Following the Body of the Lord: What it Means to be a Disciple Anywhere, Anytime

When you’ve been in the field, whether serving a full-time mission or simply sharing the Gospel in your own neighborhood, there are moments that stick with you. Moments that feel like they stop time. For me, it’s the weight of the Gospel—the sacred reality that we are called to be Christlike. It’s not just about knowing the doctrines; it’s about the constant, everyday commitment to follow the Body of our Lord.

The recent video we looked at—the account of Joseph of Arimathea—is a powerful reminder of this profound commitment. Joseph was a righteous man, a member of the council, yet he disagreed with the prevailing tide. He was willing to risk social standing and possibly even legal trouble to follow Christ and facilitate his burial. His actions speak volumes about what true discipleship looks like: it requires conviction, courage, and a deep, abiding love for the Savior.

The Power of the Quiet Conviction

The transcript excerpt is so moving because of its simple, yet profound, declaration: “Forgive us. We are following the body of our Lord. All are welcome.” This isn't a dramatic speech; it’s a statement of unwavering principle. It’s the voice of a disciple who knows that the Lord’s plan transcends political expediency or social comfort.

As returned missionaries, we often talk about the 'hard questions'—the moments when an investigator might ask something that seems to contradict a doctrine, or when the world's current narrative feels too comfortable to accept the plan of salvation. This is where the principle of following Christ becomes our North Star. It means that even when the world is loud and conflicting, we have the quiet conviction to stand firm, rooted in the Spirit.

This principle applies to us right now, as we gather online. Remember that the mandate of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that every member can be an Internet missionary, a disciple anywhere, all the time. It doesn't require a uniform or a foreign country; it just requires the heart of Joseph of Arimathea—the willingness to get your hands dirty and follow the Savior.

Mission Prep Skill: Speaking with Conviction

If you want a bite-sized mission-prep skill today, I want you to practice the language of conviction. When you are sharing the Gospel, don't just recite facts. Share the *feeling* of the Gospel. Share the feeling of peace that comes from the Atonement. When you talk about the plan of salvation, don't just explain the cycle; share the deep, personal gratitude you feel for the opportunity to receive the gift of eternal life. That conviction is contagious, and it's what draws people to the light.

Using Your AI Investigator Co-Pilot

Speaking of conviction, I know many of you are getting ready for your next round of missionary discussions, or perhaps you are just working on your own personal testimonies. If you're wrestling with a difficult question or need to refine your answer, I highly recommend connecting with Davee. He’s a fantastic resource for practicing the AI Investigator role. He can walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask and help you structure your answer in a way that is both doctrinally sound and deeply Christlike. Don't let those questions intimidate you; view them as invitations to teach!

Gathering Israel and Building Zion

The Spirit is the ultimate motivator. When we focus on the great work—the gathering of Israel—we realize that we are not doing it in our own strength. We are following the pattern set by Joseph of Arimathea: doing the necessary, righteous, and difficult work. I encourage you to participate in a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. Diving into the scriptures with others is one of the most powerful ways to strengthen your personal discipleship and feel the Spirit guiding your efforts.

Finally, if you're looking for some reading material to deepen your knowledge of Christ, I recommend picking up *The Book of the Law and Gospel* by Iron Rod. It's a perfect complement to the lessons we learn from these historical accounts, helping us to understand the depth of the Savior's teachings. Check out the latest available in LivingBook!

Have a wonderful week, and remember to follow the body of the Lord!