“procrastinating preparation leads to unsuccessful proving.” - David A. Bednar, General Conference, October 2020
In his analogy to school work, Elder Bednar reminds us of the importance of preparation. This calls to my mind the fact that preparation is an antidote to fear in all its forms, a principle taught in the Doctrine and Covenants:
DC 38:30 I tell you these things because of your prayers; wherefore, treasure up wisdom in your bosoms, lest the wickedness of men reveal these things unto you by their wickedness, in a manner which shall speak in your ears with a voice louder than that which shall shake the earth; but if ye are prepared ye shall not fear.
(emphasis mine)
And emphasized biblically (and reiterated in the Doctrine & Covenants):
Ephesians 6:15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
DC 27:16 Stand, therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, which I have sent mine angels to commit unto you;
As a missionary each day concluded with planning and preparation for tomorrow, and each week involved a reporting on the past week and goal-setting for the next week. As the pandemic blurs certain of my boundaries between days and weeks, and between home and work, this preparation is more important than ever for reinforcing the guiding lines of my life.
Resources
- Bednar’s talk on Testing/Proving/Preparation https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2020/10/12bednar?lang=eng
- Notes on Doctrine & Covenants 38: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/doctrine-and-covenants-student-manual/section-38-if-ye-are-prepared-ye-shall-not-fear?lang=eng
- Header image “Siege of Gondor”
