Is it possible to live our lives like missionaries?

[Superbaldguy]

One of my main goals in 2009 is to try to enhance my spirituality. To accomplish this, I feel I need to have more constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. There have been/are many times in my Church life I haver felt that comforting influence, and it's the most desirable of all feelings.

My biggest struggles are the thoughts that creep into my mind and ultimately lead to sin - this is probably a common shortcoming or all of us - I often wonder how the proselyting elders deal with temptation and distractions.

Whenever I am dealing with sins and weakness, especially those of the flesh, I think "how would the missionaries handle a situation like this?" It gives me some hope, as I know they do not allow themselves to be influenced by many media sources and are taught to focus on spiritual matters - if they do or cannot have the Spirit with them 24/7, they simply cannot function at the level they are called to do so.

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary? Of course, I have to live in the real world and have contact with various personalities and situations that aren't always uplifting in nature, is it realistic to try to follow the example of young man serving the Lord in this fashion?

[Maxel]

One of my main goals in 2009 is to try to enhance my spirituality. To accomplish this, I feel I need to have more constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. There have been/are many times in my Church life I haver felt that comforting influence, and it's the most desirable of all feelings.

My biggest struggles are the thoughts that creep into my mind and ultimately lead to sin - this is probably a common shortcoming or all of us - I often wonder how the proselyting elders deal with temptation and distractions.

Whenever I am dealing with sins and weakness, especially those of the flesh, I think "how would the missionaries handle a situation like this?" It gives me some hope, as I know they do not allow themselves to be influenced by many media sources and are taught to focus on spiritual matters - if they do or cannot have the Spirit with them 24/7, they simply cannot function at the level they are called to do so.

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary? Of course, I have to live in the real world and have contact with various personalities and situations that aren't always uplifting in nature, is it realistic to try to follow the example of young man serving the Lord in this fashion?

I think it depends on which missionary practices you adopt, and the intensity.

Some of the mission rules- curfew by 9:00, lights out by 10:30, wake up at 6:00, etc.- will probably not be realistic. Some of the rules of the mission are to discourage immoral behavior and thoughts. For example, you don't need to fend off young ladies with a 10-foot pole. Others you'll have to adjust- for example, you won't always be able to study the scriptures for an hour every morning, and spend a full half-hour praying.

Also, some of the rules would be better honored if you followed the spirit. For example, the dress code- I doubt you want to wear a suit everywhere you go, but if you always keep yourself well groomed and wear modest, decent clothing, it will help your spirit.

All that said- GO FOR IT!! A man can do himself no harm by drawing closer to the spirit of God; conversely he will find himself growing in knowledge and power. Good luck!

[Guest tomk]

Christ did it, and He commanded us to be like Him. So it must be possible.

It depends on how badly you want it. It depends on where your focus is.

Living the Gospel must become your lifestyle. Seemlessly integrated into everything you do. This is not for the faint-hearted!! In fact it is impossible if Christ does not lead you and power you.

The kind of obedience you are talking about is only possible if Christ powers it. And to have Him do that, you must forge a relationship with Him. This is where the scriptures go silent for the most part. Why do they go silent? Because it is between you and the Lord. Nobody can counsel you in "HOW" to have a relationship with the Savior. You just .... do it.

[Moksha]

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary?

My guess is you would finally get tired of peanut butter and staying an arm distance away from women.

[tubaloth]

Is it even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary?

Pattern, yes. I don't think you can completely do it (work and family).

But I think you can set some type of morning routine that missionaries do.

Get up, shower for the day, then you would do companionship study which you can't really do. Then Breakfast, then Scripture studying for an hour.

I also think you can try to find 4 hours of service (thats what it was in my mission) Volineer at place. Usually you do two hours at two different places.

You might not have to be in at some curfew time, but you can make sure you go to be earlier enough.

You can figure out what type of music you should listen to.

Start small and working up to more.

[Dove]

I got rid of my TV when I was trying to do much as you were. I also read scriptures an hour a day after work. I love what Tubaloth said about service.

One thing I did not foresee was how hard the adversary would try to turn me from what I was doing. He hit me painfully hard. Eventually I went inactive.

I learned things though. Things like humility and submission to God's will. I do want to share that God has really been working in my life lately, to turn me back to Him. This I attribute to the faith and prayers of my mother and friends around me who love me. I attribute this to grace, and like the angel who appeared to Alma the Younger, not because he deserved it, but because of his father's faith and prayers.....

I am soo grateful for the people around me who prayed for me in faith. It truly has brought me back into seeking for God....

I feel like I'm rambling, but I believe what I'm trying to say is, don't forget the support and love of people around you. I believe there is a scripture in the Doctrine and Covenants about loving and being loved, knowing and being known by others....this is critical in the gospel, to me. I also think of the baptismal covenants made by the people of Alma the elder (in Mosiah). They will support what I"m trying to say.

I admire you for the path you are choosing. I hope that you pursue it and endure to the end in doing it.

Dove

[cjmaldrich]

If I may, I'd just like to give you a tip for achieving your goal... Make it very explicit. What does it mean to be more spiritual? How will you know when you are there?

I say this because like Dove said, the adversary will be all over you relentlessly for your efforts. He will put thoughts in your mind to make you feel like it's impossible or that you will never make it, even if you've far surpassed what a reasonable person would call "more spiritual."

