Lift Up Your Heart and Rejoice
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the gathering of Israel and why is it important?
- What are some of the challenges that might distract members from serving a full-time mission?
- How does Elder Aidukaitis describe the blessings he received from serving a full-time mission?
- What role does the Church play in the gathering of Israel?
- How does serving a mission shape one's life?
Topics
Understanding the Importance of Gathering Israel
Elder Aidukaitis emphasizes the importance of the gathering of Israel, describing it as the most important thing taking place on earth today. He quotes President Nelson's words to highlight this cause's magnitude, importance, and majesty. He also explains that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God, which is why this cause is so crucial.
“That gathering,” President Russell M. Nelson has said, “is the most important thing taking place on earth today. Nothing else compares in magnitude, nothing else compares in importance, nothing else compares in majesty.”
Because “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (Doctrine and Covenants 18:10).
- What does the gathering of Israel mean?
- Why is the gathering of Israel considered the most important thing taking place on earth today?
- How does the worth of souls relate to the importance of the gathering of Israel?
- How can you personally contribute to the gathering of Israel?
- How does understanding the worth of souls impact your view of the gathering of Israel?
Recognizing the Role of the Church in the Gathering of Israel
Elder Aidukaitis points out that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is unique in its ability to offer blessings to others, both living and dead, through the gathering of Israel. He cites President Nelson's words to explain that any action that helps anyone take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving essential ordinances is part of the gathering of Israel.
Only in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints do we find the power, the authority, and the way to offer such a blessing to others, whether living or dead.
As President Nelson said: “Anytime you do anything that helps anyone—on either side of the veil—take a step toward making covenants with God and receiving their essential baptismal and temple ordinances, you are helping to gather Israel. It is as simple as that.”
- What unique role does The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints play in the gathering of Israel?
- How does helping others make covenants with God and receive essential ordinances contribute to the gathering of Israel?
- How can you help others make covenants with God and receive essential ordinances?
- What steps can you take to better fulfill your role in the gathering of Israel?
Overcoming Challenges to Serve a Full-Time Mission
Elder Aidukaitis shares his personal experiences of overcoming challenges and fears that tried to discourage him from serving a full-time mission. He encourages members, especially the youth, not to be afraid of the future and to trust in the Lord while striving to serve Him.
But the Lord Jesus Christ was my great inspiration not to be afraid of the future as I strove to serve Him with all my heart.
He also had a mission to fulfill. In His own words, He explained, “For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me” (John 6:38).
- What challenges did Elder Aidukaitis face when preparing to serve a full-time mission?
- How did trust in the Lord help Elder Aidukaitis overcome his fears and challenges?
- What fears or challenges might be preventing you from serving a full-time mission or serving the Lord in other ways?
- How can you put more trust in the Lord to overcome these challenges?
Receiving Blessings from Serving a Full-Time Mission
Elder Aidukaitis testifies of the rich blessings he received from serving a full-time mission, including greater faith in Jesus Christ, a stronger knowledge and testimony of His teachings, increased optimism in facing challenges, and preparation for adult life. He encourages members to humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord to receive these rich blessings.
Among the many rich blessings He has given me for serving Him as a full-time missionary are a greater faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement and a stronger knowledge and testimony of His teachings, so that I am not easily swayed by “every wind of doctrine” (Ephesians 4:14).
Yes, God has blessed me richly, far beyond what I imagined, just as He will all those who “humbly and prayerfully serve Him.” I am eternally grateful to God for His goodness.
- What are some of the blessings Elder Aidukaitis received from serving a full-time mission?
- How does humbly and prayerfully serving the Lord lead to rich blessings?
- How have you been blessed by serving the Lord?
- What steps can you take to humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord more fully?
Embracing Our Divine Purpose in the Gathering of Israel
Elder Aidukaitis reiterates President Nelson's invitation to the youth to enlist in the youth battalion of the Lord to help gather Israel. He affirms that we were born at this time for a divine purpose, the gathering of Israel. Despite the challenges, the Lord will be by our side and bless us greatly as we humbly serve Him.
We were born at this time for a divine purpose, the gathering of Israel. When we serve as full-time missionaries, we will be challenged at times, but the Lord Himself is our great exemplar and guide in such circumstances.
For all these reasons, I am not surprised that the Lord said to Thomas B. Marsh and to all of us, “Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come.”
- What is our divine purpose in the gathering of Israel?
- How does the Lord support us as we fulfill our divine purpose?
- How can you better embrace your divine purpose in the gathering of Israel?
- What can you do to lift up your heart and rejoice in your mission?
