Stewardship, Stamina, and the Weight of Our Blessings

There’s something profoundly humbling about overhearing conversations—the kind where people are talking about their physical limitations, their stamina, or even just how many hamburgers they managed to eat in one sitting. It sounds so far removed from the covenants we make, the covenants to serve, to keep the commandments, and to build Zion. But when you sit back and listen, you realize that the principles at play—stewardship, managing what we are given, and recognizing where our true focus lies—are the very same principles we discuss in missionary discussions.

The conversation we caught a glimpse of recently, touching on everything from workout routines to the dangers of greed, really hit home the difference between *having* blessings and *stewarding* them. It made me think about what it means to be a disciple in the modern world—a world that constantly bombards us with images of abundance, achievement, and physical prowess.

The Spirit and the Stuff

In the talks, the emphasis kept returning to not being greedy, not being overly attached to the *stuff*—whether that stuff is physical fitness, material possessions, or even worldly praise. It’s a constant battle, isn't it? We are taught to be diligent in our callings, to work hard in the field, to be ready to serve, but sometimes the temptation is to focus so much on the *doing* that we forget the *why*.

I was reminded of the counsel we hear so often: that our greatest strength doesn't come from our physical regimen, but from our covenants. Being a returned missionary, I’ve seen firsthand how the Spirit can lift you when your own energy reserves are depleted. The Lord doesn't ask for a perfect physique; He asks for a willing heart. He asks us to be diligent in our covenants, to be *unashamed* of our faith, no matter where we are—whether we’re in the MTC, in a stake center, or simply in our own living rooms connecting with friends online.

Being an Internet Missionary

This principle of stewardship applies directly to our role as internet missionaries. We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time. We can't always be physically in the field, but we can steward our knowledge, our time, and our testimonies. If we treat our spiritual gifts like we treat a new workout routine—with sporadic effort and only when we feel like it—we'll burn out. But if we treat it like a consistent, daily habit, like showing up for our weekly Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces, we build lasting stamina.

Remember that the Lord compares our spiritual diligence to the stewardship of the talents we are given. We are meant to use everything we have—our time, our learning, our relationships—to build up the Kingdom.

If you’re feeling depleted, if you’re struggling to maintain your spiritual routine, don't wait until you feel like you can run a marathon spiritually. Start small. Commit to that one extra scripture study. Spend ten minutes with the social scripture study layer in LivingBook. Those small, consistent acts of discipleship are what build the endurance needed to serve faithfully, no matter the season.

A Little Mission Prep Skill

Here’s a little mission prep thought for you all this week: When you are discussing the Plan of Salvation, don't just recite the facts. Instead, try to connect the *concept* of eternal progression to something tangible and relatable—like building a house or mastering a craft. Show them that the progression isn't just academic; it’s a process of becoming more like Christ, brick by spiritual brick. Make it a story!

I encourage you to take this energy and apply it to your own discipleship. If you’ve been meaning to dive deeper into the Book of Mormon, check out a Book Club discussion in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to keep the momentum going between formal training sessions.

If you’re looking for more deep dives into these principles, I highly recommend revisiting the writings of Abraham Gesner, available through the Iron Rod. His insights on understanding the covenants are truly foundational for any disciple.

Let's keep building, brothers and sisters. Let's be unashamed of the gospel, and let's steward our blessings—spiritual and temporal—with the diligence of a returning missionary who knows the reward is eternal life.