Dear Sisters and Elders –
President Boyd K. Packer explained that, “true doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behaviors” (seePMG, p. 19). Today, I would like to share several true doctrines that have changed my attitudes and behaviors about finding. These gospel principles have increased my understanding of how to work with the Lord to find those He has prepared to receive the gospel. These key finding doctrines include:
- God knows the end from the beginning (D&C 38:2; Abraham 2:8).
- God has prepared people to accept the gospel (D&C 31:7; Alma 13:24; Alma 16:16-17; D&C 4:4).
- Those that are prepared respond to the Spirit (D&C 29:7; D&C 42:8).
- We help others feel the Spirit through our words (D&C 100:7-8) and with the Book of Mormon (2 Nephi 29:2; 2 Nephi 30:3; 3 Nephi 29:1).
- God will help us know where to go, what to do, and what to say to find those prepared (D&C 31:11; D&C 79:2; D&C 84:85; D&C 100:4-5; D&C 112: 19).
- We qualify for God’s help when we are worthy (D&C 53:2-3; D&C 112:28), when we ask for it (3 Nephi 27:28-29), and we expend personal effort (D&C 4:2; D&C 84:94; D&C 123:12-14).
While these doctrines are each powerful on their own, together they describe an integrated approach for finding those the Lord has prepared to accept the gospel.
God knows all things. He has prepared people to accept the gospel. He will lead us to them or He will lead them to us (PMG, 155). As we open our mouths and share the gospel with the Spirit, those that are prepared will receive our message.
I invite each of us to re-review these finding doctrines in our personal or companion studies to build our faith that God can and will use us to find, teach, and baptize those He has prepared.
With much love and respect,
President Pingree