Joshua’s powerful declaration, “for me and my house, we will serve the Lord,” resonates through the ages as a beacon of faith and family commitment. This profound statement from Joshua 24:15 serves not only as a historical cornerstone but also as a relevant guidepost for families today, particularly in raising righteous generations. Just as Joshua faced the choice of whom to serve, we too encounter daily decisions that shape our spiritual direction and that of our households.
In contemporary life, this scriptural principle gains particular significance when considering the call to missionary service. Like Joshua leading his people, parents today stand at a crucial juncture: will we actively prepare our sons to answer the call to full-time missions, dedicating themselves wholeheartedly to serving the Lord?
The importance of this preparation has been consistently emphasized by prophets in our time. President Howard W. Hunter firmly stated, “Earlier prophets have taught that every able, worthy young man should serve a full-time mission. I emphasize this need today.” This call to action underscores the enduring relevance of missionary work as a vital aspect of discipleship. President Gordon B. Hinckley further elaborated on this responsibility, declaring, “missionary work is essentially a priesthood responsibility. As such, our young men must carry the major burden. This is their responsibility and their obligation.” These prophetic voices amplify the divine expectation placed upon young men to serve and the corresponding parental duty to nurture this desire within them.
Imagine the Lord’s personal invitation to a young man contemplating missionary service. In a revelation to Orson Pratt, the Lord’s words overflow with love and affirmation: “My son Orson, hearken and hear and behold what I, the Lord God, 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.” This tender and powerful message reveals the profound love and blessings awaiting those who answer the call to serve, highlighting the divine favor bestowed upon missionaries.
As stewards entrusted with precious souls, parents carry the sacred responsibility of nurturing their sons’ spiritual growth and preparing them to serve the Lord. This stewardship demands conscious effort and dedication, with accountability to the Lord for the guidance and upbringing provided. One of the most profound blessings of this stewardship is the opportunity to guide sons towards missionary service, aligning their paths with God’s divine purposes.
The Book of Mormon provides a powerful illustration of parental influence in shaping young men of faith and service – the story of Helaman’s 2,060 stripling warriors. These young men, raised in righteousness, exhibited unwavering obedience and courage in battle. Despite facing formidable challenges and sustaining wounds, not a single one perished. This miraculous preservation was attributed to their meticulous obedience to commands and, crucially, to the teachings of their mothers. Helaman recounts, “I did remember the words which they said unto me that their mothers had taught them.” These mothers instilled in their sons a profound faith in a “just God” and the assurance of divine protection for those who do not doubt.
This inspiring account underscores the immense power parents wield in shaping their sons’ destinies. By diligently teaching the principles of faith, righteousness, and the importance of missionary service, parents can empower their sons to answer the Lord’s call with unwavering conviction. When young men are raised with the understanding that serving a mission is a divine expectation and a path of profound blessing, they are more likely to embrace this opportunity with faith and enthusiasm.
Bishops, holding key positions of leadership in the Church, also share in this vital responsibility of preparing young men for missions. Their stewardship includes nurturing the rising generation and guiding them towards fulfilling their priesthood duties. Bishops are encouraged to begin early, instilling the seed of missionary service in the hearts of young men from a young age. By teaching them spiritual principles and encouraging them to seek personal revelation, bishops can play a crucial role in fostering a desire to serve. Like Alma’s experiment, planting the seed of faith and service, and then helping to nourish it, can lead to the miraculous blossoming of a young man’s decision to serve a mission.
Personal experiences further validate the power of collective efforts in mission preparation. Grateful testimonies often highlight the combined influence of parents, bishops, and priesthood leaders in guiding young men towards missionary service. These collaborative efforts create a supportive environment where young men feel encouraged, prepared, and inspired to answer the call to serve.
To significantly increase the number of young men serving missions, a concerted effort is required. Parents must first recognize and embrace their primary role in this preparation. Seeking divine guidance through prayer, parents can gain insights into how best to nurture their sons’ spiritual growth and instill in them a desire to serve. This responsibility extends to all corners of the globe, encompassing every able and worthy young man within the Church, regardless of geographical location or cultural background. Bishops, in their shepherding role, must also actively engage in this process, ensuring that every young man in their ward is aware of the call to serve and receives the necessary support and encouragement.
President Boyd K. Packer wisely taught, “True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior.” The doctrine that holds transformative power in motivating young men to serve missions is the profound understanding of the worth of a single soul. Recognizing the infinite sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the immeasurable value of each individual in God’s eyes instills a deep sense of purpose and urgency in sharing the gospel. When parents, bishops, and young men internalize this doctrine, the desire to serve naturally blossoms, fueled by a love for God and humanity.
Echoing this sentiment, Elder Joe J. Christensen emphasized the commandment nature of missionary service: “The Lord did not say, ‘Go on a mission if it fits your schedule, or if you happen to feel like it, or if it doesn’t interfere with your scholarship, your romance, or your educational plans.’ Preaching the gospel is a commandment and not merely a suggestion. It is a blessing and a privilege. … Remember, … the Lord and his prophets are counting on you.” Missionary service transcends personal convenience or worldly pursuits; it is a divine mandate, a sacred privilege, and a profound blessing.
Indeed, there is perhaps no greater endeavor a young man can undertake than serving a full-time mission. The impact of their service extends far beyond temporal measures, rippling through eternity. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, missionaries contribute to the eternal progression of souls, fostering spiritual growth and bringing hope to countless lives.
Today, we witness the largest missionary force in history, a testament to the faithfulness and dedication of young men answering the call to serve. These are not ordinary young men; they are “choice spirits,” foreordained and reserved to come forth in this pivotal time. Let us not allow our sons to miss the profound blessings and eternal impact of being part of this great army of the Lord.
As we contemplate the divine mandate to share the gospel with the world, let us unite in fervent prayer, pleading with Heavenly Father that every young man in the Church will cultivate the desire and worthiness to serve a full-time mission. May we, as families, echo Joshua’s resolute declaration: “for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” May the young men of this generation emulate the sons of Helaman, diligently heeding the word of the Lord, becoming beacons of light, proclaiming to the world their unwavering commitment to serve Him. This is my prayer, in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen.
