Dear Elders and Sisters,
During our most recent round of interviews, I was struck by
something that one of our missionaries said to me. She commented that she
wished there was less gossip in the mission. As we discussed her impressions
she noted that there seems to be a spirit of competition and a tendency to
judge other missionaries. Many of
our missionaries are high achievers, accustomed to doing well in school and
learning things easily. There is an almost natural tendency for our foreign
missionaries to compare and compete as to who speaks Chinese most fluently.
Another common source of comparison are positions of leadership, ranging from
senior companion to AP. If we watch and aspire to such assignments, we will become
crippled with pride, which is Satan’s tool to undermine us. Pride will prevent
us from humbly following our Master’s example, being servant to all. Such pride
can cause us to become unhappy or discouraged with our current assignment and
lead us to aspire to positions, authority and the honors of men.
If we are not careful, every transfer can be a source of
gossip. When you receive a new assignment, do you look forward to a new start,
and afford one to your companion? Or is it difficult for you to avoid finding out from other
missionaries what they know about your new companion? How might starting out
each new companionship with pre-conceived ideas hinder companionship unity? I have
recently seen some great examples of missionaries in our mission who have
overlooked the obvious outward flaws and imperfections of their companions and
instead focused on the inner goodness and eternal worth that is only visible to
those who possess the gift of charity. I have been amazed to observe the
kindness, patience and brotherly love exhibited by these missionaries and the
noticeable effect it has had on their companions. These missionaries are truly
becoming disciples of Christ and learning to see others as He sees them.
Some time ago a missionary who made a few regrettable
choices near the end of his mission subsequently found himself in an
embarrassing and unfortunate circumstance. We have all been in similar
situations at some time in our lives. I tried to handle this situation in a way
that would not draw attention to anyone. A few months later, after the
missionary had returned home honorably, another missionary boldly asked his former
companion, “Did he really do [such and such]?” I was so pleased to hear that
the former companion responded, “I really don’t think we should talk about
this!” In Proverbs we read, “A talebearer revealeth secrets: but he that is of
a faithful spirit concealeth the matter” (Pro. 11:13).
As we seek to be more consecrated missionaries, let us put
aside all gossip, comparisons, and competition, and focus on serving others
with all of our hearts. Let our hearts not be divided by envy or comparison. Let
us follow the example of the Savior, who taught, “Every idle word that men
shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matt.
12:36).
President Blickenstaff
Mentor of Champions
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