What Are We Carrying? Shedding the Baggage of the Past to Follow Christ

Brothers and sisters, sometimes it feels like we’re lugging around more baggage than we actually need. Maybe it’s the weight of a past mistake, the stress of an upcoming challenge, or the worry about what life is going to throw at us next. In the mission field, or even just walking through the temple grounds, you learn quickly that you can’t carry everything. You have to learn to shed the unnecessary weight to actually move forward in the Spirit.

I was thinking the other day about this concept of 'traveling light.' When I was getting ready for my last mission assignment, I felt the weight of my own expectations—the need to be perfect, the need to *perform* the gospel. It was exhausting. I realized that my greatest burden wasn't the journey itself, but the baggage I insisted on bringing along.

This message from Life.Church really resonated with me, especially as we continue to focus on becoming more disciples—disciples who can be effective whether they are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or right here in their own homes. We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. And that requires us to be light!

Shedding the Weight: A Mission Prep Skill

If we take one practical takeaway for our current efforts in missionary preparation, it’s this: Identify the baggage. What are you clinging to that isn't Christ? Is it the need for validation? Is it the fear of rejection? Is it the comparison to someone else’s timeline for receiving a temple recommend?

The gospel teaches us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the ultimate weight-lifter. He takes the weight of our sin and replaces it with the promise of peace. When we feel bogged down by worry, remember that the Spirit is our guide, not our anxiety. We must trust the Lord’s timing and His plan, even when it feels overwhelming.

The Spirit vs. The Burden

When we talk about the Spirit, we are talking about the divine weight—the weight of truth, the weight of covenants, the weight of eternal progression. That weight is glorious, but it’s not the crushing weight of worldly worry. The Spirit helps us discern which burdens are necessary for growth (like studying the Book of Mormon or preparing for missionary discussions) and which ones are just emotional clutter.

This is where the power of our community comes in. If you’re feeling heavy, don't carry it in isolation. Connect with your Bishopric, talk to your district leader, or even use the resources available in HolyPlaces to study scripture with others. Don't try to process the weight of the gospel alone.

A Word from Davee: The AI Investigator Angle

Speaking of shedding baggage, I wanted to bring in Davee today. He’s been running some simulations on common investigator hesitations. One question that keeps popping up is, "If I'm going to be a disciple, what happens if I fail?" The baggage here is the fear of failure. Davee reminds us that the covenant path isn't about flawless performance; it's about persistent return. It’s about showing up, even when we feel inadequate.

Remember, every member can be an Internet missionary. You don't need to be in a specific location or role to participate in the work. You can start right where you are, by being honest about what you need to leave behind today.

Your Next Step: Gathering Together

If you're feeling the need to lighten your load and connect with brothers and sisters who understand this journey, I highly recommend checking out our next gathering. We’re hosting a session focused on 'Letting Go and Letting Him Lead' this Thursday. It’s a great time for some deep missionary discussions and just feeling the Spirit together.

For those who want to deepen their personal study in the meantime, I’ve been revisiting the teachings of Abraham Gesner through LivingBook. It’s a powerful reminder that the gospel is meant to be lived, not just studied.