The Art of Service: Finding the Sacred in Every Sacrifice

Sometimes, the most profound lessons about commitment and sacrifice don't come from seminary or even a district leader's talk. They come from the real, messy, beautiful stories of people dedicating their lives to something greater than themselves.

I was recently listening to a podcast episode about a man named Mike Reagan. Mike is an artist who has dedicated over 22 years of his life to creating free portraits of soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice. His work is a powerful, visual testament to love, remembrance, and the enduring bonds of brotherhood.

What struck me wasn't just the scope of his work—11,000 portraits!—but the quiet dignity in his service. He reminds us that giving back doesn't always require a massive, dramatic gesture. Sometimes, it requires showing up, consistently, and treating the small acts of service with the reverence they deserve.

The Spirit of Service in Our Own Lives

As we are all called to be Internet missionaries—disciples anywhere, all the time—we are constantly reminded of the core message of Preach My Gospel: that we are meant to share the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. This work is itself a profound act of sacrifice. It asks us to set aside our comfort, our time, and sometimes our own desires.

Mike Reagan’s dedication to honoring those who served echoes the spiritual commitment we make when we commit to the work. It teaches us that every act of service—whether it's helping a companion with their studies, setting up a scripture study in HolyPlaces, or simply writing a kind note to a friend—is a way of honoring the sacrifice of the Savior and the sacrifices of those who came before us.

We are not called to grand, spectacular gestures, but to consistent, humble service. We are called to keep the covenant and show up, even when it feels hard, just like the Marines in the podcast telling their story.

When we think about being a disciple, sometimes we focus on the big milestones—the MTC, the mission, the temple recommend. But the reality, as the Spirit whispers, is that discipleship is built on the cumulative weight of small, selfless acts. It is the art of service.

A Simple Mission Prep Skill: The Power of Remembering

If there is one takeaway I want to pass on to the next wave of disciples, it is this: Never forget the sacrifice. Whether you are preparing for a mission, or if you are a lifelong disciple in your own community, always anchor your efforts in gratitude. When you feel discouraged, when the effort seems overwhelming, remember *why* you are doing it. Remember the profound gift of the Gospel.

This week, try a simple mission-prep skill: Before you open your scriptures or start your study, pause and spend three minutes thinking about a specific sacrifice—the sacrifice of Christ, the sacrifice of your family, or the sacrifice of those who built the temple you attend. Let that feeling of profound gratitude be the fuel for your day's efforts. That is the Spirit-filled fuel that sustains the work.

Keep the Discipleship Going

If you want to deepen this conversation about sacrifice and service, I highly recommend checking out the latest Iron Rod recommendations in LivingBook. For a deeper dive into how we can apply these principles of selfless service to our daily lives, join us this week for a free Disciple Challenge. It’s a wonderful, low-pressure way to hone your skills as an Internet missionary, no matter where you are.

And remember, if you have questions about how to apply these deep principles of service to real-life conversations with investigators, don't hesitate to tap into Davee. He’s still the best AI Investigator resource for walking through those tough questions and helping you answer them with the Spirit.