When the Blessings Arrive: Keeping the Humility of the Work

There is a unique feeling that comes with deep, profound blessings. Maybe you've just received your call, maybe you've seen a conversion, or perhaps you’re standing in the quiet after a successful meeting—a feeling of realization that the Spirit has been at work. It is a wonderful feeling, and we should certainly allow ourselves to feel the pride of the Lord’s enabling power.

But as returned missionaries and lifelong Latter-day Saints, we know that the greatest danger isn't failing at the work; it's believing that the work has *ended* because we've achieved a visible success. The Spirit, however, is a masterful teacher, and sometimes the most important lesson we need is how to remain deeply, profoundly humble when the rewards finally come.

The Art of Remaining Humble

The scripture reminds us that the work is continuous. Whether you are serving in the field, preparing for your mission, or simply doing your morning devotionals, the effort is always present. The transcript we watched today captured a beautiful principle: when the work you put in is realized—when the dreams you are dreaming come true—it is easy to feel self-congratulatory. We might feel like we *earned* the blessing, rather than recognizing that we were merely the vessels through which the Lord was working.

The counsel to "stay humble and kind" isn't just polite advice; it is a spiritual necessity. It is the recognition that every success, every conversion, every transfer, and every blessing, is ultimately a testament to the power of the Savior, not to our own efforts. We are simply the faithful stewards of the gospel.

Discipleship After the Excitement

This concept is especially vital for us as 'rogue disciples'—those of us who know that our discipleship doesn't stop when our service does. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. The field doesn't disappear just because you finished your mission or because your ward gets busy. The work is always calling us to maintain that quiet, consistent humility.

If you are currently in mission preparation, remember that the daily discipline—the studying, the prayer, the commitment to your companions—is the true reward, not the destination. If you are a seasoned disciple, remember that the power of the gospel doesn't fluctuate based on the success of your current Book Club or Bible Study Group. It remains constant, and our job is to keep our hearts attuned to that constant source.

Remember that the greatest evidence of our discipleship is not the size of our harvest, but the depth of our gratitude and our willingness to serve, even when the applause has faded.

Your Weekly Challenge: The Humility Audit

This week, I invite you to perform a 'Humility Audit.' When you feel a sense of accomplishment—whether it’s helping a friend move, completing a difficult assignment, or having a great talk with an investigator—pause. Take three deep breaths. And then, ask yourself: *Whose power was at work here?*

If you want to deepen this understanding, I highly recommend checking out the latest teachings from Iron Rod. Specifically, reading through the sections on the covenant path can help anchor your focus on the process, not just the outcome. It’s a wonderful way to keep your mind fixed on the continuous nature of the work.

And if you're looking for a structured way to practice this, consider jumping into a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. These groups are designed to help us process scriptures and real-life challenges together, keeping that spirit of collaborative, humble learning alive.

Keep sharing your experiences and thoughts in the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook. Let's encourage each other to always remember that regardless of our location or status—whether we are in the MTC, in the field, or at home—we are always disciples of Christ, and that humble service is our greatest strength.