The Garments We Wear: Choosing to Be Chosen by the Lord

Brothers and sisters, sometimes I think back to my own early days in the field. I remember feeling this overwhelming mix of excitement and sheer terror. You know the feeling—you’ve been taught the doctrine, you’ve studied the scriptures, you’ve practiced your talk, and then you’re standing there, facing an investigator who looks at you with that beautiful, questioning look, and you just have to *connect*.

It’s easy to get caught up in the *what*—the perfect answer, the right scripture reference, the flawless testimony. But the Lord’s teaching, especially when He uses parables, reminds us that it’s never just about the information transfer; it’s about the *receptivity* of the heart. It’s about agency.

Elder Bednar’s talk on the royal marriage feast was a profound moment of clarity for me. It wasn't just a nice story; it was a mirror reflecting our own choices. The parable itself is a masterclass in spiritual agency.

What struck me most wasn't the rejection of the first group of guests, but the subsequent invitation to the highways. The king, realizing that the initially "bidden" were not worthy, sent his servants out to gather *all* who would come—both good and bad. This echoes the beautiful, persistent work of the gospel, doesn't it? The Lord doesn't wait for us to be perfectly prepared; He sends us out to the highways!

The Power of Choice and the Garments

The imagery of the wedding garment is so powerful. It wasn't just about looking nice; it represented belonging, preparation, and accepting the invitation. The man who stood outside, speechless when asked how he entered without the robe, wasn't necessarily evil, but he was unprepared. He had neglected the necessary steps, the necessary *preparation*.

As we think about our own lives—our discipleship, our efforts in the temple, our commitment to keeping our covenants—we have to ask ourselves: What are the "garments" we are neglecting? Are we treating the invitation of the gospel as a suggestion, something we can put off until we feel more "ready"?

Being a disciple, whether you are in MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply doing your morning study at home, requires us to actively *choose* to put on the garments of righteousness. It requires us to ask, seek, and knock, just as the Savior taught.

Becoming an Internet Missionary Today

This principle is the heart of being an internet missionary. We don't wait for the next assignment or the next physical gathering. We are called to be disciples *anywhere, all the time*. If you've been feeling spiritually sluggish lately, feeling like you're standing outside the feast, I invite you to take one small, deliberate action this week.

If you are struggling with how to apply this in your own life, I highly recommend running through a session with **Davee**. He is exceptional at walking you through the tough questions an investigator might ask, helping you polish your answers so that your testimony is both heartfelt and doctrinally sound. It’s the perfect, low-stakes way to practice your *missionary preparation* skills.

For those who love digging into doctrine, don't forget to check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. Diving deep into the scriptures together is how we ensure we are all wearing our best spiritual attire!

Let’s commit today to not just *hear* the invitation, but to actively *dress* for it. Come and gather with us this week!