The Authority and the Example: Doing the Work Like the Apostles

Sometimes I sit here, reviewing the scriptures, and I get caught up in the sheer spectacle—the healings, the mighty works. It’s easy to get fixated on the 'miracle worker' aspect of the Savior. But as I was pondering this passage today, I felt the Spirit gently pull my focus back to something more foundational, something that speaks directly to us who are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time.

It’s not just *what* we do, but *how* we are equipped and *how* we live while doing it. The pattern set forth in Luke 9:1-17 is a masterclass in discipleship, a blueprint for the modern-day internet missionary.

The Gift of Authority, Not Just Tasks

When Jesus sent out the disciples, He didn't just give them a job description—'Go preach!'—and then walk away. No. The text is clear: He gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases. Think about that. It wasn't just a suggestion; it was an endowment. He delegated the *power* along with the *responsibility*.

This is a vital concept for us as we study the gospel. We are called to do the work, yes, but we are also promised the equipping. When we feel ourselves stumbling or lacking the right tools in our efforts to share the gospel, remember that the pattern is: Calling + Equipping + Authority = Effective Ministry. If we are truly called, the Spirit will guide us toward the resources—whether that’s a Book Club in HolyPlaces, a solid refresher on Preach My Gospel principles, or even a session with Davee to work through an investigator's tough questions.

The Contagion of a Healthy Christianity

But perhaps the most beautiful, and sometimes overlooked, part of the passage is the emphasis on the *example*. The speaker noted that a healthy Christianity is contagious. It’s not just about the formal training; it’s about the shared life. You see it, you live it, and then you naturally, organically, go out and do it somewhere else.

As returned missionaries, we know this intimately. You learn the lessons in the Missionary Training Center, you practice in the field, you work with your companions, and then you go back home. The knowledge solidifies, but the *living* of it—that’s what changes people. We are meant to be visible examples of the restored gospel.

Seeing the Distinction

I was struck by the careful delineation Jesus made between sickness and demonic possession. He didn't lump them together. He taught that there is a difference between needing healing and needing deliverance. This subtle distinction is a powerful lesson for us all: when we teach, we must be precise, thoughtful, and respectful of the nuances of the gospel. We must teach the *whole* truth, recognizing the specific needs of the individual investigator.

This week, as you engage in your own missionary discussions, I invite you to observe the nuances. Are you just reciting doctrine, or are you modeling a life where the doctrine is lived out? Are you merely pointing out a problem, or are you helping to illuminate the path to the solution, empowered by the Spirit?

The invitation is always the same, isn't it? Go out and do the work. But this time, let’s go out with intention: armed with the knowledge, supported by the authority, and radiating the beautiful, undeniable example of discipleship.

If you're looking for ways to sharpen that example, I highly recommend diving into the latest writings by an Iron Rod author available in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful place to deepen your understanding of the covenants we keep.

For those of you who are feeling the call to practice these skills, I encourage you to join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. Let’s keep building that shared life of learning!