The Call to Get Dirty: Faith in the Field Today

My brothers and sisters, as we continue to learn what it means to be disciples of Jesus Christ in these increasingly complex times, we often hear echoes of what the saints have experienced throughout history. We read of the martyrs, the prophets, and the missionaries who faced down opposition, whose faith was tested in the most visible, public ways.

It can be easy, when we are here in the relative safety of our homes, to think that the greatest work is done in quiet study—and there is profound truth in that! Our LivingBook studies and our Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces are vital nourishment for the spirit. But today, I want to talk about something else: the call to get dirty. The call to be present where the chaos is.

I recently watched a talk by Fr. Jason Charron, and what struck me wasn't the political drama, but his concluding thoughts. He spoke about the difference between the consecrated life—the monasteries and convents of old—and the calling placed upon the common man and woman in the domestic church today. He said, and I felt a deep resonance: “...it falls down to the the level of the the common man and woman in the domestic church to pray for our leaders.”

That hits us right where we live. We are the modern-day domestic church. We are the internet missionaries, the disciples in the workplace, the neighbors, the family members. We don't need to be cloistered away to be effective disciples. We are called to the sanctification of this world, whatever our vocation may be.

The Modern Missionary Discussion

When we talk about missionary discussions, we often picture a bright, clean room with a friendly visitor. But the spirit of the gospel, the Spirit of Truth, doesn't always wait for us to set the perfect scene. Sometimes, the Spirit leads us into the thick of it—into the public square, into the conversation that feels uncomfortable, or into the very heart of a community that is struggling.

Fr. Charron’s testimony, though focused on a specific event, boils down to a timeless principle for us Latter-day Saints: Our faith must be active. We are called to a "bloody Faith," as he put it—a faith that isn't afraid to get its hands dirty for the sake of the gospel. It requires us to be brave enough to speak the truth with kindness, even when the world around us is spinning into chaos.

This reminds me of what we often discuss when we are in mission prep. It’s not just about knowing the doctrines; it’s about having the *courage* to live them out. It’s about understanding that being a disciple anywhere, all the time, means being ready to pray for our leaders, to serve our neighbors, and to share the restored gospel whether we are at a temple picnic or amidst the noise of the world.

If you’re feeling called to a deeper understanding of how to navigate difficult conversations—the kind of questions that arise when the world is unsettled—I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s been trained on the AI Investigator role, and he’s fantastic at walking you through those tough, nuanced questions an investigator might ask, helping you frame answers rooted in scripture and testimony.

A Bite-Sized Skill for Today

Here’s a little skill for your internet missionary efforts this week: When you encounter a challenging topic in conversation—politics, culture, or even deep skepticism—don't try to *win* the argument. Instead, practice the art of the gentle redirect. Acknowledge their concern, validate their feeling ("I understand why that makes you feel worried..."), and then gently pivot back to the eternal questions: "What does the Book of Mormon say about enduring times?" or "What does the Savior teach about hope?" Keep the focus on the Savior, not on proving a point.

Remember, we are all disciples, and the work is always ongoing. Let's keep praying for our leaders, and more importantly, let's keep praying for the strength to be Christlike in our own spheres of influence.

If you’re ready to deepen your study, check out the latest Iron Rod recommendation in LivingBook. And if you want to connect with others who are striving to live this out, join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group this week!