The Unseen Service: Being the 'Larry' in Someone's Journey

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve ever been caught in a sudden downpour—the kind that makes the wipers struggle just to keep up—you know that feeling of vulnerability. You’re moving forward, but the conditions are overwhelming, and you’re acutely aware of every little thing that could go wrong.

Recently, I was reflecting on a talk I watched—a reminder about the power of unseen preparation. It spoke of a time when a group was returning home, and the rain was coming down in sheets. The speaker pointed out that the reason they made it through that dangerous stretch wasn't just luck; it was because someone, a deacon, had quietly taken the time weeks before to change the tires, fix the shocks, and check the brakes. At the time, nobody noticed or gave it a second thought. But in the storm, that quiet service was everything.

It hit me right in the heart of my missionary preparation. We often focus on the big moments: the powerful talk, the breakthrough conversion, the exciting transfer. And those moments are glorious! But the truth, the deep, abiding truth of the gospel, is that the Lord builds Zion brick by careful brick, often with the mortar being the quiet, consistent service.

The Power of Quiet Service

These 'Larrys'—these quiet servants—are the backbone of the Church. They are the ones who show up day in and day out, who check the brakes before the trip, who keep the ward function running smoothly, who study the scriptures when no one is grading them, who counsel a friend when they are too tired to talk.

As we continue to be disciples anywhere, all the time—as Internet missionaries, as friends, as family—we need to remember to be those 'Larrys.' We need to do the work that doesn't get applause. We need to be the ones who ensure the van (our ward, our family, our mission efforts) is mechanically sound before the storm hits.

Be the 'Larry'

What does that look like in our lives right now? Maybe it’s reviewing your testimony when you feel spiritually dry. Maybe it’s taking the time to truly listen during a missionary discussion, not just waiting for your turn to speak. Maybe it’s being the person who remembers to send that encouraging text to a fellow disciple who seems overwhelmed.

The gospel isn't just about grand gestures; it’s about faithful diligence. It’s about the small, consistent acts of covenant keeping that build spiritual resilience.

If you want to deepen your understanding of how to approach these foundational principles, I highly recommend diving into some of the teachings on covenant keeping. For a good refresher on how to approach tough questions with conviction, I spent some time with Davee this week. He walked me through how to answer a common investigator question about the nature of sin, and it was a powerful reminder that preparation is everything.

Where to Focus Next

My challenge to you this week, as we continue our journey as rogue disciples, is to identify one area—in your home, your ward, or your personal study—where you can perform a small, unseen act of service. Don't wait for a crisis; just be proactive. Be the one who checks the tires.

If you're looking for more ways to strengthen your testimony through consistent study, I encourage you to check out the Book Club feature in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to turn shared reading into shared covenant strengthening. If you prefer a more structured dive into doctrine, consider tackling some of the Isaiah studies available in LivingBook.

For those who are feeling the call to the field, remember that the preparation starts right here. If you’re feeling rusty on your missionary skills, let’s connect! We're hosting a free virtual session next Tuesday evening to run through some modern missionary discussions scenarios. Details are in the community feed!

Remember, we are all called to be disciples everywhere. Let's keep showing up, faithfully, day after day.