Life is full of choices—some profound, like choosing eternal priorities, and others as trivial as deciding between salad or a triple cheeseburger (the struggle is real). But among all the decisions we face, the most important one is aligning our will with God’s. Elder Ulisses Soares, in his talk Aligning Our Will with His, teaches us how this alignment transforms our lives and helps us discover the priceless treasure of God’s kingdom.
Here’s the twist: as we strive to align our will with God’s, we’re also called to help others do the same—all while respecting their agency. That’s no small feat in a world that celebrates “my truth” like it’s the latest fashion trend. So, how do we encourage others to find real truth and joy without turning into spiritual micromanagers? Let’s dive in.
Agency: God’s Greatest Gift to Humanity
Agency is one of the greatest gifts God has given us. It’s the power to choose between eternal life and—let’s call it what it is—mediocrity. As Lehi teaches, “Men are free to choose liberty and eternal life… or captivity and death” (2 Nephi 2:27). Pretty straightforward, right? Yet, we’ve all seen how often people (ourselves included) end up choosing the spiritual equivalent of instant ramen over a gourmet feast.
Here’s the kicker: agency isn’t just for us—it’s for everyone. God respects our choices, even when they’re wrong, and expects us to do the same for others. But respecting someone’s agency doesn’t mean leaving them to wander aimlessly. Instead, it means lovingly guiding them toward truth while honoring their ability to decide for themselves.
Finding Truth in a “My Truth” World
Elder Soares warns against the “my truth” philosophy—a mindset that can lead to self-delusion or spiritual stagnation. While it’s tempting to let people “do their thing,” true discipleship means inviting them to discover God’s will, which leads to greater joy than any self-made path ever could.
But how do we do this without becoming overbearing? Simple: we lead with love, patience, and example. Just as Christ invites us to follow Him, we can invite others by living in a way that radiates peace, joy, and purpose.
Helping Others While Honoring Their Agency
Here’s the golden rule for helping others find real truth: don’t be a bulldozer—be a lighthouse. Bulldozers try to push people into alignment, often leading to resistance or resentment. Lighthouses, on the other hand, guide from a distance, offering light and direction without forcing the ship to change course.
Practical Ways to Help:
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Live Your Faith Openly
People are naturally drawn to authenticity. When they see you living a joyful, Christ-centered life, they’ll want to know your secret. -
Share Truth Lovingly
Offer truth with kindness, not judgment. Instead of saying, “You’re doing it wrong,” try, “Here’s what’s helped me find peace.” -
Ask Questions, Don’t Preach
Questions like, “What brings you lasting happiness?” or “Have you ever felt God’s guidance in your life?” open doors to meaningful conversations. -
Be Patient with Their Journey
Just as God is patient with us, we need to allow others to discover truth at their own pace. Avoid the urge to “fix” them immediately. -
Pray for Guidance and Opportunities
Ask God to help you know when and how to share His truths. Often, the Spirit’s timing is more important than the message itself.
Christ’s Example: Balancing Truth and Agency
Jesus is the perfect example of inviting others to align with God’s will while respecting their agency. He didn’t coerce or manipulate; He simply extended an invitation: “Come, follow me” (Matthew 4:19). Some accepted, while others walked away. But Christ never wavered in His love for them.
Elder Soares highlights how Christ’s submission to the Father’s will was a gift not just for Him but for all of us. By using His agency to fulfill God’s plan, He opened the way for us to do the same. We can follow His example by using our agency to guide others to truth—not by force, but through love and example.
Real-Life Stories of Guiding Others
Elder Soares shares stories of individuals who not only aligned their will with God’s but also inspired others along the way:
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The Reluctant Missionary: A young man, unsure about serving a mission, chose to go after hearing an Apostle’s testimony. His decision not only transformed his life but inspired others to trust in God’s promises.
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The Fashion Maverick: A young woman in the fashion industry refused to compromise her standards of modesty, despite pressure from her colleagues. Her integrity sparked respect and admiration, showing how one person’s courage can illuminate the path for others.
These examples remind us that the way we live speaks louder than words. When we align with God’s will, we naturally become lighthouses for others.
