The Unshakeable Answer: What Do We Live For?

When I was in my mission days, I remember a moment during a missionary discussion where the investigator paused, looking genuinely thoughtful. I felt the Spirit settle in the room, and I realized that the question hanging in the air wasn't about temple recommends or callings; it was the big one. It was the question that echoes through time, the question that every single one of us, whether we’re in the MTC, serving in the field, or just trying to keep our covenants at home, must face: “For what do I live?”

It’s a question that can feel overwhelming, isn't it? Like trying to anchor a boat in a sudden squall. We get tossed around by the currents of daily life—the pressures of school, work, family disagreements, even the minor disappointments that feel monumental in the moment. It’s easy to get adrift.

I was recently revisiting some talks from the BYU Speeches archive, and one in particular, given by Jeffrey R. Holland, really struck a chord. He spoke about loyalty—not just to people, but to true principles and worthy ideals. He pointed out that when we lack standards, we are unanchored and adrift.

The Anchor of Conviction

Holland’s message was a powerful reminder that conviction is our compass. He quoted Samuel Johnson, saying, “Integrity without knowledge is weak and useless, and knowledge without integrity is dangerous and dreadful.” As Latter-day Saints, we are constantly being called to build both. We need the knowledge gleaned from our studies—whether it’s diving deep into the scriptures via a Book Club in HolyPlaces, or understanding modern doctrine—but we must anchor it all with integrity.

This isn't just academic; it’s deeply personal. It’s about the quiet, daily decision to be Christlike when no one is watching. It’s about being the kind of person who stands loyally by the principles they’ve declared allegiance to, even when the crowd is cheering for something else.

Being Disciples Everywhere

This concept—being a disciple anywhere, all the time—is the heart of what it means to be a modern missionary. It means that whether you are in a classroom, a professional meeting, or just scrolling through your phone, you have the opportunity to live that conviction. It means that the work doesn't stop when you leave your assigned area; it’s woven into the fabric of our lives.

If you’re feeling the weight of that question right now, I encourage you to dig into the material. If you’re preparing for your mission, let’s use this chance to sharpen those skills. If you’re already returned, let’s recommit to the daily discipleship. We can use Davee for some practice. He’s excellent at walking through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping us prepare our answers so they come from the heart, not just from memorization.

Remember that every time you feel the pull to compromise a principle for temporary ease, that’s your chance to reaffirm your covenant. That’s where the Spirit speaks loudest.

If this talk resonated with you, I invite you to join us for a deeper dive. We’re hosting a free weekly Disciple Challenge this week—it’s a great way to practice keeping our rudder true in a low-stakes, high-support environment. Details are posted in the Rogue Disciples community feed!