If You Serve A Mission Faithfully And

The Meaning

Gordon B. Hinckley's statement posits a profound causal link between dedicated missionary service and holistic personal development. The core meaning lies in the transformative power of a specific, rigorous experience to cultivate virtues that transcend its immediate context, yielding dividends across every major sphere of an individual's life. He argues that missionary work is not merely an act of proselytization but a crucible for character formation. The emphasis on "faithfully and well" underscores the necessity of commitment and quality in this service, implying that superficial engagement will not produce the same profound results. The subsequent enumeration of roles—husband, father, student, worker—illustrates the pervasive nature of this transformation, suggesting that the self-discipline, empathy, and resilience forged through missionary experience are universally applicable assets. Fundamentally, Hinckley identifies four pillars of this transformative process: "love is of the essence," highlighting altruism and connection as the driving force; "selflessness is of its very nature," emphasizing the subjugation of personal desires for a higher purpose; "self-discipline is its requirement," pointing to the rigorous adherence to principles and schedules; and "prayer opens its reservoir of power," indicating a reliance on spiritual or transcendent strength. Thus, the quote illuminates a philosophy where dedicated service, rooted in love and self-mastery, is the pathway to becoming a more virtuous, capable, and effective human being in all aspects of existence.

Historical Context

This quote emanates from Gordon B. Hinckley, who served as the 15th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1995 until his death in 2008. His life was defined by decades of church service, including extensive administrative and public relations roles before ascending to the presidency. The statement itself reflects a central tenet and practice of the LDS faith: the global missionary program. Since the early 19th century, the LDS Church has sent young, unmarried men (typically 18-25 years old) and young women (typically 19-25 years old) to serve full-time proselytizing missions for periods of two years and eighteen months, respectively, away from their homes, often in foreign countries. Hinckley himself served a mission in Great Britain during the Great Depression (1933-1935). This quote would have been spoken within the context of encouraging young members to serve missions, assuring them that despite the personal sacrifices involved (time, education, relationships, financial cost), the experience itself would be profoundly developmental. His address would likely have been delivered during a General Conference or a youth devotional, occasions where he frequently spoke on themes of faith, family, and service. The era of his presidency saw continued globalization of the Church and an emphasis on traditional values, personal responsibility, and ethical leadership, making such counsel on character development through service highly relevant to his audience and the Church's objectives.

Modern Application

While rooted in a specific religious context, the wisdom of Hinckley's statement possesses profound modern application across leadership, business, and personal development. The core principles—love, selflessness, self-discipline, and drawing on inner or transcendent strength—are universally valuable. In modern leadership, "love" translates to empathy, servant leadership, and a genuine care for team members and stakeholders. A leader who operates from a place of "selflessness," prioritizing the organization's mission and the well-being of their team over personal gain, fosters trust and inspires loyalty. "Self-discipline" is critical in any demanding profession, requiring individuals to set goals, manage time effectively, persevere through challenges, and maintain focus amidst distractions. This discipline is the bedrock of productivity, innovation, and ethical decision-making. Furthermore, the concept of "prayer opens its reservoir of power" can be broadly interpreted in secular terms as the cultivation of mindfulness, meditation, strategic reflection, or tapping into a strong personal value system. These practices enable leaders to access clarity, resilience, and creative solutions. In business, these traits cultivate exceptional employees and entrepreneurs: individuals who are dedicated, ethical, resourceful problem-solvers, and excellent communicators. Companies benefit from teams built on such foundations, leading to stronger culture, greater adaptability, and sustainable success. On a personal level, embracing these virtues leads to more fulfilling relationships, enhanced mental fortitude, and a greater capacity for navigating life's complexities, creating a more purposeful and impactful existence for anyone, regardless of their vocational path or spiritual inclination.