The Importance of Being a Missionary

Since we´re in the beginnings of this month, on Wednesday we had Leaders Counsel for all the zone leaders where we go over subjects that are presently important in our mission. This week we talked a lot about the power and authority of our calling, which seems to often be a subject that not all missionaries understand fully. I also admit that at times I forget the grand calling that I´ve been given. Nevertheless, I´ve come across many details that help me to understand really how important it is being or preparing to be a missionary. 

First of all, we have to understand a little bit better the importance of our Savior Jesus Christ to understand why a missionary is so important. When our Savior atoned for our sins, died, and ressurrected, He made possible an infinite amount of hopeful opportunities. By suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane He unlocked the gate to repentance and forgiveness. When He was hung on the cross, He unlocked the uplifting power known as Grace. And when He ressurrected the third day, He made possible the exaltation of man-kind. 

What does a missionary have to do with this? In D&C 84:20 it reads: Therefore, in the ordinances thereof, the power of godliness is manifest.¨ To help us to feel the power of the Atonement, it can only be given by way of ordinances. To participate in repentance and forgiveness, one must be baptized. To understand and to partake of the Grace of our Savior, one must be true to said baptism and take the Sacrament every week. And if we are to achieve exaltation, covenants in the temple are necessary. 

Missionaries are the only people on earth authorized to open the gate to the Atonement for those who have not yet known the restored Gospel. I hope that my brothers can understand what it means to me to be a missionary. It really means everything. I can´t think of anything that is more important to me than my Heavenly Father and the work that I am in. This is His work. And I wouldn´t be in it if I wasn´t absolutely sure that it is His. I know that my Redeemer lives. I have felt Him in this work. The Book of Mormon is evidence of that truth. I know it, I live it, I love it!

Elder Philpot