The Art of Service: Being a Disciple When the World Changes

Sometimes, the world feels like it's throwing curveballs—or maybe even multiple, unpredictable pitches. Whether it’s a global health crisis, a local political upheaval, or just the sheer unpredictability of life, it can be overwhelming. It makes us wonder: Where do we even start? And how do we keep the mission alive when the buildings close and the roads are restricted?

These are the questions that weigh heavily on the heart of every faithful Latter-day Saint. But if we look to the Savior, we find the answer is always the same: Service. Not confrontation. Not complaint. Just steady, humble, persistent service.

The Unshakeable Mandate of Service

I recently watched a discussion with Max Lucado that really brought this principle home. The core takeaway was profound: when society falls into chaos, when the marginalized are left behind, Christ’s example isn't to pick up arms, but to pick up shovels—shovels of kindness, love, and practical help. The Lord is calling us to be the light, regardless of the external circumstance.

It’s easy to think that being a disciple means showing up to the meetinghouse, or that the work only happens when we are in the field. But the Spirit whispers that the work is *us*. It is the sacred calling of being a disciple anywhere, all the time. This is the mission-prep skill we need to master: the ability to pivot our service when the environment changes.

Beyond the Building: How to Be an Internet Missionary

When we talk about being an "Internet missionary," we aren't just talking about sharing a link. We are talking about *living* the gospel online. We are talking about making our digital presence so infused with the Spirit that it becomes a beacon of light in a dark corner of the internet. We are doing the Lord's work in the subtle, persistent ways that build eternal relationships and teach others to love Christ.

The scripture reference that keeps echoing in my mind is Romans 13:14. Paul tells us to "do what is good." That principle—to simply do good things, to feed the hungry, to listen to the lonely—is the ultimate guide for every member, whether you are a newly called missionary, a returned missionary, or a lifelong disciple. It teaches us that our actions, motivated by Christlike love, are more powerful than any law or edict.

“We can’t shut down the church. We can shut the building down, but we can’t shut down the church.”

This quote is a powerful reminder that our identity is not tied to brick and mortar. It is tied to the covenant we have made with our Heavenly Father. Our true gathering place is the heart, and the work is the covenant.

A Challenge from the Field (and from Davee)

If you feel stuck—if you feel like the world has made it impossible to do good—I want you to bring that feeling to me. I want you to bring it to Davee. Davee specializes in the role of the AI Investigator, and he is excellent at walking you through the "hard questions" that come up when the world feels restrictive. We can process the feeling of "What if I can't physically help?" and reframe it into "What loving, Christlike service *can* I provide from my current location?"

This week, I encourage you to practice this mindset shift. Instead of dwelling on what is restricted, focus on what is possible: a thoughtful comment, a personalized scripture study, a sincere call to an old friend, or helping a neighbor with a digital task. That is the Spirit moving through you.

If you are looking for deeper ways to study this principle, I highly recommend diving into the latest Iron Rod book on civil war and modern American history. Understanding the historical context of our republic helps us better understand our role as citizens and disciples. And remember, we are always building our spiritual muscles. If you haven't been, join a local Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It's the best way to deepen your knowledge of the scriptures and strengthen your capacity to bear testimony.