The Mormon Missionary Part X: Enthusiasm!

A few weeks ago, a coworker found out that I'm a Mormon. She immediately proceeded to tell about another church member with whom she had recently worked in another country. As she described him to me, she couldn't refrain from smiling. You could tell her esteem for this gentleman was very high. “He has one of the biggest personalities I've ever seen. He was always a fun person to work with,” she told me.

Hearing success stories like this always makes me happy. It means that some Mormon somewhere made a positive and lasting impression on someone. And this is not an isolated incident. There are many successful Mormon diplomats out there making similarly positive impressions. I often hear observations about Mormons that go something like this: “They are always so happy,” or “They smile so much” or “Even if they have no rhythm it is entertaining to watch them dance.” As members of the church, one of the best ways we can represent the Gospel which so defines our lives is to be seen as happy, positive, and most especially, enthusiastic people.

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

Another way to put it is like this:



I believe this memorable scripture refers, in some part, to the type of personality we should all try to foster. Granted, not all of our lights will shine in the same way. But nevertheless, if we are the kind of people who leave lasting positive impressions on others, we are doing the missionaries a wonderful favor.

There are a few caveats, however, when it comes to being enthusiastic Mormons. First of all, we can make all the good impressions we want, but it won't do squat for the cause of Mormon diplomacy unless they actually know that we are Mormons. Believe it or not, Mormonism is a religion and not an ethnic group (well, with Utah possibly being an exception...). Our fellow earthlings probably won't know we are church members unless it is brought to their attention by us or somebody else. That doesn't mean that we have to suffocate others with declarations of religion. “Hi, I'm Joe, the Mormon” may not be the best first greeting. However, there are more natural ways to fit it into a conversation.

Also (and I may be primarily talking to myself here) it is best to give an impression that is more substantive than simply entertaining. While entertainment is fine, alone it seldom wins real respect. Showing enthusiasm in other regards, such as in our work ethic, in helping others, etc., will paint a better picture of who we are as a religious people.

As I missionary, I was once presented with a riddle: “What's the difference between a geyser and a mud pot?” The answer: A geyser has enthusiasm. Enthusiastic people make friends. People who make friends make better missionaries.

If you are like many who have more naturally introverted personalities, the idea of enthusiasm might not sound as appealing to you. That's okay. Again, there is more than one way to skin a cat. One doesn't need to standing on tables and singing in crowded cafeterias to exhibit enthusiasm. But, little things do make a difference. It could be a conscious effort to open up a little more when talking to others, striking up simple conversations with strangers, or even making an effort to smile and say hello to people you pass by in public.

I hope we all can be a bit more enthusiastic as members of the Church. After all, we have a lot to be happy about.