Saturday, September 17, 2016

Connecting the Plan of Salvation and Missionary Work

I've heard lots of people talk about how the Plan of Salvation and missionary work are totally intertwined, and I've understood that, on a pretty basic level. But today I kept thinking about it, and I'd like to share my thoughts with you...

I recently heard a great talk by John Bytheway. He shared this scenario (I'm paraphrasing):

"Imagine if suddenly everyone heard a voice, as if from a loudspeaker. It says, 'Attention everyone. We regret to inform you that the Plan of Salvation has failed.' Pause. 'You may now resume your purposeless existence.'"

Wouldn't that be awful? Think about it. All of us, in the backs of our minds, know that there is a reason for our existence and that we can return to Heavenly Father because of and through repentance and the Atonement. But if the Plan of Salvation weren't in place, I know I wouldn't be living the way I am now! I would be living like there's no consequences and no heavenly home to reach for, no greater purpose. I wouldn't be happy. I'd be wondering what the point of life is.

But we all know that most of Heavenly Father's children aren't aware of Him, or of their purpose and potential.

This is why we need to share the gospel! In Mosiah 28, verse 3, it talks about the sons of Mosiah, preparing to serve missions after repenting of their sins. It says: "Now they were desirous that salvation should be declared to every creature, for they could not bear that any human soul should perish; yea, even the very thoughts that any soul should endure endless torment did cause them to quake and tremble."

This is how we need to feel! We need to be reaching out to our brothers and sisters and sharing our amazing knowledge with them, or we'll be held accountable!!! So the next time someone starts a talk about missionary work and you're ready to fall asleep, you just might want to take them a little more seriously...

2 comments:

  1. Great connection! I'm going to try and think about this more when I interact with those that don't know or understand the Plan of Salvation.

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