https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders-a ... ies-226230
I've heard some of this kind of talk from some GAs before (Uchtdorf and Oaks when he was head missionary) but not necessarily succinctly packaged like this. The three "needful things" are seeking perfection in Christ, following the doctrine of Christ (and inviting others to), and preaching Christ.
Well put, IMO. I think in the church many individuals tend to focus on the worldly idea of perfection.“To seek perfection in Christ is to be patient, full of kindness and long-suffering, with ourselves and those around us,” Elder Gong said. “To seek perfection in Christ is to put aside the self-centered perfectionism of the world.”
He labeled the perfectionism of the world as a treadmill. “The more we focus on our inadequacies or imperfections, the more inadequate or imperfect we feel,” he said. “Too often, the perfectionism of the world reduces our self-esteem and even our faith. Instead of bringing us closer to the Savior, the perfectionism of the world focuses us on us, drawing us inward, instead of toward Jesus Christ.”...
“So, our first needful thing to believe and know perfection is in Jesus Christ, the Holy One of Israel, the author and finisher of our faith, the Only Begotten and Beloved Son of God our Eternal Father.”
I do recall Elder Oaks saying something very similar to this a few years back. I couldn't agree more. However, that's not the message most of our missionaries are getting from their leaders (or families) and the pressure on them to get people to church and baptized is tremendous.“Our primary purpose is not to invite others to come to Church or even to join the Church,” Elder Gong said. Rather the primary missionary purpose “is to invite others to come unto Jesus Christ, to learn of and love Him, and to follow His perfect example, which includes baptism by immersion. It is a true and wonderful gospel principle that we feel closer to our Savior as we help others draw closer to Him.”
I get the feeling this quote is heavily abridged, and that's OK with me because it's the one I agree with least. Not that I don't agree we should preach Christ, I absolutely do believe that we should. And I agree we don't have all the answers. I disagree that bearing testimony is the cure-all however. Some people believe bearing testimony and reading the Book of Mormon are capable of miracles - that has not been my experience.“As the Apostle Paul says, ‘we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord’ (2 Corinthians 4:5),” Elder Gong taught.
He warned the missionaries against “Bible bashing or scripture bashing,” when others bait or debate with missionaries.
“If you confront questions or issues with which you are unfamiliar or unsure, focus on the essentials you know. You may not know everything — no one does. But you know and you will learn what you need to invite honest seekers of gospel truth to draw closer to Jesus Christ. Your testimony can invite each soul to follow Jesus Christ’s example to be kind, compassionate and to find joy on His covenant path. Because this is His work, He will help you. Trust Him, always give Him the credit and glory, with faith and gratitude.”