1/3/2018 - Section 75:14-21

January 3, 2018

Section 75:14-21

Missionary Work, Missionary Promises, Holy Ghost Companionship,

The Lord has spoken to multiple missionaries who have been called, speaking to each one regarding where they shall go and who they shall go with. He reaffirms, as he speaks to all of them, in v 14, and reminds them “…and behold, and lo, I am with them also, even unto the end.” And then comes the promise in v 16: “And he who is faithful shall overcome all things, and shall be lifted up at the last day.” He doesn’t say: ‘and he/she who is the smartest’ or ‘he/she who is the most gifted speaker’ or ‘he/she who is called to more leadership positions’, He says: “HE WHO IS FAITHFUL SHALL OVERCOME ALL THINGS.” And that statement in itself indicates to me that I should expect to encounter difficult situations and challenges, and I should expect that if I work—in faith-- with my desires and efforts pointed toward trying to do my best (and trying to improve—in faith-- each time I fall short)—then I will have completed my assigned mission to His approval.

This is a time of full time service. When we serve others with the intent to help and uplift and love—we are edified as much as those we help. V20: “And in whatever house ye enter, and they receive you, leave your blessing upon that house.” And I would hope that I would be loving enough to include those who do not receive me in my prayers—that possibly the things spoken of might stay in their hearts and be a seed of faith and understanding. Joseph Fielding Smith: “…The missionaries of the Church who faithfully perform their duty are under the obligation of leaving their testimony with all whom they come in contact in their work….” That is our calling: to teach, to help, to lift and to love.

And then, after all these instructions is one more promise to us: “And you shall be filled with joy and gladness;…” I know from our mission in Japan that missions ARE filled with joy and gladness. I know, too, from our mission in Japan that there are some  instances of deep sadness. My prayer is that I will always try to be worthy to teach and to invite and have with me the spirit of the Lord—for when I am able to do that the spirit softens my shortcomings and enlarges my abilities and carries a message into the heart of the person I am with.