In his October 2025 General Conference address, “The Lord Looketh on the Heart,” Elder Sergio R. Barcellos taught that God’s measure of discipleship is fundamentally different from the world’s. While people often evaluate faithfulness by outward appearance, performance, or visible success, the Lord looks first at the heart—our desires, intentions, and willingness to turn toward Him.
Elder Barcellos emphasized that this inward focus does not diminish obedience or covenant living. Rather, it places them in their proper order. True discipleship begins with the heart. When the heart is turned to Christ, outward obedience follows naturally and meaningfully.
This invites a careful reconsideration of how discipleship is sometimes measured.
All God needs to accomplish His purposes and to help us become who He wants us to become is for each of us to turn our hearts fully to Him.
Common Criticism: “Discipleship is often measured by outward appearance and behavior rather than the condition of the heart.”
Some feel that faithfulness in the Church is judged primarily by visible behaviors—attendance, callings, conformity, or outward success—rather than by sincerity, intent, or personal struggle. This perception can lead to discouragement, comparison, or performative obedience, where appearing faithful matters more than becoming converted.
Fallacy at Work: Externalism
Externalism assumes that visible behavior alone accurately reflects spiritual devotion. While obedience matters deeply, this mindset mistakes evidence of discipleship for its source. It risks rewarding appearance while neglecting conversion and overlooks the quiet, internal work of repentance, desire, and covenant loyalty.
Elder Barcellos’s Correction: God Works from the Inside Out
Elder Barcellos teaches that God’s concern for the heart does not excuse disobedience—it explains transformation. The Lord looks on the heart to understand why we act, not to eliminate the need for action. A willing heart invites repentance, patience, and growth, even when outward progress feels slow or uneven.
God’s concern is not perfection, but direction. As disciples sincerely turn their hearts toward Christ, He patiently works to align belief, desire, and behavior. Outward obedience has saving power when it flows from love, faith, and covenant commitment.
Resolving this Fallacy: The gospel does not ask disciples to perform righteousness for approval. It invites them to offer their hearts to Christ, trusting that He will refine both desire and discipline over time. When the heart is right, obedience becomes an expression of love rather than a display for others.
Living Apologetics: Sincere Discipleship over Spiritual Performance
In a culture of comparison—both inside and outside the Church—it can be tempting to measure worthiness by visibility. Elder Barcellos offers a liberating correction: God is not deceived by appearances, nor is He discouraged by sincere struggle.
This teaching gently answers quiet doubts such as:
- “Why am I trying if I still fall short?”
- “Why does my discipleship feel messier than others’?”
The answer is hopeful: God is working with your heart.
Practical Apologetic Use:
- If someone says: “The Church cares too much about how things look.”
- You can respond: “God looks on the heart. Obedience matters, but it’s meant to grow out of love and conversion—not performance. Elder Barcellos teaches that the Lord is far more concerned with who we are becoming than how we appear.”
Ways to Apply Today
1️⃣ Examine the motive behind one outward religious practice you engage in.
2️⃣ Replace comparison with compassion—toward yourself and others.
3️⃣ Offer the Lord your honest desire, even when your efforts feel incomplete.
Keep This Talk With You
Elder Barcellos’s message reassures disciples who strive sincerely but imperfectly. The Lord who looks on the heart understands weakness, honors effort, and works patiently with those who choose Him again and again.
Obedience matters. Covenants matter. But they matter most when they grow out of a heart turned toward Christ. As we offer Him our honest desires, He transforms them—line upon line—into faithful, enduring discipleship.
Where might I be focusing more on outward appearance than inward conversion—and how can I invite the Lord to work more fully on my heart?
The Consider Conference series by FAIR offers an in-depth look at recent General Conference talks to help members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints navigate common questions, misunderstandings, and criticisms. Each post provides doctrinal insights, historical context, and practical ways to apply gospel principles in everyday conversations. Through this series, we hope to equip readers with faith-promoting resources that encourage thoughtful reflection, respectful dialogue, and a stronger foundation in gospel truths, fostering both personal conviction and meaningful discussions with others.
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