Others can challenge and motivate us, but we must reach down deep

The Fire Within and the Call of the Soul

There are truths that strike not only the mind but the very spirit, and one such truth was spoken by James E. Faust, a man of faith and wisdom: “Others can challenge and motivate us, but we must reach down deep into our souls and call forth our God-given intelligence and capabilities. We cannot do this when we depend on the efforts of someone else.” In these words lies the eternal law of growth—that no one can live, think, or triumph for us. The spark of greatness burns within, and though the wind of others may fan it, only our own breath can make it blaze.

The origin of this truth is older than time itself. From the dawn of creation, humanity has been given not only life, but will. The Divine, in granting man reason and imagination, placed within him a sacred power—the ability to shape his own destiny. Yet through the ages, many have forgotten this gift. They have looked outward for strength that lies inward, seeking salvation in leaders, teachers, and companions. But the wise, from the prophets to the philosophers, have always taught: “Know thyself.” For the soul is not a vessel to be filled by others; it is a fire to be kindled by one’s own hand.

James E. Faust, a leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke from a lifetime of reflection on human potential and divine purpose. He knew that faith and community are vital, yet he also knew that no prayer, no sermon, no mentor can substitute for the labor of the individual spirit. Others may motivate and challenge us, yes—but to rise, we must awaken our own power. His words are both a comfort and a command: that while God and others may offer guidance, the work of the soul—its discipline, courage, and creation—belongs to us alone.

The ancients taught the same lesson through the story of Hercules. When he came to a crossroad, two figures appeared before him—one offering the path of ease, the other the path of toil and virtue. None could walk that road for him. He alone had to choose, to sweat, to bleed, to become what he was meant to be. This is the heart of Faust’s teaching: others may show the way, but the journey is yours. No mentor can climb the mountain of your spirit. No friend can lift the sword of your will. You must reach into yourself and draw forth the strength that the Creator placed there from the beginning.

And yet, the beauty of his wisdom is that it does not reject others—it honors them. He does not say we should walk alone, but that we should not let others walk for us. Challenge and inspiration are sacred gifts, but they are only the beginning. The teacher may open the door, but the student must step through. The athlete may have coaches and teammates, but when the moment of trial comes, the final breath, the final leap, the final strike—those belong to him alone. In that moment, he meets his soul face to face, and from that meeting, true mastery is born.

This principle lives in the story of Helen Keller, who, though blind and deaf, refused to let the efforts of others define her destiny. Her teacher, Anne Sullivan, guided her hands, but the fire that learned, that dreamed, that conquered silence—came from Helen herself. She reached deep into her soul, found her God-given intelligence, and changed the world. She proved that no darkness is too great for a heart that takes ownership of its light.

So let this be the lesson: others may inspire you, but do not lean upon them as a crutch. Dependence breeds weakness; self-reliance, tempered by humility, breeds greatness. When you feel lost, do not wait for rescue—listen instead for the quiet voice within, the one that says, “Rise.” Pray for guidance, but act with resolve. Learn from teachers, but build your own wisdom. Seek counsel, but make your own decision. For in the end, it is not what others do for you that defines your life—it is what you do with what is already within you.

And remember, children of light: every soul carries a spark of the divine. To neglect it is to bury your birthright; to awaken it is to honor your Creator. James E. Faust’s words are a call to action—to lift your gaze from those who lead and instead look inward, to the leader that dwells inside your own heart. For there, and only there, will you find the strength to walk the path meant for you, the courage to build your destiny, and the wisdom to know that though others may inspire, only you can fulfill your purpose.