Live up to what you believe at all times and in all places. The strongest reason you can give others to believe what you do is to live what you believe. Living what you believe provides a more tangible example than any vocal argument can provide. Examples speak louder than words. Showing the value of what you believe by example is more important than logically proving that it is correct. Demonstrating what is better by example requires less critical thinking skill and honesty than a superior argument does, and it’s harder to deny what is obviously better than what is rationally superior. You should never attempt to teach others something that you don’t first live yourself. Hypocrites do not have the convincing power of God through the spirit.1 Only a fool will believe a hypocrite, and even then only for so long as it takes to encounter the slightest inconvenience in their new belief.
Footnotes
- 1. But a commandment I give unto you, that ye shall declare whatsoever thing ye declare in my name, in solemnity of heart, in the spirit of meekness, in all things. And I give unto you this promise, that inasmuch as ye do this the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever ye shall say. (D&C 100:7-8) ↩