Finding Wisdom for the Work: Lessons from the Old Testament

Sometimes, when you’re deep in the thick of it—maybe you’ve just come back from a transfer, or maybe you’re facing down a tough set of questions in missionary discussions—you feel like you’ve seen every corner of the work. You think you know the scriptures by heart, you know the nuances of the doctrine, and you can answer any question thrown your way.

But the truth, my brothers and sisters, is that the work is infinite. The needs of the world, the questions of the investigators, and the depth of the Spirit’s promptings can always reveal a new layer of truth we need to study. It reminds me of how we sometimes get so focused on the immediate task—the lesson plan, the call to action—that we forget to pause and simply soak in the wisdom embedded in the covenants.

I was listening to a recent podcast episode focusing on Exodus 31:3, and it really struck a chord about what it means to be truly equipped for the Lord’s work. It’s not just about knowing facts; it’s about cultivating a heart that seeks wisdom above all else.

Cultivating the Heart of a Disciple

When we talk about wisdom in the context of being a disciple, we’re talking about more than just academic knowledge. We’re talking about the kind of deep, abiding understanding that comes from consistent study, from being teachable, and from having the Spirit guide our focus. It’s the kind of wisdom that allows us to be effective internet missionaries whether we’re in the temple, at home, or across the globe.

This principle of seeking wisdom echoes through the whole narrative of the Book of Mormon and the Old Testament. It’s a constant reminder that even when we feel like we’ve mastered our mission prep, there is always more to learn, more to refine, and more to share. We must always be ready to go back to the source material, to the foundational texts, and ask, “What does the Spirit want me to learn today?”

If you’ve been feeling a little rusty in your scripture study, or if you’re preparing for a big assignment—whether that’s a visit from a district leader or just a challenging week at home—I encourage you to take a moment to revisit the material. Don't just skim it for the required knowledge; study it with the heart of a student ready to receive revelation.

Speaking of study, I know some of us are deep into our Book Club discussions in HolyPlaces, or maybe you’re utilizing the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook to connect over insights. These tools are powerful because they keep us connected to the ongoing, communal nature of discipleship. They remind us that we are never truly alone in the work.

A Small Skill for Our Discipleship

Here’s a little skill I want to pass along this week, something I’ve found helpful when I’m feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things I feel I *should* know. It’s called the "One Verse Anchor." When you are studying a passage, don't just underline the main point. Instead, find one verse—just one—that encapsulates the *feeling* or the *covenant* you want to remember from that study. Write it down, and when you feel yourself getting bogged down in the details, look at that one verse. It’s your anchor back to the core truth.

We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. And sometimes, that anchor is simply remembering that the Lord is with us, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

If you’re looking for more deep dives into these kinds of foundational scriptures, I highly recommend checking out the Iron Rod authors. There are some fantastic insights on covenant keeping and the nature of the Atonement available in LivingBook that will strengthen your testimony.

For those who want to keep the momentum going, we’re hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week—it’s a great way to apply what we learn in a low-stakes, high-encouragement environment. Check the Rogue Disciples announcements for details!

Remember, the goal isn't perfection; it’s persistent, Spirit-guided effort. Keep gathering Israel, keep studying, and keep inviting others to come unto Christ.