As the Church continues to grow, members are urged to let the world see their good works rather than hear them dwell on accomplishments or achievements, said Elder Marvin J. Ashton.

Speaking Sunday morning, Elder Ashton of the Council of the Twelve pointed out: "We should remember to avoid the damaging effects that can come when we appear to be boasting about increased numbers or growth. How much better it is to let others measure our achievements rather than misunderstand as we recite on a continuing basis our percentages, progress, or family performances."Elder Ashton defined boasting as "glorifying oneself, to talk in a vain or bragging manner, or to talk especially about one's deeds. Boasting is to speak with pride and to take pride in, to brag about, to be proud to possess.

"We are humbly grateful," explained Elder Ashton, "for our increased number of conversions, of the many missionaries in the field, and of the evidence of improved commitments to and in the Church."

Elder Ashton recalled an incident when President Spencer W. Kimball was told of the great numbers of missionaries serving. "He said, `I am grateful, but not impressed.' Gratitude was expressed, but he urged Church members to refrain from basking in their glory and to move on to higher levels and new horizons.

"Our Savior, Jesus Christ, to whose Church we belong, would be disappointed if we ever created the impression that the efforts and the hard work put forth to build His kingdom were based only on the wisdom and power of man."

Members can be happy about the number of children they have been blessed with, the missionaries who have served, the temple marriages of offspring, accomplishments of family members, "but others who are not so fortunate may have feelings of guilt or inadequacy."

"For this reason our appreciation should be sincerely felt and gratitude expressed frequently to our Father in Heaven, but not too vocally to the world."

It is important to recognize where blessings, accomplishments, and achievements come from, counseled Elder Ashton. "Constantly we should be reminded that we must not boast of faith nor of mighty works but should instead boast of God in His blessings and goodness to us. God will help us to understand that humility must be our foundation if the goodness of the Lord is to continue to come to and from us."

Elder Ashton continued: "In our day, after naming the miraculous signs that always attend those who have faith and those who believe the very truth taught by Jesus anciently, the Lord said: `But a commandment I give unto them, that they shall not boast themselves of these things, neither speak them before the world; for these things are given unto you for your profit and for salvation.'

"Everything is given by God. All talent, creativity, ability, insight, and strength comes from Him. . . . Boasting will be erased when we seek the Lord's help and thank Him for all we have and are."