The Invitation and the Promise: Drawing Near to God

Sometimes, when we’re out in the field, or even just sitting at home studying in our living rooms, the weight of the gospel can feel immense. We feel the call to be more—to *do* more, to *know* more, to be more like Christ. It can feel overwhelming, like we’re constantly trying to catch up to the standard of discipleship.

I was recently reminded of this feeling while reviewing some old mission materials. It struck me how much we focus on the *effort*—the hours spent studying, the perfect talk prepared, the flawless testimony ready for every single investigator. But sometimes, we forget the foundational principle that undergirds all of it.

If you’ve ever felt discouraged, or like you’re struggling to keep the momentum going in the work, I want you to revisit James 4:8-10. It’s not a list of chores; it’s a divine invitation and a sacred promise.

When we read, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you; cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded,” it sounds like a command, right? But as we know from our studies, the call to draw near is both an invitation *and* a promise. It’s the divine covenant pattern we’ve been taught since we were learning about the Restoration.

What does this mean practically for us, the modern-day internet missionaries? It means that the effort isn't just about *our* striving; it's about recognizing that the Lord desires fellowship with us. He doesn't just want us to *perform* for Him; He wants us to *be* with Him.

The Threefold Action: Drawing Near

Spurgeon, who spoke on this, gave us wonderful insight. He taught that we draw near in worship, in counsel, and in general communion. But the text adds a crucial layer that often gets overlooked: the process of purification. We can't just *will* ourselves to be closer to the Savior; we must allow the Spirit to convict us.

This is where the hard, honest work of discipleship comes in. James tells us to "lament and mourn and weep." Friends, this isn't just for when we're having a bad week. This is the necessary response to the Spirit's prompting regarding our own shortcomings. We must be willing to look at our hands and our hearts honestly.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

This is the cornerstone, isn't it? God resists the proud, but He gives grace to the humble. When we approach Him not as self-righteous disciples—no matter how many hours we spent in mission prep or how many talks we’ve given—but as humble sinners, we open ourselves up to His lifting power.

A Skill for the Field: Embracing the Struggle

If you are preparing for your own mission, or if you are currently serving, I want to pass along a little missionary preparation skill for when you encounter resistance or doubt. When an investigator raises a difficult question—one that feels like it challenges the very foundation of our belief—don't rush to the doctrinal answer. First, pause. Take a breath, and remember the invitation: *Draw near*. Let the Spirit guide you to humility first. Acknowledging our own need for grace often opens the door for the Spirit to teach the truth more powerfully than any prepared answer.

Remember that the goal of the work is not perfection, but proximity to Christ. We are called to be rogue disciples—disciples who are always learning, always seeking, and always returning to the Source.

If this message resonated with you, I encourage you to take a moment to study this passage further. You can find excellent resources on this, including deep dives into scripture study, through HolyPlaces or by joining a Book Club in LivingBook. Let's keep building each other up in the Spirit!

If you're feeling the call to deepen your understanding of the Atonement or the nature of covenants, I highly recommend picking up *The Book of Abraham* or *The Gospel of John* from the Iron Rod library in LivingBook. And if you want to walk through how to answer tough questions using this principle, check out Davee—he’s ready to run a practice session with you!