My book club has been around since before I was born. Okay, that’s not true; but since it’s been around more than 50 years, I like to think it pre-dates me. I joined about 30 years ago. We recently discussed books about people who are spiritually searching.
Let me just give you a thumbnail. Man’s Search for Meaning was published in 1959, and has been followed by, what — hundreds? thousands? — of similar books that describe the journey to make sense of life, learn what really matters, and re-order our priorities. You may have read any number of these books: How to Win Friends and Influence People, The Last Lecture, When Breath Becomes Air, Tuesdays with Morrie, The Alchemist, As a Man Thinketh, Unbroken, Outliers, Meditations, The Power of Now, The Untethered Soul, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change…. And on and on.
I have concluded that there isn’t a person alive who has not contemplated life’s meaning. Why are we here? Where are we going? What’s the point?
Sometimes we shelve these deep questions and get busy with day-to-day demands. But deep down, the questions remain.
Here’s how this impacts my favorite hobby, missionary work: It means EVERYBODY is searching. Every single person you ever see is golden. Every one.
You literally never waste time chatting with people, being genuinely interested in them, performing service, simply smiling and caring. At some point, you’ll be able to get beyond surface conversation and share the clarity, the relief(!), the joy of knowing why you’re here and where you’re hoping to go.
I’ll just say it: It is ludicrous to look at someone and think, “Hmm… I wonder if they’d be interested…” Trust me: The entire world is interested. People may put up barriers, or have pre-conceived, incorrect notions about us. But in everyone’s heart is a huge question mark. And you have the answer to it.
Are you ever depressed, anxious, or worried about your own challenges? Of course—we all are. BUT… never let your worries overshadow your reasons to celebrate. Under all the problems we encounter is a glorious truth blazing brighter than the sun: This Gospel Is the Real Deal. This is the Lord’s church on the earth today. If you have it, you’re one of the luckiest creatures on earth!
Think of it. God is our Heavenly Father, who sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to save and redeem us. The Holy Ghost can testify to us that this is true! They all love us more than we can imagine. If we make and keep sacred covenants, we can return to live with Them forever! Joseph Smith was telling the truth: He really did restore Christ’s gospel to the earth, and translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God. This is Christ’s church and it’s led by living Prophets.
That simple summary is greater, truer, and more powerful than all the “mortal inspiration” books put together.
So… if you feel hesitant to share the gospel, reach into your heart and find love for your fellowman. See them as your brothers and sisters. Know that you have something that can change and bless their life forever. Even if they turn you down, they’ll always remember the warmth in your smile, the glow in your eyes. And perhaps one day they’ll be ready. Your brief encounter may come to mind when they meet some missionaries next month. You will never know the part you played.
But you’ll feel the approval of your Father in Heaven. You’ll feel closer to the Holy Ghost. You’ll know this is what Jesus would have done. And your own trials will become more manageable. Your step will be lighter, your faith will be stronger, and your entire day will change.
Best of all, you’ll actually meet people who are ready. They’ll have questions, they’ll want more information. You may even get to pray with them. The Holy Ghost will nudge you to approach someone who looks unlikely, but the Holy Ghost knows that person’s heart.
Finding investigators is so much easier than it sounds because, honestly, they’re everywhere.
Joni Hilton is the author of dozens of best-selling LDS books. She was a script writer for Music and the Spoken Word for 30 years, and has 10K subscribers as the Youtube Mom.
