Member Missionaries
God is our Father in Heaven. He loves all of His children and wants all to receive the joy that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ. “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10). The worth of souls is so great that “the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him . . . And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11, 13).
“Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah” (2 Nephi 2:8).
But, “how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:13). Therefore has the Savior has said, “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:81).
Missionary work is everyone’s job, and “he that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul” (Doctrine and Covenants 4:4).
“Brethren,” James wrote, “if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20).
Spencer W. Kimball commented on this passage,
Every person who is beginning the long journey of emancipating himself from the thralldom of sin and evil will find comfort in the thought expressed by James. We could expand it somewhat and remind the transgressor that every testimony he bears, every prayer he offers, every sermon he preaches, every scripture he reads, every help he gives to stimulate and raise others-all these strengthen him and raise him to higher levels.
The proper motivation for missionary work of any kind, as for all Church service, is of course love for fellowmen, but always such work has its by-product effect on one’s own life. Thus as we become instruments in God’s hands in changing the lives of others our own lives cannot help being lifted. One can hardly help another to the top of the hill without climbing there himself. (Miracle of Forgiveness. Salt Lake City: Deseret Book.)
Preaching the gospel is an effective way to receive a remission and forgivness of our sins. “Ye are blessed, for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you” (Doctrine and Covenants 62:3).
Former President of the Church, Gordon B. Hinckley said, “in behalf of the missionaries…I want to plead with the saints to do all you possibly can to provide referrals [of people] whom they might teach. You will be happy if you do so. Everyone that you see come into the Church because of your effort will bring happiness into your lives.”
I might as well add my witness to President Hinckley’s. I know that missionary work, full-time or not, brings joy.