Edmund
Burke is accredited with once saying these words: “The only thing necessary for
the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” This concept is seen in
action in Joseph Smith’s account of his experience in the Sacred Grove. We
know, that before God’s brilliant light broke through trees, young Joseph was
caught in the choking grasp of Satan’s darkness, as the adversary worked with
all his might to impede the great restorative work that Joseph would soon
engage in. Elder Holland, in his talk entitled “We Are All Enlisted,” had this
to say about that encounter: 'Joseph recorded that in an effort to oppose all
that lay ahead, Lucifer exerted “such an astonishing influence over me as to
bind my tongue so that I could not speak.” Satan cannot directly take a life.
That is one of the many things he cannot do. But apparently his effort to stop
the work will be reasonably well served if he can just bind the tongue of the
faithful….He is eternally opposed to the love of God, the Atonement of Jesus
Christ, and the work of peace and salvation. He will fight against these
whenever and wherever he can. He knows he will be defeated and cast out in the
end, but he is determined to take down with him as many others as he possibly
can…I ask for a stronger and more devoted voice, a voice not only against evil
and him who is the personification of it, but a voice for good, a voice for the
gospel, a voice for God. Brethren (and sisters) of all ages, unbind your
tongues and watch your words work wonders in the lives of those ‘who are only
kept from the truth because they know not where to find it.' My friends, we have an incredible privilege and honor to be able to open our
mouths and share this beautiful gospel of truth, comfort, and joy with those
around us. Each day we come in contact with dozens, even hundreds of people. They
pass us on the streets, they are in our own
circles of friends, and, more often than not, sometimes they are even in
the walls of our own homes. How many of them are searching for truth? How many
are searching for comfort? How many are searching for a purpose in this life, a
knowledge of what eternity may bring, and a way to reconcile the mistakes of
their past? Now I would ask if it is our place to keep
that light within ourselves and not share it with those who are so desperately
searching for it. The answer to that is we do not have the authority to withhold this marvelous gospel from God’s
beloved children, for whatever reason, be it fear of speaking and off-putting,
or even fear of our own shortcomings and assumed inadequacies. God has placed
His trust in us, His imperfect children, to take up the responsibility and duty
of caring enough about this gospel and our spiritual brothers and sisters to
open our mouths and share His amazing gospel. What an honor it is! George
Albert Smith worded this better than I ever could when he said this: “Knowing
that the Redeemer of mankind has offered to the world the only plan that will
fully develop us and make us really happy here and hereafter, I feel it not
only a duty but also a blessed privilege to disseminate this truth.” How
incredible is that? That our dear Heavenly Father has enough faith and
confidence in us, in you and in me, in each of us individually,
to trust us with assisting his other precious children in becoming converted
unto the Lord and making the most important and imperative life decisions they
possibly could.
Now
my dear friends, I know that’s a lot of pressure. I know that talking
about the gospel in your everyday conversations may feel bold, out of the
ordinary, and intimidating. I personally have felt that in my own life. I often
feel that I do not have words enough to convey the deepest depths of my love
for this gospel, my love for my Savior, and my gratitude for the incredible
sacrifice He made to save us all. But just as I have felt those feelings of
inadequacy in my own life, so have I felt this truth-the Lord will bless you
and enable you to do His work. He will give you the words to say and the power
and spirit to touch the hearts of those who are ready and willing to hear His
word. Doctrine and Covenants section four, chapter three says “If ye have
desires to serve God, ye are called to the work.” The act of being called
implies that we will be qualified applicants to serve our Lord. He will enable us to overcome any weakness
or fear that we may have. He will take those weak points and He will fortify
them so that we will be able to powerfully share His love and light with those
around us. Brothers and sisters, let your faith be bigger than your fear. There
are people in your lives who need to hear what you have to say, but more
importantly, feel the conviction of your spirit. I echo Elder Holland when I
say this: “You have more faith than you think you do.” To that I would add that
you have more courage than you think you do. You have more love than you think
you do. You have more power than you think you do. Please, please do not get distracted and
muddled up in the worries of your own incapability. There are people out there
who need your sweet, specific spirit right now. You may stumble over your words
or you may stutter, but I promise you that your desire and attempt is enough
for the Lord. Yes, it takes effort. But it is effort that you will never, ever
regret. I love the quote from C.S Lewis that says this: “Christ says ‘give me
your all.’ I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so
much of your work. I want YOU.” My dear friends, you are good enough to partake
in this incredible work. Do not forget your divine and eternal potential. Do
not undermine that royal heritage with thoughts that you are not smart enough,
or courageous enough, or faithful enough to be the Lord’s servant. What you do
matters. It makes a difference. The mission field is exactly where you are,
every second of your life. A mission is
not a two year period which ends when you take off that black piece of plastic.
As members of this glorious and amazing Church, we have the privilege of
serving a mission every single day of our lives. I promise you that there are
people that need YOU. Specifically you. You have the talents, spirit, and
perception on life that no one else has, and those differences make you
specially equipped to touch, serve, and love those around you in unique ways
that no one else may be able to. We are all missionaries, and I pray that each
day we are recognizing the opportunities in our lives to live up to and magnify
that calling, that privilege, and that honor. Matthew 17:20 reminds us that “If
ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove
hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible
unto you.” You will be enabled to be
a great force for good.
God be with you till we meet again,
Alyssa
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