isn't Enough: Calling on the Grace of Christ

When I was preparing for my mission, I thought I had it all figured out. I read every book on missionary preparation, I spent hours studying the Book of Mormon, and I was convinced that my commitment and my sheer willpower were enough to make me a worthy representative of the restored gospel. I was striving. I was working. I was trying to be the perfect disciple.

I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of 'the work.' I felt like my worthiness was a checklist of good deeds, perfect attendance at church, and flawless testimony. I thought if I just *strived* hard enough, I would somehow reach that elevated state of Christlikeness. I was doing the work, but I was doing it in my own strength.

If you're reading this, and you feel that familiar strain—that feeling that you are working harder and working harder, but still falling short of that perfect, unselfish ideal—please hear this from a fellow disciple: Your striving is commendable, but it is not the destination. It is the journey that requires a higher power.

The truth, which we learn so beautifully in our classes and in our missionary discussions, is that Christlike character doesn't grow just out of sheer effort. It grows out of a Christlike heart, and that heart must rely on grace.

The Distinction Between Striving and Grace

The Savior knows our weaknesses. He knows that even the most committed returned missionary, the most dedicated district leader, or the most passionate internet missionary, will face days of distraction, failure, and unselfishness. The gospel doesn't promise us perfection; it promises us power. And that power comes through grace.

Grace isn't a reward for perfect behavior; it is the sustaining force that allows us to get back up when we fail. It is the promise that no matter how far we stumble—whether it’s in our family life, our temple preparation, or our attempts to gather Israel—the Atonement of Jesus Christ is always available.

Practicalizing Grace in Your Discipleship

How do we actually *call* on that grace? It starts with humility and recognizing that we are disciples being led by the Spirit. Here are a few things we can do:

1. Embrace the Repentance Process: Repentance isn't just saying the magic words; it's the active choice to turn toward the Savior. When you feel unselfish or judgmental, pause. Acknowledge the weakness, and then deliberately call on the grace of Christ to help you rise above it. This is a daily process, not a one-time event.
2. Build Your Support Network: Remember that the Church is a fellowship. Don't try to process spiritual burdens alone. Lean on your comps, your bishop, your family, and the spiritual guidance of the Brethren. Our weaknesses are met with each other's patience and the Savior’s mercy.
3. Focus on the Heart, Not Just the Action: When you are studying scripture—whether in a Book Club or through the Social Scripture Study in LivingBook—don't just focus on *what* the scriptures say, but *how* they make you feel about the Savior. Let the study prompt a deep, personal longing for Him.

Mentor Tip: If you are struggling with a specific aspect of discipleship (like forgiving a difficult family member or overcoming procrastination), I highly recommend chatting with Davee. His AI Investigator role is fantastic for walking you through the hard questions, helping you articulate the gap between your current striving and the grace you need.

Staying Connected to the Flow

This concept—that we are sustained by grace—is the bedrock of our whole movement. It's why we are all called to be Internet missionaries, because no matter where we are, we are never alone in the work. We are linked together by the Covenant of Grace.

If this message resonated with you, I invite you to deepen your understanding. Check out some foundational teachings on Christlike discipleship through a recommended Iron Rod reading. Also, don't forget to check out the next free weekly Disciple Challenge! It's a wonderful way to put this concept into action right where you are.