Jonathan Haws Lately I’ve been thinking about the commandment to “multiply and replenish the earth.” We usually hear it in the context of having children, but it’s so much broader and deeper than that. To multiply is to increase—to put energy, goodness, and light into the world. And to replenish is to restore—to refill what has been poured out.
Every day, especially as missionaries, you are multiplying good in the world. You serve, you teach, you lift hands that hang down, you encourage people who feel lost or discouraged. You give of your time, your energy, your testimony, and your heart. But with that giving comes a truth that many disciples overlook: the spiritual commandment to replenish yourselves.
Sometimes church culture emphasizes “forget yourself and get to work” so strongly that it almost sounds like we should ignore our own needs. But Christ—who we are trying to follow—did not live that way. Over and over again He stepped away from the crowds, even after miracles, to rest, to pray, and to reconnect with His Father. Matthew writes, “And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray” (Matthew 14:23). Like I wrote to you a few weeks ago, Christ understood the rhythm of ministry: charge with God → expand that charge with His people → bring that power to the world → return again to be filled.
Even the resurrected Savior encouraged His followers to take time to replenish. After an astonishing day of miracles, blessings, and teaching, He told the people of Nephi, “Go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said… and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand” (3 Nephi 17:3). Rest. Reflect. Replenish. This, too, is discipleship.
Today in Elder’s Quorum we discussed Elder Brown’s talk, The Eternal Gift of Testimony. What I loved was how he didn’t present testimony as something we simply have or don’t have, but as something we intentionally build. Testimony takes effort, yes, but it also takes space—quiet moments where the Spirit can work with you. If you burn yourself out, you leave no room for the Spirit to replenish your faith. But when you slow down, when you rest, when you connect with God intentionally, something beautiful happens: your capacity increases. You multiply what God has given you because you have allowed Him to replenish you.
So as you serve, remember that you are not machines. You are sons of God with limits, needs, emotions, and humanity. Take time to rest. Take time to pray slowly, not rushed. Take time to breathe deeply. Take time to ponder. Take time to let the Spirit refill what the day has drained. This is not weakness—it is wisdom.
Your ability to multiply goodness in the world depends on your willingness to let the Lord replenish you. Christ modeled it. The scriptures teach it. And your long-term strength as missionaries depends on it.
Work hard. Love boldly. Serve joyfully. But also recharge intentionally. This rhythm will sustain you long after your missions are over.
