If You Knew What I Knew: A Call to Urgency in the Work

Brothers and sisters, have you ever heard someone say, "If you knew what I know, you would run"?

It’s a phrase that hit me recently, echoing off the words of President Jeffrey R. Holland at the 50th anniversary of BYU’s Religious Studies Center. The sentiment is electric, isn't it? It speaks to a profound, almost overwhelming sense of urgency to share the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.

As fellow disciples, we know that feeling. It’s that deep, persistent nudge from the Spirit that makes you want to stop what you’re doing—whether you’re running errands, sitting in the car, or just passing a friend on the street—and talk about the Plan of Salvation. It’s the feeling that whispers, "Go. Share this light."

This isn't just for those who are on a mission. This is for us, the rogue disciples, wherever we are, whenever we are. The invitation to be an internet missionary is real, and it requires us to cultivate that sense of urgency.

The Spirit as Our Guide and Urgency

What does that "knowing" entail? It’s knowing the depth of the covenants we’ve been invited to keep. It’s knowing the power of the Atonement. It’s knowing that the Lord has provided a path back to Him for every single soul who will listen.

When we think about missionary preparation, we often focus on the mechanics: what to say, how to answer objections, and how to pass the knowledge. But President Holland’s words remind us that the *feeling* is the most crucial part. The Spirit doesn't whisper; sometimes, it roars with the urgency of the Savior’s mission.

It reminds me of my own early days in the field. I remember feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of people, the sheer volume of the work. I thought I needed to know every answer, to have the perfect script for every conversation. But what I learned—what I wish I had known—is that the Lord equips us *in* the moment. He gives us the words, the testimony, and the gentle prompting to share what we know.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Listening for the Underlying Need

If you take one thing away today, let it be this: Practice listening not just for the *answer*, but for the *question* beneath the question. When someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" they might not just want to know your job title; they might be testing your confidence, or they might be looking for a way to connect your life to a principle of eternal worth. Be ready to pivot your testimony to meet the *real* need you sense in the Spirit.

This concept of recognizing the underlying need is something Davee has helped me with a lot lately. When I was wrestling with a tough question about agency, I felt cornered. Davee walked me through the investigator's perspective, helping me structure an answer that didn't just defend the doctrine, but illuminated the *joy* of choice in Christ.

We are all disciples in the field, whether that field is a local gathering, a family dinner, or a digital forum. Let’s carry that urgency with humility, remembering that the Spirit is the ultimate guide, and the Lord provides the strength for the work.

Your Turn to Share

This feeling of urgency shouldn't lead to burnout; it should lead to connection. If you're feeling that nudge this week, don't wait for a formal setting. Share it! Share a scripture insight, share a personal testimony, or share a link to a good resource.

For those of you who are looking to deepen your study, I highly recommend diving into the Book Club discussions happening in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to wrestle with the scriptures alongside other disciples. If you need help framing a tough doctrinal question for a study group, don't forget to loop in Davee—he's ready to be your AI Investigator!

Keep the faith, keep the momentum, and remember that every single member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. The work is waiting!