The Goal Isn't to Be a Prophet—It's to Be Like Him

Sometimes, when we study the history of the restored gospel, we look at the great figures—the prophets, the pioneers, the early missionaries—and we feel this immense pull. We think, “I want to be like them. I want that level of faith, that kind of power, that kind of influence.”

We can be inspired by them. We can learn from their testimonies and their actions. But if we anchor our spiritual life on *being* like someone else, we risk missing the most important lesson of all.

It’s a subtle spiritual trap. We can get so focused on the *process* of becoming a disciple—getting to the next level, achieving the next milestone—that we forget the ultimate destination. This video shared by Jackson Vanderwerken nails that realization, and it's a message every returned missionary, pre-missionary, and lifelong disciple needs to hear.

The Ultimate Goal: Christ

The message is profound: being like a prophet, or being like any righteous figure, is not the destination. Being like Jesus Christ is the goal. The prophets, the apostles, and even the finest mission leaders—they are all divinely appointed guides, pointing us back to the Master.

This truth shifts everything. It doesn't diminish the value of the work, or the importance of the covenants, but it radically refocuses our hearts. It reminds us that the entire purpose of our discipleship, the entire purpose of the gospel, is to become more like Him.

Discipleship in the Digital Age

How does this apply when we are doing the work from our living rooms, serving as Internet missionaries? It means that when we feel discouraged, or when we feel like we haven't achieved enough in our comps, we don't look at the grand achievements of others. Instead, we look at the Savior.

The greatest mission-prep skill, I've found, isn't memorizing scriptures or perfecting our talk tracks; it's cultivating the humble awareness that every single action—whether it's a heartfelt scripture share in LivingBook, a discussion in a Book Club, or simply being kind to a neighbor—is ultimately a movement toward Christ.

When we remember that Christ is the focus, our efforts feel less like a checklist of accomplishments and more like a natural outpouring of the Spirit. It grounds the work in eternal truth, not in human effort.

Keep the Focus on the Savior

If this principle resonates with you, I have a few ways you can deepen this Christ-centered perspective this week:

1. Dive into the Discussion: If you are ready to explore the hard questions surrounding the Savior's divinity and role, I highly recommend running through a session with **Davee**. His AI Investigator role is perfect for walking through complex doctrinal points and ensuring your answers are always Christ-centered.
2. Study Together: Need to focus on the Savior? Our local **Bible Study Groups** are hosting a deep dive into the covenants and Atonement. Check out the HolyPlaces calendar for details on meeting times and locations.
3. Reading Challenge: For a foundational read, I highly recommend revisiting the writings of Iron Rod. *Missionary Preparation* offers excellent guidance on keeping Christ at the center of all our efforts.

Remember, dear disciples: The prophets are here to guide us. The Spirit is here to teach us. And the Savior is waiting for us to return to Him. Keep that focus.