Pointing the Way: Finding Our Place in the Great Work

Sometimes, standing in the field, you feel like you’re standing at the Jordan River—a place of transition. You’re doing the right things, you’re following the pattern, you’re baptizing with water, but you sense that something greater is about to happen. You feel like you’re pointing at the edge of the current, waiting for the next wave.

That feeling—that sense of being a necessary precursor, or perhaps just feeling small in comparison to the magnitude of the Savior—is something every returned missionary knows. We’ve all been in those moments, standing in our own testimony, trying to articulate the infinite to an investigator who is asking the hardest questions.

It reminds me so much of John the Baptist. He was a powerful voice, a prophet in the wilderness, and he was doing the work—baptizing with water. But when the religious leaders cornered him, they weren't satisfied with his testimony. They needed to know who he was *really* pointing to.

If you watch the account of John’s testimony, you see the progression. He starts by saying, “I am not the Messiah.” He doesn't try to claim the spotlight; he points outward. He points to the one who is coming after him—the one who is greater. He doesn't just say, “He’s good.” He testifies of what he *saw*: the Spirit descending like a dove, settling upon Jesus.

This is the heart of the work, isn't it? It’s not about how eloquent we are, or how many comps we’ve earned, or even how polished our testimony feels after an MTC experience. It’s about recognizing that we are merely conduits. We are here to point the way.

The Art of the Gentle Redirect

When we’re doing missionary discussions, or even just having a casual conversation with a friend who is questioning things, we can get caught up in defending our position. We might feel the need to prove *why* we are right, to list scriptures, or to recite doctrines. But John’s wisdom—and the wisdom of the restored gospel—is in the redirect.

He didn't argue with the Pharisees; he quoted Isaiah. He didn't try to *be* the Messiah; he testified *about* the Messiah. As disciples, we need to master the art of pointing. We need to shift the focus from, "Look how much I know," to, "Look at Him."

“I baptize with water, but among you stands the one you do not know.”

This is a powerful lesson for all of us who are trying to be Internet missionaries. Our role isn't to be the ultimate source of truth; our role is to be the trustworthy guide who directs the investigator’s gaze upward and forward. It requires humility, the kind that makes you feel small enough to hold up a spotlight for someone else.

Mission Prep Skill: The 'And' Statement

Here’s a small skill I’ve been practicing lately, and I think it can help in those moments when the investigator asks a challenging "But why?" question. Instead of giving a single-point answer, try framing your response with an "And."

For example, if they say, "But if Jesus is the Son of God, why do we still need to study scriptures?" Instead of just defending scripture study, try: "We study scriptures *and* we also feel the Spirit guide us to apply what we read. The study helps us see the pattern, and the Spirit helps us feel the pattern in our lives."

It acknowledges their valid point while gently expanding the scope of the gospel. It shows that the gospel isn't a single-file line; it’s a rich, multi-faceted stream of divine help.

Remember that every time you feel the Spirit nudge you to change the subject, to pivot the conversation back to Christ, or to simply pause and let the testimony settle, you are doing the work. You are being a disciple anywhere, all the time.

If you're looking to deepen your understanding of this pattern—the pattern of Christ’s divine sequence—I highly recommend revisiting the Book of John in LivingBook. If you’d like to practice navigating those tough questions with a co-pilot, I encourage you to connect with Davee for a session on the AI Investigator role. Or, if you’re ready to dive deep with others, join a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces!