To bring the world His truth

So many people I know are going on missions.

That's probably because all the people my age have reached the time in their lives when they can.

Boys, girls, they have all answered the call to serve.

I have always thought missionaries rock.

They can be spiritual giants.

When they speak it is a huge testimony builder to me.

Seeing them on the street, I stand in awe that they devote two years of their life to the Lord.

They suffer. They get discouraged. Satan still tries to drag them down.

Because they are the hope of many souls in this world.

Missions, they take all one's energy.

It is giving all your heart, mind, and strength to God.

To let Him guide you, to let Him shape you, to let Him teach you.

And to be His mouthpiece.

I believe we should always strive to be like missionaries.

It gets hard in this crazy world where you have a million other things to think about and do. 

Like college, a job, family, friends, etc.

On a mission, everything is for the Heavenly Father.

I always thought that was so cool that people could have two years where they didn't have to worry about anything except studying the Gospel and teach others.

Now I know it's much more than that.

It's hard work. 

And I applaud missionaries everywhere.

Missions do amazing things to people.

You witness miracles that you would normally not have the opportunity to.

You change, you love more freely, you trust in God more.

Because you have to, and because you want to.

But I think the greatest thing of all, is seeing other people change.

It's a scary thing to leave home for two years.

Leave behind everything you've ever know, your home, your friends, your career, your job....

Your family.

To go to a new place, to have to stand up in front of people and preach and teach.

And bear testimony.

Why do so many young men and women do this?

Because they don't just believe, they know.

They know there is a Savior, they know it is Jesus Christ.

They know He atoned for our sins and can take away our heartache.

They know they have a Father in Heaven who loves them, loves us.

They know there is hope and a plan of happiness.

And they want everyone to know it too.

That is why we go on missions. 

Not to get doors slammed in our faces.

Not to be called names.

Not to prove we are right.

Not to be put in scary environments.

But to rescue people, and to defend the truth.

I love this picture. 

We are as the Armies of Helaman.

We have been taught in our youth.

And we will be the Lord's missionaries.

To bring the world His truth.

The picture only shows young men, and that is probably because the Stripling Warriors were all young men.

And it is the young men's priesthood duty to serve a mission.

However, I believe even though young women don't have the priesthood, they can still defend truth and devote time to teach others' just as easily as young men can. We're just not obligated or encouraged.

Basically, it is what we feel is right. 

Honestly, I can see myself in that picture. I can be brave. I can share my light. I can love others the way Christ does. I can rescue and help and bring happiness to others. 

I am by no means perfect. But the gospel isn't for perfect people. It's for people striving to be perfect.

And this work, is indeed a great and marvelous work. 

And I want to be part of it, whether I decide to go on a mission or not.