Perhaps no place allows one to look upon the heart, rather than outward appearances, more than the field of one's missionary labors. President Thomas S. Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, pointed out the truthfulness of this concept in an address at the priesthood session of the October 1995 general conference.

"Entering the mission field can sometimes be an overpowering and frightening experience," President Monson said. "President Harold B. Lee was talking to me one day concerning those who feel inadequate and are worried when they receive an assignment in the Church." He counseled, "Remember, whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies."President Monson told the priesthood congregation about an experience he had when he presided over the Canadian mission, headquartered in Toronto.

One missionary entered the mission without some of the talents of others, yet he devotedly plunged into his missionary labors. Although the work was difficult for him, he valiantly struggled to be his best self.

"At a zone conference with a General Authority attending, the missionaries had not done too well in a scripture quiz conducted by the visitor," President Monson said. "The visitor, with a little sarcasm, commented, `Why, I don't believe this group knows even the names of the basic missionary pamphlets and their authors.'

"Well, that was the proverbial `straw' that broke the camel's back. I spoke up, `I think they do know them.' "

President Monson said that the visiting General Authority had the missionaries stand for questioning. Instead of selecting one of the bright-appearing, experienced, polished missionaries, the visitor singled out the new missionary, who was inexperienced and had a hard time learning of such things.

President Monson said his heart sank as he looked into the eyes of that missionary, who had a look of fear on his face. However, the missionary answered correctly each question the visiting General Authority asked in the impromptu quiz.

President Monson said that each Christmas he receives a card from that missionary. "Each year when that Christmas card arrives, I think of that experience and the lesson from 1 Samuel in the Holy Bible penetrates my soul.

"You will recall that the prophet Samuel was directed by the Lord to go to Bethlehem, even to Jesse, with the revelation that a king would be found among the sons of Jesse. Samuel did as the Lord had commanded him. Each of Jesse's sons was introduced to Samuel - even seven of them. Though they were fair and qualified in appearance, Samuel was told by the Lord that none was to be chosen.

" `And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him. . . . And he sent, and brought him in. . . . And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.' (1 Sam. 11-12.) "The lesson for us to learn is found in the sixteenth chapter of 1 Samuel, verse seven: `Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.' "