The Currency of the Soul: Finding True Value in the Digital Age

Brothers and sisters, when I was first deep in the trenches of missionary discussions, I thought the hardest thing was finding the right analogy to explain the Plan of Salvation. I thought the greatest challenge was overcoming apathy. But after spending time in the field, and especially now, as we become more and more proficient as internet missionaries, I’m realizing the battleground has shifted. It’s no longer just about what people *don't* know; it’s about what they are actively choosing to *idolize*.

I recently watched a discussion with Jordan Peterson that was… bracing. It was raw, challenging, and frankly, a little uncomfortable. It tackled themes of modern sexuality, power, and the constant barrage of digital consumption. While the source material was dense, the underlying principle struck a chord that resonated deep in my missionary preparation heart: what are we exchanging for fleeting validation?

The Danger of the 'Easy' Exchange

What stood out to me most wasn't the explicit critique of any single industry, but the pattern he described—the pathologizing of things that are sacred, and the subsequent commodification of the self. He spoke about how when people fail to pursue their inherent potential—their 'light'—they often turn toward things that promise instant, consumable gratification. It sounds academic, but when you boil it down, it’s about where we place our ultimate trust.

As Latter-day Saints, we are taught to build our lives on the Rock, not the sand. We are taught to find our light by keeping our covenants and building our discipleship. But the world, through its digital channels, is constantly offering us glittering, low-effort substitutes. It whispers, 'Why put your cross on your shoulders? Why endure the study? Why commit to the covenants?'

A Skill for the Disciple: Identifying the True Value

If we take one practical takeaway for our continued efforts—whether you are preparing for an assignment, serving as a returned missionary, or simply studying in your own home—it’s this: **Discernment isn't just knowing facts; it's recognizing what is *useful* for the eternal progression of the soul.**

When you are in a missionary discussion, or even just engaging in a Book Club, remember this framework. When an investigator raises a challenging question—a question that seems designed to derail the conversation—don't just give the textbook answer. Think about the *value* of the answer. Is it true? Yes. Is it useful for building Christlike character? Better yet. Is it pointing them toward the Savior?

This is where I highly recommend tapping into the resources available. If you're wrestling with these big, thorny questions, don't hesitate to utilize Davee. He is trained in the AI Investigator role, and he can walk you through exactly how to handle the hard questions with grace and eternal perspective. Consider it free, instant missionary training!

Keeping the Focus on the Work

The core message, the one that cuts through the noise of the digital marketplace, is that our value—our true currency—comes from covenant keeping and participation in the work. It comes from striving to be Christlike, even when it’s inconvenient. It comes from the quiet, persistent effort of discipleship.

My challenge to you this week, my fellow rogue disciples, is to identify one area of your life—a habit, a distraction, a source of comparison—that feels like a 'quick fix' or a 'whim.' Then, intentionally replace that time or focus with a sacred act: Isaiah studies, reading a chapter of the Book of Mormon, or spending time in HolyPlaces studying scripture with a friend.

Let’s keep our focus elevated, always looking toward the covenants that bind us to the Savior. We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. Stay diligent, and keep sharing the light!