Open Their Mouths

In the scriptures we have studied this week as part of the Come, Follow Me lesson we learn a lot about missionary work. The Savior had called Elders to travel to Missouri and then back to Kirtland, and He wanted them to share the gospel on the way. Some had not done this, and this is what He said of them: “But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them.” He wanted them to open their mouths and talk about the gospel, and some hadn’t done that. Surely this is the same expectation He has of us: that we talk about our faith and the Savior and the restoration of the gospel with others. He gave more insight in how to do this when in the same revelation He also instructed some, “And in this place let them lift up their voice and declare my word with loud voices, without wrath or doubting, lifting up holy hands upon them” (Doctrine and Covenants 60:2, 7). As we discuss the gospel, we should not use wrath and we should not doubt, but we should speak openly with a loud voice. I don’t think that means necessarily with a lot of decibels but rather one that is not in secret or covered up. In other words, we openly do what Nephi encouraged us to do: “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies” (2 Nephi 25:26). 

                Several other passages in these sections encourage us to share the gospel. The Lord said to some of the Elders, “Behold, they have been sent to preach my gospel among the congregations of the wicked; wherefore, I give unto them a commandment, thus: Thou shalt not idle away thy time, neither shalt thou bury thy talent that it may not be known” (Doctrine and Covenants 60:13). If we do not open our mouths to speak of the gospel then we are hiding some of the talent that the Lord has given us. On my mission in France, I had many opportunities to talk to people while we were traveling either on train or bus or tram. Some missionaries would choose to be idle with that time, making no effort to open their mouths to talk to those around them. The Lord made it clear, though, that He wants us to speak to the inhabitants around us. He said about those who were traveling in canoes on the water, “But verily I say unto you, that it is not needful for this whole company of mine elders to be moving swiftly upon the waters, whilst the inhabitants on either side are perishing in unbelief” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:3). I remember one time on a crowded tram when I approached a young man who was from Thailand. We talked briefly and then one of us had to get off, but through that connection he ended up being taught by another set of missionaries and ultimately being baptized. He became a faithful follower of the Savior and took the gospel back with him to Thailand when he finished his studies. So, we never know how the Lord might bless one of His children as we try to open our mouths to the people around us. But it takes faith as He said to one companionship: “Wherefore let my servants Sidney Gilbert and William W. Phelps take their former company, and let them take their journey in haste that they may fill their mission, and through faith they shall overcome” (Doctrine and Covenants 61:9). With faith we can overcome our fears to do missionary work and fill our own missions that the Lord has for us. And why should we do that? He gave one very compelling reason when He said this to those who had borne their witness to others: “Nevertheless, ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you” (Doctrine and Covenants 62:3). As we strive to share the gospel with others and bear our testimony, the Lord will forgive our sins. One other verse helps us understand how we are to do that: “Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 63:64). As we speak of sacred things we should do so with care and through the Spirit. We need not be over-zealous or obnoxious, but as we listen to the Holy Ghost, we will be led to share our testimonies with love and respect to help others find the joy of the gospel of Jesus Christ.