Thursday, June 9, 2011

Blessings of Missionary Work - Clayton Christensen and other Area Seventies

I read this "talk" by Clayton Christensen and some other Area Seventies about the power and blessings of missionary work. It's very comprehensive showing that in the Latter-days, a primary focus of the Lord's message to his people has been about missionary work. A large number of verses in the Doctrine and Covenants explain the power of missionary work and give great blessings for being involved in this work.

Here's the link:

They explain that the main thing we should be focused on as members is missionary work and that all other programs will work well if we are.

In addition, the promises of the Lord are grouped into the following categories:

God will give strength/power
16 verses on this -

Here's one I like from D.C. 39

12And it shall come to pass that power shall arest upon thee; thou shalt have great faith, and I will be with thee and go before thy face.

God will increase faith and personal purity (I like this a lot!)
- 25 verses on this

In particular, 5 verses promise sins will be forgiven
Your sins will be forgiven (31:5; 36:1; 60:7; 62:3; 84:61).

Here's one I particularly like from D.C. 84:

61For I will aforgive you of your sins with this commandment—that you remain bsteadfast in your minds in csolemnity and the spirit of prayer, in bearing dtestimony to all the world of those things which are communicated unto you.

And finally, they mention 3 verses promising that the Holy Ghost will be with you.

Here's one from D.C. 84:88.
I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left; my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Essentially, I come away from the article with these thoughts:
1) We receive great blessings for missionary work.
2) The Lord promises help in doing the work.
3) That work is probably the best church "activity" we can be involved in.

Many people may be nervous or not know what to say in missionary discussions or even generic discussions about the church. It's clear to me from the scriptures in this article that the Lord promises his help, which means it's okay to not know what to say. God will help.

Have a good day.


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