The Weight of Looking Back: Following the Master's Call

Sometimes, the call feels so clear—a whisper of the Spirit in a quiet moment, or a profound feeling of peace after a good study session. You feel the pull toward the Savior, the Master, and you know, deep in your heart, that following Him is the only path that leads to true life.

But then, the resistance creeps in. It’s the weight of what we’ve built, the comfort of the familiar, the good intentions we have for our lives *before* we fully commit to the covenant path. It’s the pull to look back at the life we knew, the safety net we’ve woven around ourselves.

The words echoing from that powerful scene—"Anyone who starts to plow and then keeps looking back is of no use for the kingdom of God."—are a gentle, yet firm, challenge to every one of us who claim to be disciples of Jesus Christ. It’s a message that resonates whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving as a returned missionary, or simply trying to live the gospel in your own neighborhood.

Taking Up Our Cross: What Does It Mean to Truly Follow?

When we talk about "taking up our cross," we aren't talking about literal hardship, though sometimes the Lord does ask us to endure trials. We are talking about a fundamental shift in our allegiance. It means re-prioritizing everything—our time, our desires, our deepest affections—to align with the will of Heavenly Father and the Savior.

I remember my own early days. I was so focused on *getting* to the mission, on the *experience* of the MTC, that I sometimes forgot the core principle: that the journey of discipleship is daily. I was looking back at my old life, at the 'me' who didn't know the gospel, and I kept comparing that person to the disciple I wanted to be. It was exhausting.

What struck me, and what I hope helps any brother or sister reading this who feels that tug of nostalgia or fear, is the profound exchange: "for whoever would save his own life will lose it and whoever would lose his life for my sake will save it."

The Disciple Anywhere: An Internet Missionary Mindset

This principle is the heart of what it means to be a modern-day disciple. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. It means that whether you are in a formal setting like a missionary discussion, or whether you are simply having a cup of coffee with a friend who is questioning things, you must be ready to answer with the clarity of someone who has truly committed to the covenant path.

If you are feeling the weight of what it means to commit fully—to lose your self-will for the sake of the Savior—I want to point you toward some excellent study material. The Iron Rod has so many resources that help us wrestle with these profound questions.

"If any man is ashamed of me and my teachings then the son of man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and the glory of the father and the Holy Angels."

This isn't meant to scare us; it's meant to *excite* us! It's the promise of eternal glory that should motivate us to press forward, no matter how hard the path seems today.

Keep Moving Forward: Where to Focus Next

If this talk has stirred your spirit, don't let that feeling dissipate. Action is the antidote to lingering doubt. For those of us who are actively preparing, I encourage you to revisit the core teachings. If you want to dig into the *why* behind these commandments, check out a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Those structured settings are perfect for working through these deep concepts with others.

For those of you who are feeling the call to deeper doctrinal study, I highly recommend diving into the teachings found in the Iron Rod. It’s a wonderful resource for strengthening our testimony.

If you’re ready to practice navigating these tough questions, don't forget about Davee! He's ready to step into the role of AI Investigator with you, helping you anticipate those hard questions an investigator might ask, so you can answer with grace and conviction.

Let’s keep the momentum going. Keep following Him, no matter what it costs.