Counsel for missionaries

Paul was a great missionary. This weeks assignment was for me to read various scriptures in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians and look for Pauls actions that complimented his teachings.

1. Thanked God for those that he served.
2. Prayed for them.
3. Recognized and gave thanks for the good things that those he taught had done.
4. He was a good example.
5. He was humble and recognized that the Holy Ghost was the true teacher and the source of testimony.
6. He was bold to speak the gospel.
7. He spoke not to please man, but to please God.
8. He was sincere.
9. He didn't use flattering words
10. He was not covetous.
11. He did not seek the glory of men.
12. He was gentle.
13. He was willing to give of himself for others.
14. He loved those he taught.
15. He worked and laboured so as not to be a burden to anyone.
16. He behaved well and justly.
17. He cared for and comforted others.

Missionaries in our day can learn a lot from Paul. I believe that even if we are not called as full time missionaries, we can still be missionaries and benefit from Paul's example. Missionaries can first and foremost pray for those they teach. They can humble themselves and pray for the companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is important for missionaries to remember that the Holy Ghost is the true teacher and the source of testimony. Missionaries can pray to love those that they serve. It also important for missionaries to remember that they are representatives of Jesus Christ and their behavior should reflect that. People are often times more influenced by actions than by words. Missionaries can also pray for strength to speak the gospel with boldness; to speak to please God and not man. Missionaries need to work hard, look for opportunities to serve and strive to love and care for those that they teach.

As a mother of four boys, I can take what I've learned from these scriptures and apply them in my life to help me be a better mom and to teach my boys while they are young. I plan to share what I've learned in a Family Home Evening lesson to encourage and help my boys develop some of these traits that will help them to be better missionaries someday. One action that I can work on as a parent is to recognize the good things that my children do and praise them for those good things. Sometimes as parents, we focus more on the things that need correcting. Recognizing the good in others is a great motivator for them to continue to do good. As member missionaries, these same characteristics can also help us to bring others to the gospel of Jesus Christ.