The Lord's instructions to missionaries in Doctrine and Covenants 84 mirror His instructions to His ancient apostles: Avoid distractions. Trust me to provide the things you need. Those who receive you will be rewarded. If someone rejects you, move on and keep working.
The Stone Cut Out Without Hands
Nebuchadnezzar saw a stone cut from a mountain without hands that grew until it filled the earth. In modern revelation, the Lord identified that stone as the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. Book of Mormon authors labored over that stone, writing to “the ends of the earth,” although their efforts seemed small at the time.
“They Will Not Open Their Mouths”
Alma and Ether preached spontaneously and enthusiastically. In contrast, some church members in 1831 hesitated to speak up "because of the fear of man." We can follow Alma and Ether by removing barriers to engagement, raising important topics, and sharing uplifting message through a variety of channels—digital and personal.
“Your Joy With Him”
Jesus suffered so that we can all repent. As we help other people grow closer to Jesus Christ and repent, He experiences joy and so do we. That joy is communal in nature. We experience joy not "for" those we serve, but "with" them.
Preface to Four Revelations, April-May 1829
Four revelations received by Joseph Smith on behalf of different people have nearly identical openings. These openings are derived from combinations of biblical passages, all of which appear in some form in the Book of Mormon. Here is how I would paraphrase the message of this recurring introduction: Big things are about to happen, so pay close attention to what I'm about to say: People are ready to hear the gospel and if you work hard, you will find success in sharing it. I will answer your prayers, so ask me for help.
Good Tidings of Great Joy
Isaiah urged the people of God to enthusiastically share the "good tidings" of the gospel. The angel who appeared to the shepherds also referred to his message as "good tidings of great joy." We can strengthen others' faith by sharing truths joyfully.
“Thou Hast Great Cause to Rejoice”
After Alma was kicked out of Ammonihah, he was weighed down with sorrow. The angel who sent him back told him that he had "great cause to rejoice." Our confidence and patience can grow when we focus on the reasons we have to be joyful.
Declare His Doings
Isaiah's second millenial psalm is a call to action, encouraging us to share our faith in a variety of ways: praising, testifying, singing, and even shouting. Nephi followed the guidance in this psalm, sharing his testimony of Christ in a variety of ways.
Made Known Abroad / Pondered in Her Heart
After the shepherds visited the stable, they shared what they had seen enthusiastically. In contrast, Mary pondered these things in her heart. We can follow both examples. There is time for both sharing and meditating, and we can find joy in both.
Hold Up Your Light
Jesus invited us to let our light shine. Paul counseled Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel. We all have reasons to be self-conscious, but if we let our fears silence us, we will miss out on glorious opportunities to share the light of Jesus Christ.