Tracing Our Purpose: What the Sign of the Cross Can Teach Us About the Work

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to learn and grow in our discipleship—whether we’re in the MTC, out on a mission, or here at home as internet missionaries—we are constantly being shown the layers of truth. Sometimes, the most profound doctrines aren't found in thick tomes, but in the simple, intentional acts of faith.

Recently, I was pondering a video that walked through a familiar, yet deeply meaningful, ritual. It was a reminder that even the most routine actions can carry immense weight and meaning. It made me pause and think about what *our* signs are—the signs of our commitment to the gospel, and the purpose behind the efforts of the work.

The Three Layers of Meaning

The video highlighted three layers of meaning in tracing the sign of the cross. When we approach the gospel, I think those layers map perfectly onto our own missionary preparation and our understanding of discipleship. It’s not just about knowing the facts; it’s about *why* we know them, and *how* those facts change us.

1. The Holy Trinity: The Mystery of God

The first layer speaks to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost—the eternal Godhead. For us Latter-day Saints, this is the foundation of our faith. It’s the divine pattern that points us to the ultimate source of light and truth. When we study the Book of Mormon, when we study the restored gospel, we are always pointing back to this divine pattern.

2. The Cross: The Price Paid

The second layer focused on the cross—the sacrifice. This is the heart of our testimony. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest miracle, the ultimate demonstration of divine love. It’s the price paid for our sins, the bridge back to the Father. As returned missionaries, we constantly testify of this. It’s the core message we carry into every missionary discussion.

3. The Purpose: To Know, Love, and Serve

And finally, the purpose. This was the most resonant part for me. To know God, to love Him, and to serve Him. It moves the focus from *what* we believe to *what we do*. This is the essence of being a disciple, anywhere, anytime. It’s what we need to remember when we feel discouraged or when the field seems overwhelming.

Being Christlike in Our Daily Discipleship

This concept of purpose—to know, love, and serve—is what keeps the work going. It’s what allows us to be effective internet missionaries. It’s what makes us eager to participate in a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s the quiet conviction that no matter where we are, we are equipped to share the light.

If you’re feeling the pull toward service, I want to remind you of a small skill that helps keep that purpose front-of-mind. When you’re preparing for a discussion, don't just memorize answers; memorize the *feeling* of the answer. What does it feel like to know that truth? Let that feeling guide your words.

Remember that the Spirit doesn't just whisper facts; it whispers *conviction*. That conviction is the byproduct of knowing *why* we are here.

If you want to practice deepening that conviction, I highly recommend diving into the teachings of President David A. Bednar. His insights on eternal progression are always a powerful reminder that our lives are a continuous journey back to our Heavenly Father. You can find excellent material on this in LivingBook.

For those of us who are newly feeling the call to the field, or who are just starting to build our spiritual muscles, I encourage you to join our next gathering. We are hosting a free Disciple Challenge this week—a perfect, low-stakes way to practice sharing your testimony. Details are pinned in the community feed!