Waking Up Before the Dawn: Staying Alert in the Work

Sometimes the most profound spiritual lessons don't come when the sun is shining brightly on the main thoroughfare of our lives. They arrive in the quiet, unsettling hours—the 3 a.m. to 5 a.m. hours, as Jase described them.

It’s easy, when we’re deep in the routine of the gospel work, to assume that because we’ve been taught the principles, we’re immune to spiritual slumber. We think that because we know the scriptures, we’re ready for anything. But the Spirit reminds us that vigilance isn't a one-time event; it’s a continuous state of being.

The talk today, touching on the burial and resurrection, naturally leads us to Paul’s counsel in 1 Thessalonians 5. It’s a beautiful reminder that just because we *know* the doctrine—that Jesus died, was buried, and rose again—doesn't mean we can afford to be complacent about the *timing* or the *manner* of the Lord's return.

The Danger of Spiritual Sleep

The Savior's words are clear: "Let us not be like others who are asleep, but let us be alert and sober."

What does spiritual sleep look like in the context of the modern disciple? It’s not just staying up too late reading scripture (though that can certainly be a good habit!). It’s the subtle complacency that creeps in when the immediate needs of the day—the calls, the meetings, the assigned study—feel overwhelming. It’s settling into a rhythm where we only engage with the gospel when it’s convenient, or when we feel the immediate pressure of a missionary discussion or a needed transfer.

We are called to be *unashamed* of the gospel, unashamed even when the world around us seems to be operating on a different timeline. We are called to be prepared, not just doctrinally, but *spiritually* prepared to act when the Spirit prompts us, whether that’s in a prepared missionary discussion, leading a book club, or simply sharing a testimony with a neighbor.

This concept of readiness is the core of being an internet missionary. We can’t wait for the missionaries to arrive in a new ward, or for a district leader to assign us a new area. We are disciples *anywhere*, *all the time*. We must live as if the Savior could call us to teach, to share, or to testify at any moment.

A Practical Skill: Keeping the Watch

If you want a bite-sized skill to take with you this week, I recommend focusing on the concept of 'spiritual alertness' when you are studying. When you read scripture—especially passages about the Second Coming or the Plan of Salvation—don't just read the verses. Pause. Ask yourself: “What does this verse require of *me* right now?”

If you’re using LivingBook for your social scripture study, try this: After reading a passage, don't just highlight the key verse. Add a comment connecting it to a modern-day action. For example, if you read about being ready, your note could be: *“Action item: Today, I will call three people I haven't spoken to about the gospel in a while.”* This turns passive reading into active discipleship.

The Lord has given us so many tools—the HolyPlaces for deep study, the Iron Rod authors for deep dives, and even your companions to hold you accountable. Let’s use them all to keep the watch together.

If you are feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of gospel principles, I highly recommend diving into the recent writings on discipleship available in LivingBook. If you’d like to discuss how to apply these principles in real-life conversations, join us for our next free weekly Disciple Challenge—we’ll be discussing practical ways to be Christlike in the digital sphere!

As always, remember: Every member can be an internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time.