“And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)
Just as in Joshua’s time, we face pivotal decisions that shape our families’ spiritual trajectory. For parents within our faith community, one of the most significant considerations is whether we will guide and prepare our children for full-time missionary service. Understanding the profound impact of this choice requires us to reflect on the counsel of prophets, both past and present.
President Howard W. Hunter emphasized this divine expectation, stating, “Prophets of past generations have taught that every able, worthy young man should serve a full-time mission. I emphasize again today the importance of that service” (“Follow the Son of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, 87).
Echoing this sentiment, President Gordon B. Hinckley declared, “I say what has been said before, that missionary service is essentially a priesthood responsibility—that young men of the priesthood should carry the major burden. This is their responsibility and their obligation” (“Some Thoughts on Temples, Retention of Converts, and Missionary Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 49).
Imagine a young man today contemplating full-time service. What would the Lord communicate to him? With boundless love, He spoke to Orson Pratt in his youth: “My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, God the Lord, shall say unto you… blessed are you because you have believed; And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel” (Doctrine and Covenants 34:1, 4–5). Can we perceive the depth of divine love for every young man who answers the call to serve Him?
As parents, the mantle of responsibility rests upon us to nurture in our children the worthiness and desire to serve the Lord. We are stewards of these precious souls, reserved for this very era. The Lord entrusts them to our care, and we will be accountable for this sacred stewardship. Among the blessings of this stewardship is the privilege of preparing our children for dedicated service to the Lord through missionary work.
Let us consider the profound influence parents have, as illuminated by one of the most compelling narratives in the Book of Mormon. This is the account of the two thousand and sixty young warriors who volunteered to defend their nation’s liberty. Helaman led these valiant young men into battle, and remarkably, “not one soul of them was lost; yea, and neither was there one soul among them who had not received many wounds” (Alma 57:25). Why this miraculous preservation? Because they “were obedient and observant to perform every word of command with exactness” (Alma 57:21). Helaman reveals the underlying reason for this miracle: “And I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them” (Alma 57:21). What had these mothers taught? “…that there was a just God, and whosoever did not doubt, that they should be preserved by his marvelous power” (Alma 57:26). Parents, do you recognize the immense power you wield in your children’s lives? By instilling in them the knowledge of a just God and His desire for every able and worthy young man to serve a mission, you cultivate the very faith essential for them to answer the Lord’s call.
Bishops, as shepherds of your wards, you carry a significant responsibility in preparing young men for full-time missionary service. Begin early. Engage them with Alma’s profound spiritual experiment (Alma 32). Plant the seed of missionary service in their hearts and encourage them to seek divine confirmation of its goodness. As you nurture this seed, it will blossom into the miracle of their missionary service.
I will forever be grateful for my wife, our bishops, and priesthood leaders who consistently taught and prepared our sons for their missions.
How can we foster a substantial increase in the number of young men serving missions? Firstly, parents must fully embrace their role. They must earnestly seek Heavenly Father’s guidance in preparing their sons for missionary service. This calling extends beyond geographical boundaries—it is for every able and worthy young man in the Church, whether he resides in the United States, England, Mongolia, or Brazil. Bishops, this same principle applies to your stewardship.
President Boyd K. Packer wisely taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior” (“Little Children,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17). The doctrine that will transform our young men’s perspective on missionary work is a deep understanding of the worth of a single soul. Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice, offering His infinite Atonement, which unlocks the singular path back to our Heavenly Father’s presence and eternal life with Him. When parents, bishops, and young men themselves internalize this profound doctrine, our young men will be both prepared and eager to serve.
Consider these powerful words from Elder Joe J. Christensen: “The Lord didn’t say, ‘Go on a mission if it fits your schedule, or if you feel like it, or if it doesn’t interfere with your scholarship, or your romance, or your education.’ Preaching the gospel is a commandment—not merely a suggestion. It is a blessing and a privilege—not a sacrifice. Remember, the Lord and his prophets are counting on you” (“The Savior Counts on You,” Ensign, Nov. 1996, 41).
There is perhaps no greater endeavor a young man can undertake than full-time missionary service. The good they accomplish as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ reverberates through eternity.
Today, we witness the largest army of missionaries ever assembled in the history of the world. Do not let your sons miss the profound opportunity to be part of this noble host. These young men, foreordained and tested before this earthly existence, are not ordinary. They are choice spirits, reserved to come forth in this pivotal dispensation.
Reflecting on the monumental commission the Lord has given us—to proclaim the gospel to all the world—I implore you, both individually and as families, to petition our Heavenly Father that each of our young men will cultivate the desire and worthiness to serve a mission.
May Heavenly Father bless us with unwavering resolve to prepare our young men for missionary service. May the young men of the Church today emulate the sons of Helaman, fulfilling every word of the Lord with exactness, shining as a light upon a hill, and declaring to the entire world that, like Joshua of old, they have chosen to serve Jehovah.
This is my earnest prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
