Carrying the Weight of the Great Work: Feeling the Call to Serve

Sometimes, when you’re studying the scriptures, or maybe you’re just sitting quietly with the Spirit after a session in HolyPlaces, the weight of the gospel can settle upon your heart. It’s a beautiful, profound weight—the weight of knowing that the Restoration was not an accident, but a divine plan, and that we are entrusted with carrying the torch forward.

It can feel immense. Like trying to carry the whole world’s needs on your shoulders. You look around at the global scope of the gospel—the missionaries in Japan, the brothers and sisters in the Philippines, the pioneers in New Zealand, and right here in our own neighborhoods—and you might feel a little overwhelmed. *How do I do my part?*

If you’ve ever felt that tug, that deep, persistent calling, I want you to know you are not alone. That feeling is the Spirit whispering, reminding us of the covenant we have made. It’s the call to be an internet missionary, a disciple wherever we are.

The Strength We Already Have

I was recently reviewing this powerful anthem, "A Great Work," and it hit me right where I needed it. Hearing voices from so many corners of the earth—from Columbia to Hong Kong—all singing about this shared calling, it’s a powerful testament to the unity of the Church. It reminds us of Alma 26:3: “And this is the blessing which hath been bestowed upon us, that we have been made instruments in the hands of God to bring about this great work.”

That scripture, and that song, are anchors. They anchor us to the truth that we are *made* for this. We aren't called because we are perfect; we are called because we are *made* instruments. The Lord knows the strength we need to cross those stormy seas—whether those seas are literal, or they are the deep doubts and intellectual hurdles of an investigator.

Discipleship in Action: From Study to Service

This principle—that the work is always with us—is what I’ve been trying to focus on lately. It’s not just for those in the MTC or those serving full-time. It’s for us, the rogue disciples, right here at home. If you’re feeling the pull to do more, I have a suggestion for your personal growth. I’ve been diving deep into the *Iron Rod* writings lately, specifically focusing on how to maintain that Christlike focus when the immediate mission field isn't visible.

For those who are feeling the pull to deepen their knowledge, I highly recommend checking out the Book Club options within HolyPlaces. There’s a Book Club forming around the Book of Mormon that is really digging into the themes of covenant keeping. It’s a wonderful way to engage in deep scripture-discipleship without needing to travel anywhere!

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill

If you’re feeling the missionary itch, here’s a little skill for you today: When you are talking with a friend who is struggling with a difficult doctrinal question, don't rush to give the answer. Instead, practice the art of the gentle redirect. Ask, "What do you think the scriptures teach about that?" or "How do you think the Spirit might guide us to an answer?" This models the process of revelation, which is far more powerful than reciting facts.

We are all missionaries. We are all disciples, anywhere, all the time. Don't wait for the call to be official to start living the call.

Join the Conversation

If this message resonated with you, please consider joining our next gathering. We are hosting a virtual session next Thursday evening to discuss how to apply the principles of the Great Work to our daily lives. You can find the sign-up link in the community feed. If you’re new to this concept, or if you want to practice wrestling with some tough questions, I’d love for you to try out Davee’s AI Investigator role in the forum. He’s ready to walk you through those hard questions.

Remember, the Lord has prepared a work for you long before the world was made. Keep your focus on Him, and He will lead you through the night.