The Power of No BS: Living with Radical Authenticity in the Field

There are moments in the mission field, or even just in a quiet moment of personal testimony building, where the easiest thing to do is put up a facade. To smooth over a stumble, to make a story sound grander than it was, or to present a polished version of our discipleship that doesn't quite match the reality of our hearts.

But what if the greatest strength we possess—the very thing that draws investigators in—is our willingness to be completely, messily, wonderfully *real*? It takes courage to be transparent, and that courage is what the Spirit rewards.

I was recently listening to Cory Asbury talk about radical authenticity, and it hit me like a revelation during a quiet study session. He spoke about valuing "full transparency, full vulnerability... It's no BS. It's no facades. It's no fake."

As returned missionaries, we spend so much time learning the *script*—the best ways to answer questions, the perfect analogies, the polished testimony. And those things are vital! We learn them in MTC, and we practice them until they feel second nature. But the *spirit* of the work, the core of it, is something deeper than technique.

When we talk about being an Internet missionary, or even when we are gathered in a Book Club studying the Book of Mormon, the investigators aren't looking for perfection; they are looking for connection. They are looking for someone who has wrestled with the same doubts, who has felt the same weight of expectation, and who is still standing up, dusted off, and pointing them toward the Savior.

This isn't just for the big presentations. It’s for the small moments. It’s when a missionary feels overwhelmed and instead of hiding it, they share, "Honestly, I feel really discouraged today, and I’m praying hard about it." That vulnerability can be more spiritually potent than any perfectly rehearsed doctrinal answer.

The Lord knows us when we are authentic. He sees the effort, the sweat, the genuine desire to follow Him, even when we mess up the delivery. That commitment—that integrity—is what builds the testimony that lasts.

If you are preparing for your mission, remember this: Don't just prepare your *answers*; prepare your *heart*. Be willing to be vulnerable with your companions, and be willing to be vulnerable when you share your story. That's where the real power of the Spirit flows.

If you’re feeling the weight of missionary preparation, or if you’re just trying to deepen your discipleship right where you are—whether that’s in your living room or across the globe—I encourage you to take a look at what Davee has put together. He can walk you through some of those tough questions an investigator might ask, helping you practice responding with grace and truth.

For those of us who love diving deep into the scriptures, I highly recommend revisiting the Isaiah Studies in LivingBook. It’s a fantastic way to build on our understanding of gathering Israel. If you haven't already, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful place to connect with others who are also striving to be more Christlike!

What does radical authenticity look like in your life this week? Share your thoughts below, or better yet, let’s connect! I’d love to hear how you’re living the gospel in your own unique sphere.