Missionaries and Minimalism
Our Latter-day Saint youth are going on missions at greater rates since the change in age was announced a few years ago. From the ages of 18 and 19, they leave their homes and families behind for eighteen months to 2 years in order to focus on serving the Lord and preaching His Gospel. Unfettered by possessions beyond the daily necessities of life, these missionaries are able to better focus on the task at hand.
Can you imagine if there were no limitations on possessions and the types of possessions one could take on a mission? What kind of discussion would ensue following a Guitar Hero jam session? What would transfers look like if missionaries could have their entire baseball card collections or their unlimited wardrobe from home including all 20 pairs of shoes?
Not only are we setting an example for our children when we live with less, but we are preparing them to live with less while they are serving missions. And we are also preparing for an easier transition if we desire to serve as Senior missionaries. Some of the biggest obstacles to Senior missionary service are health, how to handle possessions while away (including homes, vehicles, etc.), and of course being away from family. Getting our affairs in order to serve the Lord in our later years can be a huge blessing to many lives, and the less you have to get in order, the easier it will be to serve.
We can learn a great lesson from the simplicity of living during missionary service. It's true that most missionaries come home and within a few months or years have resumed their former life full of the lastest and the greatest
... even those more affected by poor living conditions in third-world countries. But, I doubt there would be much argument in the level of happiness of the worthy missionary with little to speak of concerning material goods or the returned missionary back in the throes of society and the finer things in life.
Alma 37
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
Not only are we setting an example for our children when we live with less, but we are preparing them to live with less while they are serving missions. And we are also preparing for an easier transition if we desire to serve as Senior missionaries. Some of the biggest obstacles to Senior missionary service are health, how to handle possessions while away (including homes, vehicles, etc.), and of course being away from family. Getting our affairs in order to serve the Lord in our later years can be a huge blessing to many lives, and the less you have to get in order, the easier it will be to serve.
We can learn a great lesson from the simplicity of living during missionary service. It's true that most missionaries come home and within a few months or years have resumed their former life full of the lastest and the greatest
... even those more affected by poor living conditions in third-world countries. But, I doubt there would be much argument in the level of happiness of the worthy missionary with little to speak of concerning material goods or the returned missionary back in the throes of society and the finer things in life.
Alma 37
46 O my son, do not let us be slothful because of the easiness of the way; for so was it with our fathers; for so was it prepared for them, that if they would look they might live; even so it is with us. The way is prepared, and if we will look we may live forever.
47 And now, my son, see that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live. Go unto this people and declare the word, and be sober. My son, farewell.
How have you been blessed by living with less during missionary service?
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