Do Your Part with All Your Heart 

In his October 2025 General Conference address, “Do Your Part with All Your Heart,” Dieter F. Uchtdorf teaches that discipleship is neither accidental nor passive. It is a deliberate and sustained effort to follow Jesus Christ patiently, consistently, and with commitment.

He reminds us that faith does not remain strong by default. Like any skill or discipline, it must be practiced and nourished over time.

“Simply put, discipleship takes self-discipline. It is not a casual endeavor, and it doesn’t happen by accident.”

This framing shifts discipleship away from momentary inspiration and toward daily, faithful engagement.

Common Criticism: “If salvation depends on Christ, my individual effort doesn’t really matter.”

Some struggle to reconcile teachings about grace with the repeated call to effort. They may wonder whether emphasizing personal discipline undermines reliance on the Savior or whether effort is merely symbolic.

Fallacy at Work: Grace Replaces Commitment

This view treats grace and effort as competing forces. It assumes that if Christ has done the “superhuman part,” then sustained personal discipleship is optional or secondary.

Elder Uchtdorf’s Correction: Christ Does the Saving, We Do the Following

Elder Uchtdorf addresses this tension directly. While salvation is made possible entirely through Jesus Christ, discipleship still requires intentional participation. He teaches:

“We know that our efforts alone cannot make us celestial. But they can make us loyal and committed to Jesus the Christ, and He can make us celestial.”

Grace does not eliminate effort. It gives effort meaning.

Resolving this Fallacy:

The gospel does not ask for perfection, but it does ask for participation. Faith grows as it is exercised, applied, and sustained over time.

Living Apologetics: Effort as Evidence of Trust

Elder Uchtdorf’s message offers a thoughtful response to the idea that effort implies self-reliance. Instead, he teaches that effort is an expression of loyalty to Christ.

Discipleship includes:

• Practicing faith daily
• Using spiritual gifts rather than burying them
• Persisting even when growth feels slow
  

He explains that when faith is not acted upon, confidence erodes. When faith is nourished, it becomes resilient.

Practical Apologetic Use

• If someone says: “I believe in Christ, but I don’t see why consistent effort matters.”
• You can respond: “Elder Uchtdorf teaches that faith grows only as we actively apply it. Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident.”
  

Ways to Apply Today

1️⃣ Identify one area where spiritual effort has become passive.
2️⃣ Choose a small and consistent action to reengage.
3️⃣ Trust that Christ magnifies sincere effort over time.

Keep This Talk With You

Elder Uchtdorf reassures disciples that growth is gradual and that beginnings may be small, but they matter. Christ has already done what we could never do on our own. Our role is to follow Him step by step with trust and persistence.

“The beginning may be small. But that is OK.”

Where might the Lord be inviting me to engage more fully, patiently, and consistently in my discipleship?

 

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.