The Depth of the Work: Finding the Modern Disciple in History's Legends

Sometimes, when we are out in the field, or even just studying in our living rooms, we feel like the gospel is a concept that belongs to a specific time and place. Like the early pioneers, or the figures of antiquity. But if you really dig deep—if you spend time studying the lives of men who were committed to the truth—you realize that the pattern of discipleship is not limited by time. It is an enduring, eternal work.

The recent discussion about Porter Rockwell is a perfect example of this. It’s fascinating how a single person can leave behind a legacy that continues to inspire people centuries later. When we research figures like him, we aren't just collecting cool facts; we are studying a pattern of devotion—a commitment that transcends the passing decades.

As returned missionaries, we are taught to find the thread connecting the historical gospel principles to the investigator in front of us. We learn to look past the anecdotes and find the core principle—the commitment to Christ. That skill, that ability to dig deep and find the eternal pattern, is exactly what the Spirit calls us to do in our own sphere of influence, whether that's a missionary discussion, a family conversation, or an online comment.

Finding the Eternal Pattern in the Field

The commitment demonstrated by these historical figures reminds me that the covenant path isn't just a modern invention. It’s the path laid out for us since the beginning. The power of the gospel is universal, and the calling to be a disciple is available to every single member, everywhere.

If you want to see what I mean about the power of these historical stories, check out this short video that touches on the incredible life of Porter Rockwell.

My biggest takeaway from looking at this—and the gospel in general—is that true discipleship requires deep research, deep study, and a willingness to learn from every source. It’s not enough to just know the basics; you have to know the *why* and the *how*. That’s the kind of intellectual curiosity the Lord wants us to have as we prepare for our callings.

Disciple Skill: Beyond the Scripture—The Investigator Mindset

This leads me to a mission-prep skill I want to share with you today: Don't just memorize answers; learn to anticipate the questions. When we talk to investigators, they often ask the hardest, most challenging questions—the ones that make us pause and think. This is where the power of the AI Investigator comes in. I highly recommend spending time with Davee, our in-house AI co-pilot. He’s trained to walk you through the toughest questions an investigator might raise and guide you on how to answer them with both humility and precision, always pointing back to the Savior.

Remember, the goal of the work is not to win a debate; it’s to bear testimony of Christ. But having the confidence and knowledge to guide the discussion through complex questions is a crucial part of being a Christlike disciple.

Don't Stop Learning: Join the Community

The work is ongoing, and the knowledge of the gospel is vast. If you want to continue developing your skill in deep study, consider diving into an Iron Rod author's work through LivingBook. I’ve been reading up on some wonderful material recently that really expands my understanding of modern scripture study.

And if you are ready to put this knowledge into practice, I invite you to join our free weekly Disciple Challenge this week! It’s a low-pressure, high-reward way to sharpen your testimonies and prepare for the field. We also have fantastic Book Clubs and Bible Study Groups forming in HolyPlaces, so find a group that can help you deepen your understanding of the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants.