April 19, 2024

I Was The Young Man Your Worried About

“I was the young man you’re worried about”
.
A few weeks ago I sat in a meeting where local church leaders were discussing their concerns over the number of young men in the church not choosing to serve full-time missions.
.
We discussed several factors affecting these young men such as lack of confidence, social anxiety, sin, addiction, distractions, and perhaps most common – homes where the gospel isn’t joyfully lived or where a mission isn’t taught as a valuable priesthood responsibility.
.
“All of these could have been applied to me,” I thought to myself.
.
At one point in the conversation I noted

– “I was the young man you’re worried about.”
.
“My family was not active in the church – we weren’t living the gospel in my home – a mission was not an expectation for me.”
.
I was asked the question I’ve been asked many times …
“What made you become active in the church and choose to serve a mission?”
.
And I gave the same response I usually give …
.
.
“Well … I was fortunate enough to attend seminary
.
“… and because I attended seminary – I read the Book of Mormon.
.
“… and as I read about men like Lehi, Nephi, Jacob, Enos, Benjamin, Mosiah, Alma, Mormon, Teancum, Moroni, etc. – I wanted what I saw in them.
.
“- I longed for the strength of character, a dedication to righteousness, and a relationship with Christ that I felt in these men.”
.
“… And I gained a testimony of the Book of Mormon.
.
“… And because I had a testimony of the Book of Mormon – I had a testimony of Joseph Smith and living prophets.
.
“… And so I knew the prophet’s invitation for young men to serve a mission came from the Lord.
.
“… And so, even though I had to work to prepare – I knew I needed to serve.”
.
.
“The challenges our youth face are multi-faceted.”
.
“But I think if you want youth to make and keep covenants, serve missions, and develop a relationship with Christ – getting them to read the Book of Mormon is an essential element.”
.
I’m so grateful for the power the Book of Mormon can have in our lives.
.
May the Lord bless us as we all strive to do all in our power to help our youth develop a personal connection to our Savior, Jesus Christ – to feel His love – and to feel confident and empowered to share His word.
.
“17 For behold, king Benjamin was a holy man, and he did reign over his people in righteousness; … —
“18 Wherefore, … king Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.”