Last Saturday we once again gathered for a tri-mission conference to hear Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy speak to us. He talked to us about the things he wished he would have known before leaving on his mission. Some of those things include the following:
- We know an investigator is progressing if he/she makes and keeps commitments.
- We can only learn spiritual things through the Spirit (1 Cor. 2:10-14) and we generally learn them "line-upon-line."
- Knowledge of the truth comes only after we do His will (John 7:17; Alma 32:28). Investigators must act in faith in order to gain knowledge. We cannot act for them.
- How can an investigator feel the Spirit, and then not act upon it? Though one may feel the Spirit, he/she must nourish that "seed" in order for faith to grow (Alma 32:37-39).
- You and your companion are in the best position to receive revelation to know how to help your investigators make and keep commitments. You are closest to the situation and the Lord will guide you as you ask and qualify to receive answers.
- In order to receive revelation in your companionship, you must be unified.
- In order to receive revelation, we must keep the commandments and obey the mission rules. We can only learn the things of God if we are obedient.
- Frequently, when we are seeking revelation to know how to help someone else, we too receive revelation for ourselves.
- When we face challenges, sometimes it is hard for us to see the purpose in them (Alma 8:14-18). However, when we keep the commandments we need not be discouraged. While we can't always see ahead, we can always do what is right. This requires faith and hope.
- In 1 Thes. 2:1-12, Paul provides us with a way that we should interact with those we are teaching.
