The Work Has No Borders: Finding the Temple of the Spirit Anywhere

Sometimes, when we talk about the gospel, we naturally picture sacred, enclosed spaces: temples, meetinghouses, or quiet corners where we can study the scriptures. But the work of the Lord—the great, ongoing work—is far more expansive than any physical building. It flows like the Spirit, finding us whether we are on a mountain, in a classroom, or, apparently, cruising the Caribbean.

I was listening recently to some discussions about future leadership opportunities, and one idea really struck me: the concept of a 'Temple Ship.' I know, it sounds like something out of a wonderful, ambitious movie, but the fact that this idea was even floated—that the scriptures and the Spirit could guide us to build a center of ordinances and study on a cruise ship—is a profound reminder of the true scope of our calling.

It makes you pause and think: If the gospel can be conducted and taught in such a unique, mobile setting, what does that tell us about the universality of the plan of salvation? It tells us that the gospel doesn't need a fixed address; it needs hearts ready to receive it.

The Boundless Nature of the Work

As returned missionaries, we often focus on the specific tasks: setting appointments, preparing for missionary discussions, or coordinating transfers. We learn to be meticulous, organized, and focused on the task at hand. But the best lesson we learn isn't about logistics; it's about scope. The scope is infinite.

The Leaders are continually seeking ways to expand our reach—to improve church culture, develop lay leaders, and find new ways to gather Israel. These aren't just big, fancy ideas; they are extensions of the core truth: that every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.

Think about it. Whether you're in a Book Club studying the Book of Mormon in a local HolyPlaces group, or you're with friends on a trip to a new city, you are surrounded by opportunities. You don't need a formal assignment or a district leader to point out the next step. You just need the Spirit.

Mission Prep Skill: Thinking Beyond the Map

Here is a little mission prep skill I want to share with you today. When you are discussing the Plan of Salvation, don't let the physical location limit your answer. If an investigator asks, “How can I find the temple?” or “Where do I need to be to feel the Spirit?” don't default to a specific building. Instead, pivot back to the *source* of the power.

Try answering with something like this:

• “The temple isn't just a building; it's a state of the soul. It's a place where we can feel the Spirit of the Lord most intensely. And you can access that feeling of the Spirit anywhere, anytime, if you keep your heart focused on Christ.”
• “The gospel is meant to be lived everywhere. It's a universal truth, not a local one.”

This perspective shift—from physical location to spiritual principle—is what makes us true disciples, no matter our assignment.

Join the Journey

The excitement around these live leadership events, the discussions about global gatherings, and the constant call to improve church culture shows that the momentum of the gospel is unstoppable. We are a movement that refuses to be contained.

If you are looking for ways to contribute to this ongoing work, I highly recommend diving into the discussions available in LivingBook. Start by exploring the Social Scripture Study layer with a friend. Highlighting a scripture together and seeing the related insights can be a powerful way to feel the Spirit and deepen your understanding of the work.

For those of you who want to learn more about how to navigate tough questions in missionary discussions, I encourage you to check out a session with Davee. His AI Investigator role is perfect for walking through those hard questions an investigator might ask and helping you craft answers that are Christlike and Spirit-filled.

Stay tuned for the next Disciple Challenge—it’s a free weekly opportunity to build those essential missionary skills right from your living room. And don't forget to check out some foundational reading. If you want to deepen your knowledge of the Restoration, I recommend revisiting the Iron Rod writings on the role of priesthood keys.

We are all disciples, and the mission field is literally everywhere.