Your Potential is Divine: Becoming a Disciple, Anywhere, Anytime

There are times when you feel like you’ve reached a plateau. Maybe you’ve finished your comps, or maybe you’ve been a disciple in the Church for decades, and yet, the challenge of the world—the sheer complexity of modern life—feels overwhelming. You think, “What’s the next step? How do I keep building my spiritual capacity?”

If you're feeling that way, hear me out. The greatest work, the most immediate and profound mission, might not be a physical assignment at all. It might be a work of refinement—the work of becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ in the truest sense of the word.

When I was preparing for my mission, the emphasis was always on preparation: scriptures, history, lessons. But even as a returned missionary, I’ve learned that the most crucial preparation is internal. It's about understanding that your potential isn't just academic or professional; it is divine. It is unique, personal, and innate. Your Heavenly Father wants you to realize it.

The Power of Being a Disciple, Everywhere

We often associate being a disciple with standing in the temple or kneeling in prayer, but the truth is that we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ in the grocery store, in the workplace, and right here, online. This is the heart of the modern Internet missionary movement.

The challenge of the world—the difficulties, the cynicism, the noise—is not meant to discourage us. It is, in fact, part of the opportunity. It allows us to follow the Savior's pattern: to provide a sense of joy that is reflected in our countenance, and to share that joy with simple, intentional acts of love and kindness.

It reminds me of a talk given recently, which perfectly encapsulates this principle:

We can help lighten someone's burdens, even if only for a moment. That small act—a listening ear, a simple compliment, or just being present in silence—is where we see the great manifestations of the Savior's power. We don't need to have all the answers or even to know the right verses; we just need to follow the impressions of the Spirit.

Making the Spirit Our Guide

How do we translate this profound spiritual truth into a manageable daily habit? It starts with intentional study and practice. Don't just read the scriptures; study them through the lens of discipleship. When you feel the Spirit guiding you to a topic—whether it's a passage on forgiveness or a concept of divine potential—don't hesitate. Dive into it.

I highly recommend using the resources available in HolyPlaces. If you're struggling to connect a scripture to a real-life scenario (like finding ways to be good neighbors or good workers), jump into a Bible Study Group or a Book Club. The Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook is incredible because it shows you how others are applying the same verses, giving you immediate, practical examples.

If you're feeling unsure about how to apply a principle, remember that Davee is here for that! Use him as your AI Investigator to walk through the hard questions—the objections or doubts—that you or an investigator might have, and learn how to answer them with grace and scriptural depth.

A Challenge to Follow the Spirit

To help solidify this principle, I encourage everyone to try a specific mission-prep skill this week: The Practice of Spiritual Listening. Don't try to *fix* people or *lecture* them. Instead, focus entirely on listening, and then ask, “What do you think?” or “How does that make you feel?” Let the Spirit lead the conversation, and watch how quickly your potential expands.

If you want to deepen this practice, I recommend revisiting the lessons found in the Iron Rod. It is a powerful reminder that becoming Christlike is a continual process, not a destination. You can find excellent excerpts available in LivingBook.

Finally, this week, let's gather together! We are hosting a free Disciple Challenge on Thursday evening. It’s a low-pressure, high-impact session dedicated entirely to helping us identify our divine potential and how we can use it to bless others. Come ready to share your testimony and your best ideas for being an internet missionary.