In his classic address to the Church, President Ezra Taft Benson stated, "Pride is essentially competitive in nature. . . . When we direct our pride toward God, it is in the spirit of 'my will and not thine be done' " (April 1989 general conference; Ensign, May 1989, p. 4). He also taught, "The antidote for pride is humility ?— meekness, submissiveness." One of the ways President Benson taught that we could choose humility was "by loving God, submitting our will to His, and putting Him first in our lives" (Ensign, May 1989, p. 7).

The importance of humility is demonstrated not only in the choice to resist temptation, but also in the courage to enlist in the Lord's service and face new challenges that may be beyond our current abilities. President James E. Faust taught, "A person who is humble is teachable" (April 2003 general conference; Ensign, May 2003, p. 109).

Two aspects of humility, the desire to put God's will first, and a willingness to be taught were demonstrated by my parents after they had submitted their applications to become full-time missionaries.

In 1990, my parents, Reed and Marie Zemp, requested a 12-month mission in the United States or Canada. Mother was concerned about Grandmother and didn't want to be gone too long or too far. Soon after the papers arrived in Salt Lake City, they received a phone call from the Missionary Department asking if they would serve for a year and a half, and they quickly agreed. Next they were asked if they would go to Africa. Both were schoolteachers and Zimbabwe would only admit English instructors. With great humility and some trepidation, my parents agreed to accept the assignment.

They entered the mission field with determination and a willingness to learn their new responsibilities and adjust to a different culture. This humble act of accepting God's will over their own preferences was the beginning of an experience that was to become a highlight of their lives. They developed a deep love and respect for the Zimbabwe people. They were impressed by the humility and faith of the members with whom they worked and witnessed repeatedly the tender mercies of the Lord in blessing these faithful Saints.

When we attune our lives to the Lord's will in humble submissiveness, we are less likely to be swayed by the pull of the world or the praise of peers. We have greater ability to resist temptation and we are led to have rich, meaningful experiences that enhance our divine nature.

My parents' example of humility has not only blessed their lives and the lives of those they served, but it has also influenced their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren eternally.

Logan Zemp is director of the Calgary and Red Deer Institutes of Religion in Alberta, Canada.