Bridging Divides: Finding the Common Ground in the Great Work

It’s easy, when we’re deep in the field, or even here in the quiet sanctity of our own homes, to get so focused on the *next* breakthrough—the next convert, the next deep doctrinal question answered. We get so excited about the specific, tangible progress we’re making in the work that we can sometimes lose sight of the bigger picture.

I was recently reflecting on some talks—some very thoughtful, challenging talks—that spoke about the sheer difficulty of unity, even among groups who claim to follow the same divine tradition. It made me stop and think about what the Spirit is truly trying to teach us about the nature of the gospel, and perhaps, the nature of discipleship itself.

When we talk about making disciples of Christ, we often picture a clear path: the investigator asks a question, we use our knowledge from our studies, and we help them see the light. But what happens when the divisions are so deep—sectarian, cultural, or ideological—that people are fighting amongst themselves over the *details* of belief?

The message I took away, and what I wanted to share with my fellow rogue disciples, is this: The greatest enemy isn't always the one standing across the aisle; sometimes, the greatest enemy is the division we allow to take root within our own hearts and communities.

It’s a humbling thought. We are called to be missionaries to all people, to build bridges, not walls. The counsel I heard emphasized that the most powerful witness isn't a perfect doctrinal rebuttal, but rather a life lived so transparently—so filled with genuine, productive, and generous love—that it shines so brightly it compels people to look closer.

This rings so true when we think about the core of our faith. What unites all the people of the Book, regardless of their historical or modern disagreements, is the belief in a prophetic tradition, a divine source, and an ultimate duty to that God. That unifying thread—the belief in the pattern of revelation—is what we need to keep pointing back to.

It reminds me that our own journey, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply trying to keep up with our personal scripture study, requires us to constantly look for that common ground. We must resist the temptation to treat doctrinal differences as insurmountable chasms. Instead, we need to see them as opportunities to teach the *process* of revelation, the *process* of becoming more Christlike.

If you are feeling bogged down in the specifics—the *what* of the gospel—I encourage you to spend some time focusing on the *how*. How do we approach the difficult questions with humility? How do we build relationships across perceived divides? This is where the power of the Spirit truly shines.

Speaking of building things, I was reminded of the incredible resource available in LivingBook. If you haven't explored the Social Scripture Study layer recently, I highly recommend it. It’s a wonderful way to see how diverse disciples are connecting over shared verses, building a digital fellowship that transcends geographical or doctrinal comfort zones. It’s a beautiful example of the internet missionary spirit in action!

If this concept of unity and shared purpose resonates with you, I invite you to join our next online gathering. We'll be discussing how to translate these high-level principles into practical, everyday missionary discussions. It’s a chance to lift our spirits together and refine our testimonies. Check the link in the comments for details!

For those who prefer to study at home, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings of Dieter F. Jackson regarding the nature of discipleship. It’s a powerful reminder that our primary focus must always be on *becoming* rather than just *knowing*.

Keep pressing forward, brothers and sisters. The work is too important to let small differences distract us from the magnificent, unifying purpose of the restored gospel.