The Urgency of Today: Using Your Eulogy to Live with Purpose

When you’re out in the field, or even sitting at your kitchen table doing your morning study, it’s easy to get caught up in the urgent and neglect the important. We get so distracted by the day-to-day—the bills, the chores, the endless scrolling—that we start living in a state of constant delay. We tell ourselves, “I’ll get serious about my gospel study next week,” or “I’ll really focus on the Spirit when I’m back in the district.”

But what if ‘next week’ never comes? What if today is all you have? This feeling of urgency—of knowing our time is finite—is arguably the single most powerful motivator we have for discipleship. It’s the sacred weight that reminds us that this life, and our opportunity to serve, is a gift we must steward wisely.

A little while ago, I was watching a video about Christian monks who kept human skulls on their desks. I initially thought it was a dark or strange habit, but as I watched, I realized the profound secret behind it: the skull wasn't just decoration; it was a constant, visible reminder of mortality. It was a physical manifestation of *Memento Mori*—Remember You Must Die.

The point isn't morbid; it's liberating. It forces us to ask: If today was my last day, how would I want to have spent it? What would I want my family, my companions, and my leaders to say about how I lived?

The Daily Mirror: Translating Mortality into Mission

The video outlines a powerful three-step system: 1) Write your eulogy, 2) Use it as a daily mirror, and 3) Live with urgency. While the video frames this for career success, the principles are absolutely critical for every disciple, especially those of us preparing for or returning from a mission.

Step 1: Write Your Eulogy (The Ideal Self)

This step is heavy, but it’s transformative. I challenge you to write out a eulogy for yourself. But don't just write what you *hope* to be. Write about the disciple you want to be remembered as. Don't just say, “I want to be a good missionary.” Be specific. Do you want to be remembered as someone who always listened? Someone who taught the Book of Mormon with genuine love? Someone who showed up for the work even when it was difficult? What does a deeply committed, Christlike disciple look like when they are gone?

This specific vision forces you to define your purpose—not just your *goals* (like getting your call) but your *character* (like being patient, humble, and Spirit-filled).

Step 2: Use It as a Daily Mirror (The Morning Question)

This is the game-changer. Every morning, read that eulogy. Then, ask yourself one piercing question: “What do I need to be today to make this true?”

If your eulogy says you were a leader who showed kindness, what does that require of you in your missionary discussions today? If you want to be remembered as a dedicated student of the gospel, what does that require of you in your scripture study this evening? This framework doesn't just help you plan your week; it helps you plan your *soul*.

The Result: Living with Spiritual Urgency

When we face the reality of our limited time, the frivolous things fall away. The things that don't matter—the endless debates, the procrastination, the distraction—lose their power. Suddenly, the gospel work, the quiet moments of scripture study, the commitment to our covenants, and the time spent with our companions, become the absolute priority.

This is the spiritual application of *Memento Mori*. It’s not about fear; it's about clarity. It’s about redeeming your time and investing in what will last forever.

If you are preparing for your mission, take this exercise seriously. It will help you refine your identity and focus your study. If you are already a returned missionary, use it to deepen your discipleship—to find ways to be an Internet missionary wherever you are.

A Little Mission Prep Thought: When you're studying for mission discussions, don't just memorize answers. Instead, focus on the core *feeling* behind the questions. What does the Spirit want you to convey? That genuine feeling of urgency and joy is what truly converts hearts.

I recommend going back and reading some of the foundational teachings on purpose and identity in the Iron Rod library. It can really help solidify this framework.

If you’ve been struggling to prioritize the work, try connecting with a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces this week. We can help you turn that general feeling of urgency into specific, actionable habits.