Graduating with Honor: Viewing Life as Our Greatest Mission Field

Sometimes, when we’re deep in the trenches of missionary discussions, or maybe we’re just wrestling with a tough question in a Bible Study Group, it feels like the learning curve is vertical. You feel like you’re juggling too much—the study, the personal revelation, the actual effort of going out in the field.

It’s easy to get caught up in the 'passing the test' mentality. We focus on the perfect talk, the flawless answer, or the most impressive scripture citation. But as I was reflecting recently after hearing Gary B. Sabin speak, it hit me: we are all preparing for two graduations, and the second one is the one that truly matters.

I remember thinking about that idea of viewing our entire lives as a mission. It’s a powerful lens, isn't it? It shifts the entire weight of our perspective. Instead of seeing our struggles—the times we stumble, the moments we feel inadequate—as failures, we start to see them as curriculum.

The Curriculum of the Master Teacher

Sabin’s talk reminded me that growth doesn't happen in the comfort zone. If we only build our lives on what is easy, what is known, what feels safe—we aren't building on the Rock. We are building on sand. The gospel, the revealed truths, they are our foundation. They are the things that give meaning and direction when the world feels shaky.

This isn't just theory for our *rogue disciples* gatherings. This is the practical work of being an internet missionary right where we are. Whether you’re studying for your next transfer, or you’re just having a quiet moment with the Book of Mormon, you are in the classroom. The curriculum is obedience, and the Master Teacher is Christ.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the work, remember the promise: “All things work together for good to them that love God.” That’s the bedrock. It’s the certainty that when we choose to follow Him, everything—even the hardest questions posed by an investigator—will eventually work toward our best good.

Building on the Rock

Think about the wise man building his house upon the rock. That rock isn't just scripture; it's covenant keeping. It's the commitment to keep our covenants, to be be christlike, and to always remember that we are eternal beings having a temporary, yet infinitely valuable, mortal experience.

This is a great reminder for anyone prepping for missions or just feeling the call to deepen their discipleship. If you want to strengthen that foundation, I highly recommend diving into some of the recent talks on covenant keeping. If you’re looking for a deep dive into foundational principles, check out the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook. Sometimes a good Book Club discussion on a key passage can really solidify that knowledge!

We are called to return with honor—not just to our Father, but to our covenants. And that honor is built day by day, through faith, through struggle, and through the consistent choice to follow the Savior.

If you feel the Spirit nudging you toward deeper study, join us this week! We’re hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge—it’s a perfect, low-stakes way to practice building on the Rock. Come share your insights!

— A returned missionary who still feels like a student.