The Quiet Power of Service: What the Tabernacle Teaches Us About Being Disciples

Brothers and sisters, as we continue on this journey of discipleship—whether we’re in the MTC, serving in the field, or right here in our living rooms as internet missionaries—we often focus on the grand structures: the temple endowments, the ordinances, the monumental efforts of the priesthood quorums. And those efforts are vital, truly. But sometimes, the Spirit nudges us to look at the details, to look at the quiet, consistent, and deeply skilled service that makes the whole thing possible.

I was recently pondering the construction of the Tabernacle, and what struck me was the sheer breadth of contribution. It wasn't just the men with the sacred ordinances; it was the devoted hands, the careful minds, and the sacrificial hearts of the women. It’s a beautiful reminder that being a disciple isn't about having the highest title or the biggest offering; it’s about where your heart is willing to labor.

Listening to a recent podcast episode diving into Exodus 35–40, I was struck by the meticulous labor involved—spinning wool, weaving fine linen, crafting sacred adornments. The description of the process—harvesting the flax, soaking it, combing it, weaving it—it’s intensely laborious. It takes time, patience, and skill. And the women were doing this, not because they were commanded to donate *everything* they owned (though they did give generously!), but because their hearts were prepared to build something holy for God.

This really resonated with me as we talk about being disciples today. We are all called to build a 'holy space' in our lives, in our callings, and in our communities. Whether it’s through the dedication of a Book Club, the focused study in a Bible Study Group, or simply sharing a kind word with a neighbor, our gifts—our unique skills, our time, our talents—are the materials. The Spirit doesn't just call for grand gestures; He calls for the steady, persistent work of the hand-spinner and the weaver.

Think about it: the women bringing their brooches, their earrings, their gold. It was a 'wave offering'—a thanksgiving offering. They were giving what they had, and it was enough to build something magnificent. This speaks directly to the core of the work: bringing our best, our most sincere effort, to the Lord.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the work—the mission preparation, the temple ordinances, the need to gather Israel—I hope this gives you a small lift. Don't look at the whole structure at once. Look at the next piece of linen you need to weave. Look at the next scripture passage you need to study. Be diligent in the small things, because those small, faithful acts, when multiplied by all of us, become the sacred dwelling place of the Lord.

I encourage you to check out this discussion on the podcast episode. It’s a wonderful reminder that service, in all its forms, is an act of worship. For those of us who are feeling the call to deeper study, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on covenant keeping. If you haven't already, check out the Iron Rod resource on the covenant path—it’s incredibly clarifying.

As always, remember: every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Let’s keep spinning our threads of faith, one diligent act at a time.