Numbers

A wise college president once said that nothing worthwhile in life can be measured in numbers. Math has never been my forte, so truisms like this give me hope.

Missionaries report numbers every week--our local leaders look at our "key indicators" and compile them for the General Authorities. The numbers exist to show us where to place our efforts, and to provide personal accountability. We report numbers of new investigators, lessons taught with members present, less-actives at church, and baptisms.

In my last area, numbers were easy. There was something gratifying about seeing high digits on the chalkboard during district meeting, and sometimes I looked at the low numbers of other companionships and wondered what they were doing all week. ("Lazy" was my assumption.)

God loves me enough to make me humble.

My numbers have become the dismally low numbers that I once scoffed. And now God is teaching me how to BE a missionary rather than just looking the part.

Our desperation for new investigators has led us to rely on the Spirit and to set might goals! Now we teach and testify at every door rather than offering a measly, "Could we return and share a message?" We are teaching our members the doctrine of Christ and inviting them to engage in missionary work. We are listening better, studying harder, and loving more sincerely.

And though the numbers don't show it, the Spirit whispers that God is pleased. He is working miracles in us even when we feel unfruitful. In the words of Elder Tad Callister, "power comes with consecration, not numbers."

Laban and Lemuel were troubled by numbers when they exclaimed that their enemy could command 50, whereas God was only one--what could He do against so many? (1 Nephi 3:1)

God's math is better than mine.

The numbers may not show it, but my heart is in it. And I am glad to know that to God, I am more than a number. I am His child, a number worth counting. The worth of my soul is great.