Building the Kingdom: Finding Our Purpose in Rebuilding

Sometimes, the weight of the world—or maybe just the weight of our own expectations—feels like the mighty walls of Jerusalem after a long siege. You look around, and what was once strong, what was once sacred, seems utterly ruined. It’s a humbling, sometimes disheartening, place to be.

I was reminded of this week’s study of Ezra and Nehemiah, and I immediately thought about that little three-year-old who, after a family picnic, declared with absolute seriousness, “Daddy, I want to build the kingdom!”

It struck me then: whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply trying to have a meaningful conversation with an investigator, the calling is the same. We are all called to build. We are called to rebuild.

Rebuilding What's Broken

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah are powerful reminders that rebuilding isn't just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the spirit, the covenant, and the resolve of the people. They faced opposition, they faced apathy, and they faced the sheer scale of the task. But they kept going because they remembered *why* they were there.

When we look at the process—from the initial decree of Cyrus to the final dedication of the walls—it mirrors so much of our own journey as Latter-day Saints. We are always in a state of reconstruction. We are rebuilding our personal covenants, rebuilding our understanding of the Plan of Salvation, and yes, we are rebuilding the Kingdom of God right here on earth.

Overcoming Opposition

The lesson on overcoming opposition is always key. Opposition isn't always a dramatic enemy at the gates; sometimes, it's the little voice of doubt in our own hearts, or the inertia of comfortable routine. It’s the tendency to let the work stall because it seems too big, or too hard.

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the scope of the work—the sheer number of souls who need to hear the gospel—remember the example of the returning remnants. It wasn't one massive, perfect wave; it was a steady, persistent effort fueled by faith and the Spirit. That’s the rhythm of the disciple, isn't it? One sincere conversation, one heartfelt testimony shared, one commitment to keep showing up.

The Power of Godly Sorrow

Perhaps the most resonant moment in the study is the emphasis on godly sorrow. Nothing builds a temple or a strong wall faster than the willingness to admit where *we* have fallen short. It takes humility—a willingness to say, "I need to change my ways."

This is the heart of missionary preparation, isn't it? It’s not just about knowing the answers; it's about having the heart that recognizes its own need for the Savior. When we feel that ache, that genuine sorrow for sin, that is when the Spirit moves most powerfully, and when we are most receptive to the Lord's direction. It’s the precursor to true change.

My challenge to you this week, as we continue to be Internet missionaries, is to channel that inner three-year-old spirit—the one that cries out, "I want to stay with you, Daddy! I want to build the kingdom!"

Don't let the sheer scale of the work paralyze you. Instead, focus on the next brick. Focus on the next conversation. Focus on being Christlike in the small moments.

If you want to dive deeper into the mechanics of rebuilding our understanding of these covenants, I highly recommend checking out the Book Club discussions happening in HolyPlaces this week. Or, if you’d rather tackle the tough theological questions head-on, I encourage you to run through a mock missionary discussion with Davee using the AI Investigator role. He’s ready to help you sharpen those answers!

Keep building, disciples. The Lord is with us.