I just had my monthly zone conference in Surabaya. The focus of this zone conference was motivation. President Mackay invited us to ponder on what really motivates us? What is it that motivates men and women, young and old, to leave their home and preach the gospel as Jesus commanded (Matthew 28:19)? What is it that motivates them to go through challenges and hardships with hope and a positive attitude? What is it that motivates them to obey the standards of conduct that God expects of them? Allow me to share with you what motivates me:
I am motivated by the truth that there is a God; the Father of our spirits. I am motivated by the truth that there is a savior, Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sins of the world. I am motivated by the truth that every person who follows Christ's gospel will be saved. I am motivated because these truths, and many more, have been taught and confirmed to me by the Holy Spirit.
I am motivated by the truth that there is a God; the Father of our spirits. I am motivated by the truth that there is a savior, Jesus Christ, who atoned for the sins of the world. I am motivated by the truth that every person who follows Christ's gospel will be saved. I am motivated because these truths, and many more, have been taught and confirmed to me by the Holy Spirit.
From experience I know that as these divine truths are understood, they have a strong power to change souls. As your understanding of God’s truth expands, your desire to follow God’s will increases.
I am so grateful for the confirmation of restored truths that I have received. Knowing truth has certainly blessed me; however, truth is not meant to just be known and understood. It is given to us to guide us back to Heavenly Father’s presence. It leads us to righteous action. I still don’t know everything, but when I act under the knowledge of truth I currently have, I am always guided to say or do just the right thing. In many instances choosing the right will benefit either myself or others.
We may not know everything that we need to know. Most of the people that I teach certainly don’t. But I am motivated that by my faithful and dedicated service, these people can learn divine truth. And they can act upon it. There is hope for them, just as there is hope for all of us. God’s grace and mercy for us will never fail. I am motivated.
Elder Allen.
