One night while spending an eveing with my friends on top of a parking garage in beautiful St. George Utah, I received a very humbling experiance from one of our local law enforcement officers. Unbeknownst to me, it is not lawful to "hang out" on the top floor of a parking garage after dark. After talking a short while to the officer about the usual questions they ask. Why are you here, what are you doing, and are you in posession of any alcohol or drugs? I answered him that we were just enjoying the night view that is given from the top of this parking garage. The question was asked by the officer "Dont you have more important things to be doing?" Trying to be "cool" i replied, "Why yes i do. Im going to serve a mission soon." I was followed up on that question by "What is a mission?"..... Words left me. What was a mission? How was a suppose to explain what a mission was to some one who didnt know? I thought for a moment, then said some thing like "Ummm its a thing for my church for two years...." Failure. I failed at explaining what a mission is.
I came across a scripture the other day that really toutched my heart.
1 Peter 3:15
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear. (emphasis added)
I know now that I have an answer for that cop. A mission is a wonderful oporitunity to share the beautiful message of the restoration of the gospel! And we have a purpose, which is to help everyone receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ.
Be prepaired at all times to give an answer to that hope that we share. As our savior reveals to us in the 15th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, the most important thing we can do is serve the Lord and bring his children back to him.