Leaving Everything Behind: Following the Call of the Spirit

There are moments in the journey—whether you’re in the MTC, out in the field, or even just navigating a tough week at home—when the Spirit whispers a call that feels bigger than the comfort zone you’ve built. It’s a call that requires you to leave something behind. Something safe. Something known.

Watching footage like this, seeing Matthew Levi at the customs gate, it hits you with a quiet, profound weight. He’s established. He’s making a living, collecting tolls, doing what’s expected. Then, Jesus just looks at him and says, “Follow me.”

Think about that moment. It wasn't a grand, dramatic confrontation; it was a quiet recognition. A simple invitation that demanded everything. Matthew didn't hesitate. He left the gate, the money, the routine, and followed. That's the essence of discipleship, isn't it? It’s often less about the dramatic overhaul and more about the quiet, decisive step of choosing the Savior over the status quo.

The Power of the First Step

When we think about missionary preparation, we often focus on the *what*: the lessons, the tracting skills, the knowledge of the plan of salvation. And those things are vital. But the true preparation, the kind that sinks into your bones, is learning to walk when the path isn't clear, when the "gate" you're at feels more secure than the path ahead.

I remember my own early days. I was so focused on mastering the perfect opening question, the most eloquent answer, that I almost forgot the core principle: *be Christlike*. I was trying to perform the *work* rather than simply *be* ready for the work. It’s a constant refinement, a humbling process that requires us to look at our own little "gates"—our habits, our comfortable assumptions, the things we think define our worth—and be willing to leave them.

This principle applies to us as rogue disciples everywhere. We don't have to wait for a call to a foreign land or even a full-time assignment to follow Jesus. We can do it right here, right now, in our own spheres of influence. We can be internet missionaries from our living rooms, our workplaces, or our study groups.

Your Turn to Follow

If Matthew left his livelihood, what are we willing to leave behind today to better follow the Savior? Is it the comfort of an unanswered question? Is it the fear of rejection? Is it the habit of needing to have all the answers before speaking?

Remember that the Savior didn't just call the twelve apostles; He called them one by one, meeting them where they were. He saw their potential, their willingness to listen, even when they were flawed—like Judas, who, in his own way, was also part of the initial group.

If you’re feeling the pull, if you feel the Spirit nudging you toward a conversation, a book study, or even just a moment of sincere prayer with a friend who needs it, answer it. Be willing to leave the safety of your own certainty and step into the calling.

A Bite of Mission Prep: The Skill of Listening

Today’s micro-skill, if you will, is radical listening. When you are in a missionary discussion, or even just talking with a friend about life, don't spend the time formulating your next point. Instead, focus 100% on what they are saying. Listen not just to the words, but to the *feeling* behind the words. That's where the real needs—the needs the Spirit is pointing to—reside.

If you want to practice this, I highly recommend diving into a Book Club discussion on the Book of Mormon this week. The vulnerability of sharing your thoughts in a group setting is the perfect training ground for this!

For those who want to dig deeper into the theology of discipleship, check out the latest insights on the Atonement in LivingBook. It’s a profound read that keeps the Spirit moving.

If you’re wrestling with how to apply this in a specific scenario, don't forget Davee. He’s ready to walk you through the tough questions an investigator might ask, helping you prepare your answers with grace and truth.

What are you leaving behind this week to follow Him? Share your thoughts below!