"Aligning Our Will with His" By Elder Ulisses Soares | October 2024 General Conference

Following the Lord’s will in our life will enable us to find the most precious pearl in the world-the kingdom of heaven.
What is the "most precious pearl" referred to in the talk, and how do we obtain it? The "most precious pearl" represents the kingdom of heaven, which is considered the most valuable treasure. To obtain it, we must align our will with the Lord's will and be willing to give up self-centered pursuits and attachments that hinder our commitment to Him. This includes diligently striving to "do always those things that please the Lord" by submitting our desires to His, just as the merchant in the parable willingly sold all he had to obtain the pearl.
What does it mean to "have the mind of Christ," and how does this relate to doing the Lord's will? Having the "mind of Christ," as described by the Apostle Paul, means striving to emulate Jesus in doing "always those things that please [the Lord]". In a gospel sense, this means submitting our will to His. Jesus himself demonstrated this perfectly by prioritizing the Father's will over His own, even during the most difficult of times, including the atonement. This submissive attitude reflects the core of discipleship.
Why is it problematic to adopt a "what works for me" mentality, and how does it differ from "doing what pleases the Lord"? The "what works for me" mentality is problematic because it is a self-centered pursuit that prioritizes personal preferences and desires over God's plan, potentially leading us away from eternal blessings. This contrasts with "doing what pleases the Lord," which involves aligning our will with His, seeking His guidance, and following His commandments, even when it is difficult. The former tends to justify our own behaviours, while the latter aligns us with truth.
How does our individual journey on the covenant path relate to the concept of aligning with God's will? While each individual's journey on the covenant path is unique, our primary goal should be to keep our hearts and minds centered on Christ Jesus. This means being vigilant against worldly philosophies and ensuring that our choices align with God’s will rather than simply being convenient or pleasing to ourselves. We should be more concerned with being Christlike than with being "authentic" to our desires if they do not match God's.
How does the example of the Pharisees illustrate the danger of leaning on our own understanding instead of God’s? The Pharisees exemplify the danger of leaning on our own understanding because, despite claiming lineage to Abraham, they refused to accept Jesus's teachings. Their self-righteous attitude blinded them to God's truth and left no room for the Savior's words. This demonstrates that true covenant children of God should demonstrate their discipleship through obedience to God, not presuming upon blessings.
What practical steps can we take to move away from the "what works for me" mentality and towards doing God's will? We must engage in honest self-reflection to identify any weaknesses that impede our ability to submit to God, then make the conscious decision to choose His ways. We should prioritize "doing what pleases the Lord" by following the path He marked. This requires a "courageous and willing heart" to give up our old self and fully submit our soul to God, recognizing our body as a sacred gift.
How do personal experiences, like the young man’s mission call and the young woman’s work dilemma, demonstrate the power of aligning our will with God's? The experiences of the young man who felt inspired to serve a mission and the young woman who maintained her standards at work illustrate the blessings that come from aligning with God's will. When we choose the Lord's path, even amid fear, doubt or temptation, we find greater strength, confidence and even protection in His plans for us. This helps us become true disciples in every aspect.
What is the ultimate result of aligning our will with God's, and why is it considered heroic discipleship? The ultimate result of aligning our will with God’s is experiencing the joy that comes from doing what pleases the Lord. It signifies complete consecration to the Lord, a full yielding of our wills to Him. This is considered heroic discipleship because it requires a determined and unwavering commitment, allowing "what works for Thee" to become "what works for me." Such submissiveness to God allows us to find the most precious pearl, the kingdom of heaven.