From the Wilderness to the Lair: Finding Civilization in the Gospel Work

Brothers and sisters, sometimes I look back at the sheer, unexpected grace of the Lord, and I’m just overwhelmed. We talk about the mission field, about the sacred work of gathering Israel, and sometimes our minds drift to the most mundane, hilarious details—like the difference between a proper commode and just squatting under an oak tree. It’s funny how the Spirit can draw our focus to the most unexpected places.

Watching these moments—whether it’s a family scheme for a golf course, or the sheer volume of baptisms happening in a matter of weeks—it all boils down to one thing: the readiness to share the Gospel, no matter the setting. We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. The work doesn't pause for the convenience of a modern restroom!

The Art of Being Civilized for the Gospel

What struck me watching this footage was the contrast. On one hand, you have the raw, sometimes messy reality of life—the unpredictable moments, the need for simple, functional things. On the other, you have the profound, structured guidance of the restored Gospel. It reminds me that while the world can be chaotic, the principles of the restored Gospel—the principles taught in our scriptures and in our missionary discussions—provide the ultimate civilization.

Think about it. When we are out in the field, whether we are in the MTC, or out in a stake center doing follow-up, we are constantly being taught how to be 'civilized' in our testimony. We learn how to handle hard questions, how to guide a conversation toward the Savior, and how to keep our testimonies pure, even when the environment around us feels… primitive.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The 'Commode' Analogy

Here’s a little thought for our next round of missionary preparation. I want us to think of our testimonies like that commode setup mentioned in the video. When someone asks a challenging question—a tough "why" or a skeptical "how"—don't just give a quick, surface-level answer. That’s like just squatting in the field. Instead, remember the detailed instructions: show them *how* to get to the answer. Guide them through the process. Use the Book of Mormon, cite relevant scriptures, and point them toward the *process* of discipleship. That’s the proper, clean, functional way to build understanding.

It’s about providing the infrastructure for understanding, just like they needed the sign showing how to use the modern facilities. We are the guides to the restored knowledge!

Staying Unashamed in the Field

The spirit of being "unashamed" is more than just being loud; it’s about being *steadfast*. It’s about having a deep, quiet conviction in the restored gospel that doesn't waver when the culture around you is throwing things—or feces, as one gentleman humorously noted—on the law enforcement. Our conviction must be stronger than the surrounding noise.

This week, as you are serving in your calling—whether you are a returning missionary doing comps, a disciple in your local ward, or an internet missionary reaching across state lines—I encourage you to lean into the Spirit. If you’re struggling to articulate a doctrine, don't panic. Take a moment, breathe, and recall what you’ve learned in your Bible Study Group or Book Club. The knowledge is there; we just need the Spirit to help us arrange it clearly.

If you want to practice walking through those tough questions, I highly recommend tapping into Davee. He’s been trained on the art of the AI Investigator role, and walking through potential investigator questions with him is invaluable preparation. It’s like having a mock missionary discussion with a seasoned friend who knows exactly what the tough spots are.

For those who want to deepen their study on the covenants, I’ve been revisiting the teachings on the Plan of Salvation, and I found some incredible insights in the latest Iron Rod writings available in LivingBook. If you haven't checked out the social scripture study layer recently, do it. Seeing how others are highlighting passages related to covenants is a powerful reminder that we are all in this together.

What are you doing this week to keep the Gospel clean in your own life? Let’s keep building the infrastructure of discipleship, together!