Embark in the Service of God

Elder Marcos Aidukaitis spoke about participating in the gathering of Israel in the most recent general conference. He said this: “Certainly, there are many worthy causes in the world. It is impossible to name them all. But wouldn’t you like to participate in a great cause within your reach and where your contribution makes a vital difference? The gathering makes an eternal difference to all. People of all ages can participate in this cause regardless of their circumstances and where they live. There is no other cause in the world more inclusive.” So what constitutes the gathering of Israel? President Nelson explained: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.” So as we perform temple and family history week, we are helping to gather Israel. As we teach our children the principles of the gospel to help them prepare to be baptized, to receive the priesthood, or go to the temple, we are helping to gather Israel. As we invite anyone to “come and see” and participate in gospel activities where they will have the opportunity to be touched by the Holy Ghost, we are helping to gather Israel. And as we serve others in any way as disciples of Christ, helping others to feel the Spirit which can help them desire to draw closer to Him, we are helping to gather Israel. Elder Aidukaitis highlighted that both teaching missionaries and service missionaries are indeed an important part of the gathering. Ammon was one of the greatest missionaries in the Book of Mormon, and he started out as a service missionary to soften the hearts of the people before they could be taught. We should not discount the great power of service to help invite others to come unto the Savior.

               President Nelson encouraged the youth “to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel…. There is nothing of greater consequence. Absolutely nothing…. This gathering should mean everything to you. This is the mission for which you were sent to earth.” We rightly focus on encouraging our youth to prepare for full-time missionary service, and I hope that we do not consider service missionaries of any less value than teaching missionaries. Both types are doing the work of the Lord to bring others to the Savior, and the Lord’s words about missionary work apply to both: “Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. Therefore, if ye have desires to serve God ye are called to the work” (Doctrine and Covenant 4:2-3). Interestingly, this section that we often memorize as missionaries does not even mention teaching or preaching. Of course many other sections do, and teaching the gospel by word is essential, but missionary work is not narrowly defined by teaching or talking about the Savior with others. Missionary work is to serve the Lord with all our hearts while trying to help others come unto Him. And so for each of us if we find ways to serve others each day, whether by word of deed, we too are helping in this most important work to gather Israel. For all of us who desire to serve Him, surely these words to Thomas B. Marsh apply to us: “Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come” (Doctrine and Covenants 31:3).