The Daily Sacrifice: Finding the Power of 'One More Day' in the Field

There are days when life feels like a slow, steady river—calm, predictable, and comfortable. We can get so caught up in the current of our routine that we forget the sheer power and urgency of the message we have been entrusted with. It’s easy to think that our mission-work—our efforts to be disciples anywhere, all the time—is something we do when we have extra time. But if we truly understand the message, we realize that being a disciple isn't a hobby; it’s a constant, daily choice.

Elder Taylor G. Godoy spoke recently about the profound power of remembering that we have a "today" to live. He taught that the key to making that day successful is being willing to sacrifice. This idea—that small, daily sacrifices can lead to immense spiritual blessings—is perhaps the most practical lesson we can carry from the temple to the coffee shop, from the online discussion to the actual field.

Sometimes, the sacrifice we need to make isn't a dramatic gesture; it's the quiet, daily sacrifice of our comfort, our convenience, or our ego. It’s the sacrifice of scrolling through our phones to instead call a friend who needs to hear the Good News. It’s the sacrifice of our time when we could be resting, choosing instead to dedicate it to sincere missionary discussions or personal scripture study.

The Mechanics of Daily Sacrifice

When we think of sacrifice, we often think of grand, monumental events—the sacrifice of the Son of God being the ultimate example. But the Lord asks us to follow that pattern daily. How does this translate into being an effective internet missionary or a dedicated returned missionary?

It means being willing to sacrifice our preferred method of learning for the sake of deep spiritual understanding. It means sacrificing our immediate gratification for the sake of building eternal relationships. It means choosing to be Christlike, even when it is difficult, inconvenient, or unpopular.

A Skill for the Field: The Sacrifice of Self-Focus

If I could share one mission prep skill I've learned, it’s recognizing when my natural tendency is to focus on *my* feelings or *my* needs. The moment I catch myself thinking, “This is hard,” or, “I don’t want to do this,” I need to pause. I must consciously ask: *“What would Christ sacrifice here?”* Am I willing to be vulnerable enough to share my own struggles to help an investigator? Am I willing to spend the extra time researching a challenging doctrine, even if I'm tired? That willingness is the sacrifice that strengthens us and gives value to the things we are working for.

Remember that every small act of selfless service—a thoughtful comment on a social scripture study, dedicating an extra hour to Bible study, or simply offering sincere encouragement—is a deposit into your spiritual account. These small acts are the foundation of a life of discipleship.

Finding Guidance with Davee

Sometimes, when we try to make these sacrifices, the hard questions pop up. *“But what if I sacrifice my time, and it doesn’t make a difference?”* *“What if I feel inadequate to share the plan of salvation?”* This is where our tools and our companions come in. I encourage you to use Davee! His specialty as an AI Investigator is perfect for this. He can walk you through those tricky questions an investigator might ask, helping you formulate answers that are both doctrinally sound and deeply heartfelt. He is a phenomenal resource for deepening your knowledge of Preach My Gospel.

Furthermore, don't underestimate the power of focused learning. If you are looking for a deeper dive into the Plan of Salvation, I highly recommend checking out the LivingBook and exploring the Book Club or Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces. These resources are designed to help us deepen our knowledge together.

We are called to be disciples everywhere, and this week, let's make the sacrifice of our distraction. Let's dedicate ourselves to one specific, intentional act of service—a call, a scripture study, a donation of time—and treat it as if it were the most important appointment of our lives. That dedication is how we honor the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God.

Where to Go Next

If you are feeling the call to deepen your understanding of how to live a life of sacrifice, I invite you to join our free weekly Disciple Challenge this Sunday. We'll be focusing on practical ways to identify and fulfill our daily sacrifices. It's a great way to refresh your missionary preparation skills in a low-stakes, high-spiritual environment.

For those who love reading, I recently finished a wonderful section on the covenants from an Iron Rod author that really reinforced the idea of keeping our promises to God. Check out the recommendations section in LivingBook!

Remember, the journey of the disciple is one of constant, willing sacrifice. Keep pressing forward, friends!