Finding Joy in Alignment
Here’s the secret sauce: when we align our will with God’s, we experience a joy so profound that it spills over, influencing those around us. Elder Soares describes the moment when our desires and God’s become one as “majestic and heroic discipleship.” At that point, helping others feels less like a duty and more like a natural outgrowth of our own happiness.
Conclusion: Be the Lighthouse
Life is a journey of choices, not just for us but for everyone around us. While we can’t make decisions for others, we can light the way by living the gospel with joy and authenticity. Elder Soares teaches that aligning our will with God’s doesn’t just transform us—it empowers us to lovingly invite others to find the same peace and purpose.
So, let’s commit to being lighthouses, not bulldozers. Let’s honor the agency of our brothers and sisters while guiding them toward real truth. And as we align our will with God’s, may we all discover the pearl of great price together—one choice, one moment, and one lovingly shared truth at a time.
How to Apply the Lesson: Aligning Our Will with His
Elder Ulisses Soares’ message about aligning our will with God’s offers a practical roadmap for deepening our discipleship and helping others along the way. Here’s how to live this lesson:
1. Start with Yourself: Align Your Will with God’s
- Pray for Guidance: Make it a daily habit to ask, “What is Thy will for me today?” Be specific and intentional in seeking answers.
- Study the Scriptures: Look for examples of submission to God’s will, like Christ in Gethsemane or Nephi’s willingness to build a ship. Let their faith inspire your own.
- Prioritize Eternal Goals: Identify worldly distractions that pull you away from God’s path. Replace them with activities that strengthen your spirit, like temple worship, service, or family time.
- Act with Courage: When faced with difficult decisions, ask yourself, “Does this choice bring me closer to God?” Be willing to sacrifice personal desires to follow His plan.
2. Help Others Find Truth While Honoring Their Agency
- Be a Lighthouse, Not a Bulldozer: Shine brightly through your example of joy and faith. Don’t force others; instead, lovingly invite them to come closer to Christ.
- Ask Questions to Spark Thought: Use open-ended questions like, “What brings you lasting happiness?” to encourage reflection. Listen sincerely.
- Share Your Testimony Naturally: Share moments when aligning with God’s will brought you peace and purpose. Personal stories are powerful motivators.
- Pray for Them: Ask Heavenly Father to guide you in knowing how to help someone on their journey. Trust the Spirit’s timing.
- Be Patient and Respectful: Everyone’s path is different. Honor their agency and trust that God is working in their lives, even if you can’t see it yet.
3. Practice Aligning with God in Relationships
- Strengthen Family Bonds: Teach your family by example. Show how prioritizing God’s will brings harmony and joy into your home.
- Encourage without Criticizing: If someone makes a choice you don’t agree with, resist the urge to judge. Instead, offer support and encouragement to help them realign when they’re ready.
- Focus on Love: Show unconditional love, just as the Savior does. It’s often love, not lectures, that brings people closer to God.
4. Reflect Regularly and Recommit
- Conduct a Spiritual Inventory: Ask yourself weekly, “Am I choosing God’s will over my own?” Identify areas for improvement and set small, achievable goals.
- Celebrate Progress: Recognize the peace and joy that come from even small acts of obedience. Share these moments in family discussions or personal journaling.
- Recommit Daily: Each morning, declare your intent to follow God’s will, and seek His help to stay on the path.
5. Embrace Joy in the Journey
- Find Joy in Alignment: As Elder Soares teaches, the moment when your will and God’s align is transformative. Celebrate the peace and clarity that come from trusting His plan.
- Help Others See the Joy: When others witness your happiness in living God’s will, they’ll naturally want to follow. Be a source of light and hope.
Conclusion: A Daily Choice
Applying Elder Soares’ lesson is about consistent, small steps: prioritizing God’s will, helping others find truth lovingly, and trusting that His plan leads to eternal joy. As you do this, you’ll find your choices aligning more naturally with God’s, and you’ll become a source of light for others. Each day, recommit to say, “What works for Thee works for me,” and watch the transformation unfold.
Source
Aligning Our Will with His - Elder Ulisses Soares Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
