Waking Up to the Great Work: Seeing What's Happening

Sometimes, when you’re deep in the study—maybe wrestling with a difficult concept in the Book of Mormon or preparing a talk for your Stake Presidency—it can feel like the noise of the world is just *too much*. It’s a cacophony of distraction, noise, and things that simply don't matter in the eternal scope of things.

I was listening to a talk recently, and the speaker kept circling back to the same question: Why are so many people completely oblivious to what is actually going on? It hit me right where I needed it to. It’s a powerful reminder that while the world can feel overwhelming, our focus—our *discipleship*—must remain fixed on the eternal narrative.

As returned missionaries, we learn quickly that the greatest challenge isn't always the doctrinal hurdle; sometimes it’s simply the sheer volume of noise drowning out the gentle whisper of the Spirit. It’s like trying to hear the calling of the Savior over a stadium concert.

The Internet Missionary Mindset: Being Aware

This is where the principle of being an internet missionary becomes less about technology and more about *attentiveness*. It’s about cultivating a spiritual radar. We can't control the world's distraction level, but we can control where we point our attention, and that’s where the Spirit guides us.

The answer, as the speaker hinted at, is often simple, but it requires effort—it requires us to actively choose to *see* what is going on. For us, that means moving beyond surface-level interactions and diving into the substance of the gospel.

If you’ve been feeling spiritually foggy lately, or if you’re trying to prepare for a mission—or even just a challenging missionary discussion with a friend—I have a small practice for you. Try this: When you feel yourself getting caught up in the trivialities of the day (the endless scrolling, the petty arguments), pause. Take three deep breaths, and then ask yourself: "What is the most eternal thing I could be focused on right now?" That question immediately shifts the lens from the temporal to the eternal, which is the heart of the work.

This awareness isn't just for us; it’s a vital skill for all disciples. It helps us to be better students in our Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces, and it sharpens our ability to help others understand the plan of salvation.

This Week's Mission Prep Skill: The 'Why' Drill

Since we are all disciples anywhere, all the time, let’s sharpen our ability to answer the big questions. I want to introduce a simple drill for your next missionary discussions or even just a deep chat with a friend. When they bring up a topic that seems confusing or contradictory to the gospel, don't just give them the answer. Instead, use the 'Why' Drill. Ask them, "Help me understand *why* you believe that," or "What leads you to that conclusion?" This models curiosity, invites them into the process, and lets you guide them toward the foundational principles of the gospel rather than just reciting facts.

Remember that the Spirit is our guide. If you feel led to discuss a particular scripture passage or doctrine with a friend, check out the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. Sometimes seeing how others are interpreting the same text can give you a fresh angle to share!

Keep the Momentum Going

The journey of discipleship is a marathon, not a sprint. We need consistent nourishment. If you are looking for deeper doctrinal dives, I highly recommend revisiting the writings of the Iron Rod authors. I found some incredible insights into the role of covenants in the latest edition of LivingBook.

If you’re ready to practice this heightened awareness with others, join a Book Club this month! It’s a wonderful, low-stakes way to practice deep listening and thoughtful response.

What are you doing this week to keep your focus on the eternal? Share your thoughts below, or check out the resources available in the community feed!