“Remember It’s Their Choice,” New Era, Mar. 2015, 26–27
Remember It’s Their Choice
Agency applies to everyone, including those you invite to learn about the Church.
Illustration by Beth M. Whittaker
As you invite others to learn about the gospel, it’s important to realize that they have agency to choose whether or not to accept your invitation. Your success is not measured by their response; it is measured by your commitment to share.
So if success isn’t measured by who said yes or who got baptized, what should you focus on as you create goals for missionary work? Set your sights on what you can do rather than on how others respond. Remember, you have agency too. You can choose to:
Invite often, and invite everyone. Since it’s impossible to know in advance who will or won’t be interested in the gospel, share your invitations regularly and share them with as many as you can, paying particular attention to promptings of the Spirit. We succeed as missionaries when we invite people to learn and accept the truth.
Remain friendly. If someone declines an invitation to learn more, continue to be courteous and kind. Maintain friendships as long as standards are high. Extend Christlike love to everyone you can, even if they don’t understand everything you believe and do.
Stay faithful. The Savior said it best: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Love the gospel and live the gospel, and sooner or later you will find people who want to know why and who are prepared to accept the gospel.
Be patiently persistent. As shown in the story at the right, sometimes it takes many invitations before the timing is right. Continue to open the door, continue to be friendly, and don’t become discouraged. The Lord is aware of your efforts and He will bless you. (See D&C 98:2.)