Missionary Work: Part One

We’ll Bring The World His Truth!

I have thought much about my life and the influence I have to make a difference in the world and the lives around me, particularly in the field of spreading the good news of the gospel.

I have at times been frustrated at how life in general can feel as though I’m being encroached upon by the actions of others, not doing what they ought, and how that makes me feel, in reference to my own spiritual equilibrium.

As I have battled that war, and have won, I want to share some inspirational points which may help you get through these challenges, and better serve the Lord.

I find myself in the natural flow and current of the atonement, where stuff that used to drag me down, doesn’t bother me anymore, because I am over it now. I live with the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my life, and act out of Heavenly Father’s will as a daily experience.

I feel Him in me, and I in He. This came with some significant course corrections and realignment, as well as adjustments. I feel I’m doing much better, and this because of the gift of repentance and change.

This message is on the grounds of how to get to the place I’ve found of doing God’s will, from where I was before, when I was a victim, being acted upon rather than acting. I’m now playing my role as a good and faithful servant of the Lord, sharing and spreading his good news.

I have often been drawn in life, to the analogy of the lobsters trying to fight their way out of a boiling hot water pot. As they fight frantically for a way to stop the pain, there are some who look up for higher solutions. Time and time again we see how the lower creatures pull down on the ones trying to escape over the top and side of the burning pit, making it much harder for any chance of escape.

I see this as a true principle in life. Yes, many people present themselves in opposition to progress anytime someone decides to reach for a higher plain. History has repeated itself in this way many times, and I have seen this much in my own life.

I am free, and can stand up, and do as God wants, because that’s what He has created me for. As a person continues to progress and move up from one thing to another, the ability to do more and better things increases, as does the speed and capacity to do so.

The thought which inspired this post is this:

To see the sin around us, as opportunities to serve, love and give light and help to others.

Wow, what a game changer! As this post’s focus is on missionary work, what better way to utilize ourselves than as ministers of need? So, with this in mind, know that there is a way to get from point ‘A,’ (I want to share my testimony and knowledge of the gospel), to point ‘B,’ (I am sharing my influence and testimony through service, as well as teaching others the gospel).

In teaching the gospel, the Lord has commanded:

11 Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men. D&C 11: 21

This pertains to living the word, for without living the word, you will not have God’s Spirit. Having the word changes us internally, to desire to live worthily and keep His commandments. However, if we hold on to our sins, or seek to excuse them, we will not have the Holy Spirit with us, and will be deceived, even in our learning of the gospel.

A huge part of desiring to share the gospel, and our success in doing so, is our faithful diligence in living it. We cannot have our bodies full of light and glory, if our eyes are not singly fixed upon our Savior, who is our divine light and perfect exemplar.

My deepest and innermost desire in sharing this post with you, is to plead with you to come, come unto Christ, and be perfected in Him. Be one who battles above the other “lobsters.” Be one who acknowledges the frailties of men, but then gets right up there and says, “Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean it’s correct or right. I choose to follow God.” And then go out there and do it!

Please do not rationalize desensitizing media, or worldly hobbies that take you away from God and off your life’s path to Him. Yes, everyone else may do it, but when Noah was told not to participate, but to save himself and family, he did! You should too. Remember who you are. You come from the Holiest of all Gods, the Most High God line. Come, and know Him, and know why you are here.

32 For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors. Alma 34:32

And now I ask, what will you do with your time? How will you work out your eternity? What will you anchor your heart to or set your heart upon, that it may lead you to God? For remember:

12 …where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Luke 12:34

If your treasures are stored up in heaven, there will your heart be, and your salvation and reward too. If your treasures are of and upon the world, there is your heart, and your reward, namely death, hell and misery, for these are the fruits of a fallen, unrepentant heart.

If you want to abide in the presence of God the Father, then right here and now, live with Him in your life, do His will, and follow His path. You will find His way, which is the only way, even Christ, the truth, life and light.

The prophets and scriptures teach us how to live and what is real; about truth and the spiritual realms and what faith is.

For there are things existing, which though we do not currently see with our mortal carnal eyes, are just as real and substantial as a broken chair, or an umbrella right before our eyes. Our task then is to learn how to navigate through these spiritual realities, through learning and understanding the truth as it is, and applying it in all these circumstances and avenues. Each and every day, come closer and closer to God, as we find out who we are, and what roles we play.

What a blessing to have the fullness of the restored gospel, where Jesus Christ Himself reigns at the head, and a prophet upon the earth in our day to administer on His behalf. For these things I am ever grateful, and will always be Heavenly Father’s loving child.

Shane