The Mantle and the Call: Keeping Our Eyes on the Glory

Brothers and sisters, have you ever been in a place where you felt truly *called*? Maybe it was the quiet hush before a Sacrament meeting, or perhaps it was the moment you realized you needed to share a truth with an investigator who seemed on the cusp of understanding. There’s a feeling, isn't there, like you’ve been handed a special robe—a mantle—that signifies a sacred duty or a divine assignment.

I was thinking this week about the imagery of robes and mantles. In one of the talks, they talked about how a mantle represents our calling. The word itself speaks of something big, wide, and glorious. It’s a beautiful reminder that every calling from the Lord carries a glory to it. But with that glory comes a profound responsibility: the risk of letting that mantle hang on the shelf, never fully worn.

It’s easy to get comfortable in the *idea* of the calling—the spiritual anticipation, the feeling of being *ready*. But the Lord calls us to action. We see examples in the scriptures of people who were gifted, who were called, but who compromised, who hesitated, or who simply walked away when the path got difficult. They missed the glory because they didn't fully yield.

As we continue in our discipleship journey—whether we are in the MTC, serving as missionaries, or simply trying to be better disciples in our own homes—we all face our own 'false prophets' moments. These aren't necessarily big moral failures; sometimes, they are small compromises, moments where we choose ease over obedience, or familiarity over the Spirit’s gentle nudge.

The Savior’s example is so clear. When He called Peter and Andrew, they didn't debate the logistics; they dropped their nets and followed Him. When He called the apostles, they left everything—their boats, their established lives—to follow the Master. That immediate, decisive surrender is what unlocks the power to overcome the obstacles.

Our lives are filled with obstacles. They look different for each of us. For some, it might be the inertia of routine; for others, it might be fear of rejection in the field. But the good news, the glorious truth, is that we have the power—through the Atonement—to roll away the stones that block the path to our calling. We have the power to overcome.

If you’re feeling the weight of a calling right now—a need to deepen your study, to be more intentional in your home teaching, or to finally feel ready for that next step in your service—don't let it become a mantle on a shelf. Let the Spirit guide you to the next step.

This is the essence of being an internet missionary, isn't it? It's not just about the assigned hours; it's about the constant readiness to say, "Yes, Lord."

If you feel the Spirit whispering that you need to solidify your foundation, I highly recommend diving into the scriptures with a focus on covenant keeping. For a deeper dive into this concept of overcoming obstacles, I found some incredible insights in the LivingBook. If you’re ready to talk through some of the hard questions that come up when we talk about sacrifice and commitment, I’d love for you to join me and Davee for a session on the AI Investigator role this week. It’s a great way to practice answering those tough questions before you’re standing in the field!

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let's keep moving forward with the glory of our callings!