The Sacrament of Discipleship: Why Earthly Blessings Matter Now

Brothers and sisters, have you ever wrestled with a question that feels so big, so cosmic, that it threatens to undermine everything we believe? It’s the kind of question that keeps you up at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling, thinking, *“If the ultimate goal is the celestial kingdom, what is the purpose of the journey here?”*

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a conversation that really hit home for me—a question about marriage and eternity. It’s the kind of deep theological pondering that makes you pause and really dig into the scriptures and the testimonies of those who have walked this path. It’s natural to wonder: If Jesus taught that in the resurrection, we are like the angels, neither marrying nor being given in marriage, what does that mean for the sacred covenant we make here on earth?

It’s a weighty topic, and it’s one that requires us to look beyond just the *end* and focus deeply on the *process*. As we know, the gospel isn't just about the destination; it’s about the transformation that happens on the way. And that transformation, my friends, is what we live for.

Living the Joy of Heaven Right Now

What struck me most from reflecting on this discussion is the beautiful, profound truth that we don't have to wait until the celestial kingdom to experience the blessings of the Spirit or the reality of our relationship with God. We have access to the Father *now*. We get to live that relationship, that intimacy, right here in our mortal lives.

The challenge, I think, is that sometimes we treat the covenant blessings of this life as merely preparatory—like a required course before the final exam. We wait for the "Beatific Vision" so long that we forget the profound joy and divine access we possess today. We forget that discipleship is a full-time, 24/7 endeavor.

More Than Just a Vocation

When we talk about marriage, the discussion quickly pivots from being just a social contract to being a profound spiritual ordinance. The counsel I’ve been studying suggests that the purpose of marriage—the covenant between husband and wife—is deeply tied to what I’d call a sacrament of discipleship. It’s a vehicle, a sacred way that God calls us to become the best, most redeemed versions of ourselves.

Think about it: The covenant helps shape us. It calls us to learn sacrifice, patience, and mutual service—qualities we need to cultivate in our own efforts to be more Christlike. The goal isn't just the union; the goal is the *becoming*.

“The vehicle will cease to be necessary again, not because it's disposable, but because it's accomplished.”

This analogy is powerful. It reminds us that just because the Old Testament is fulfilled in Christ doesn't mean it’s irrelevant; it’s still necessary context. Similarly, the sacred covenants we keep on earth are not less valuable because they are fulfilled in heaven. They are the means by which we perfect the virtues needed to *enter* that eternal state.

Your Invitation to the Work

This idea—that our lives here are a sacred apprenticeship for eternity—is the heart of being a disciple anywhere, all the time. It’s what makes being an internet missionary so vital. We aren't just sending messages; we are living the message of transformation.

If this discussion has stirred your thoughts, I encourage you to take a moment to wrestle with it further. If you are looking for deep dives into doctrinal questions, I highly recommend diving into the social scripture study layer within LivingBook. You might find a related panel or a scripture insight that helps frame this concept!

For those of you who are feeling the call to deeper study, we are hosting a Book Club next week focusing on the covenants. It’s a wonderful place to discuss these big questions with fellow disciples. Details are posted in the community feed!

If you want to walk through the tough questions—the ones an investigator might ask you when you’re trying to explain the difference between temporal blessings and eternal blessings—I'd love for you to bring them to Davee. He’s ready to role-play the AI Investigator with you.