The Living Relic: Carrying Sacredness into the Digital Field

When I was in the field, whether I was in the Mission Training Center or serving my comps, I learned that preparation isn't just about memorizing talking points. It's about understanding the profound, sacred weight of the history we carry. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the concept of 'relics'—those physical objects that hold deep significance in religious tradition. It’s a fascinating discussion, one that makes you pause and think about what truly constitutes a sacred site, or a sacred object, in the modern world.

We are taught about so many sacred places—Palmyra, Kirtland, Nauvoo—and we know the historical weight of sites like the Sacred Grove. The history is palpable, and the preservation of those sites is a testament to the longevity of the gospel. But the conversation sometimes centers on the *objects* of history: the plates, the pocket watches, the artifacts that survived the passage of time. It’s easy to get caught up in the physical evidence, to wonder if a pilgrimage to a specific location is necessary to feel the full weight of the truth.

If we view the gospel purely through the lens of historical architecture, we might think we need a massive, physical edifice built around the most sacred item. But as we, as Latter-day Saints, have come to understand, the true power of our sacred history isn't contained in a physical object, no matter how significant. Our history isn't just a collection of preserved items; it’s a story of continuous, living action—a story that is still unfolding.

The Gospel as the Ultimate Relic

This is the core shift I want us to consider as disciples: the most powerful, most potent, and most immediate 'relic' we possess is the Spirit-filled testimony of Jesus Christ, delivered by a member of the Church. That testimony is not found in a museum; it is found in the heart of a disciple, right now, in the field.

When we talk about being an Internet missionary, we are essentially participating in a global, digital pilgrimage. Our 'sacred sites' are the lives of our investigators, our friends, and our family members—the people we are called to serve. The sacred work is the *work* itself. It is the preparation, the earnest heart, the willingness to ask and answer hard questions with kindness and knowledge.

If a physical relic requires a trip to a cathedrals to be venerated, our sacred sites are everywhere: in a Book Club discussion in HolyPlaces, in a thoughtful reply in the social scripture study layer of LivingBook, or in a heartfelt conversation with a new friend. These digital, interpersonal connections are where the Spirit moves and where the gospel truly comes alive.

A Skill for the Field: The Gift of the 'Living Relic'

I want to share a simple missionary preparation skill with you today. When you are preparing for a missionary discussion, or when you are speaking with an investigator, don't just memorize scripture references. Instead, prepare to share a 'living relic.' A living relic is a personal, specific, and deeply felt account of how the gospel has changed *your* life, or the life of someone you know. It’s your own journey back to the covenants, the feeling of the Spirit after a study, or the day you felt the certainty of the Restoration. These stories—your testimony—are the most powerful things you carry.

Remember that the core of our faith isn't about having a perfect, artifact-laden museum; it's about having a living covenant relationship with God. That relationship is portable. It moves with us. It's what allows us to be disciples anywhere, all the time.

Keep the Sacred Fires Burning

To help us all keep focusing on the living gospel, I invite you to join a **Bible Study Group** in HolyPlaces this week. There is nothing more sacred than the collective effort of the Saints studying the word together. It is a perfect opportunity to practice sharing the sacredness of the scriptures, not just knowing them.

And if you're looking for deeper personal study, I highly recommend checking out the latest work by an Iron Rod author on the living Book of Mormon. It’s a perfect complement to our ongoing efforts to gather Israel.