I found myself in that very same situation every time I made a very general goal of being more spiritual or reading the scriptures more. It wasn't until I made a measurable goal for myself, like studying (really studying, not just reading) the scriptures for at least 30 minutes every day, reading from the Book of Mormon over breakfast with my wife, and praying on my own at least once a day, that I feel like I've really accomplished something.

Satan is still attacking fiercely, but I'm able to look at the facts. I am doing so much better than I was just a couple of months ago when I made these goals, in spite of all of the adversity and doubt that I've encountered.

You can do this and it will be so worth it when you do. Just keep your clear goals in mind and plead for help from the Savior.

[Misshalfway]

I am sorry but why on earth would I want to live as a missionary???

I did live as a missionary for a couple years and it was awesome and I learned some really great stuff. But the real test is living the kind of spirituality when all those restraints aren't on us. There is joy in mission life....but that joy only goes so far. Living the gospel inside of this world and with all its varied relationship possibilities has far more capacity for fullness in that joy.

(Forgive me for not reading all the posts)

Edited February 3, 2009 by Misshalfway

[ninjormon]

Sure, I had the same thoughts a while back and Tom is right, the keyword is FOCUS, eversince I realized that it has been my favorite word. The simple truth is you have to be more intune with the spirit. You have to be able to discern who is ready for what lessons and who is open and who is only asking questions to combat you or catch you up in thier web. The more you share with other people the more you want to study because someone always asks a question that you either dont know the answer to or have just forgot. And in addition in order to teach you have to be doing what you are saying.

[Hemidakota]

One of my main goals in 2009 is to try to enhance my spirituality. To accomplish this, I feel I need to have more constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. There have been/are many times in my Church life I haver felt that comforting influence, and it's the most desirable of all feelings.

My biggest struggles are the thoughts that creep into my mind and ultimately lead to sin - this is probably a common shortcoming or all of us - I often wonder how the proselyting elders deal with temptation and distractions.

Whenever I am dealing with sins and weakness, especially those of the flesh, I think "how would the missionaries handle a situation like this?" It gives me some hope, as I know they do not allow themselves to be influenced by many media sources and are taught to focus on spiritual matters - if they do or cannot have the Spirit with them 24/7, they simply cannot function at the level they are called to do so.

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary? Of course, I have to live in the real world and have contact with various personalities and situations that aren't always uplifting in nature, is it realistic to try to follow the example of young man serving the Lord in this fashion?

I have done it since I was commanded to not go on a mission. Now, are you ready for a eternal journey? Are you prepared?

[Guest QueenAnti]

Sell all of your possessions, give all of the money away. Go mission with nothing, and rely on the kindness of strangers to supply you. Preach to all who will here, and walk away from those who won't.

It is easier for a camel to pass through a needles eye, than for a rich man to make it into my father's kingdom.

[rayhale]

Living like a missionary is great, but like several other posts have stated, you will have to pick and choose what you do. You might not be able to read your scriptures for a full hour a day, yet you can still read as much as you can, like half an hour, or even for ten minutes. During your mission, you only had one concern, doing missionary work, preaching, teaching, and expounding the gospel, yet after your mission, you have work, family, and church responsibilities. This is a balancing act that is not always perfect.

[justamere10]

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary? Of course, I have to live in the real world and have contact with various personalities and situations that aren't always uplifting in nature, is it realistic to try to follow the example of young man serving the Lord in this fashion?

The church is not extending official calls to cyber missionaries but if you have the desire and anxiously engage in the work I am certain that you too will become as close to the Holy Spirit as you may have been while serving a mission in the physical world.

At least that has been my experience.

LDS Cyber Missionaries - Mormons are Christians - How to be a Cyber Missionary Forum - LDS1.org - Mormons - Index

[Snow]

One of my main goals in 2009 is to try to enhance my spirituality. To accomplish this, I feel I need to have more constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. There have been/are many times in my Church life I haver felt that comforting influence, and it's the most desirable of all feelings.

My biggest struggles are the thoughts that creep into my mind and ultimately lead to sin - this is probably a common shortcoming or all of us - I often wonder how the proselyting elders deal with temptation and distractions.

Whenever I am dealing with sins and weakness, especially those of the flesh, I think "how would the missionaries handle a situation like this?" It gives me some hope, as I know they do not allow themselves to be influenced by many media sources and are taught to focus on spiritual matters - if they do or cannot have the Spirit with them 24/7, they simply cannot function at the level they are called to do so.

Is is even possible for a person such as I (single male) to pattern my life around that of a missionary? Of course, I have to live in the real world and have contact with various personalities and situations that aren't always uplifting in nature, is it realistic to try to follow the example of young man serving the Lord in this fashion?

1. Lighten up.

2. Stop feeling so guilty.

3. Get married.

[Superbaldguy]

Ha!

I think it's hard to adopt all the practices of our fine missionaries to live in the real world, but there are simple things I can do - spend more time with the Scriptures. Cultivate new habits that can replace those situations of temptations. Spend more time doing service.

The Lord doesn't expect members to live like monks, He set up His Kingdom in such a way that the gospel is preached, two by two, young men and women who serve a mission devote their "tithing" years early in life so they can move on to new challenges and frontiers, such as advancing their education and marriage.

I often wish I had grown up LDS, but that was not meant to be - you have to work within the framework you are given.

The callings that are extended to us also makes us grow and develop new talents.

Thanks for all the insightful comments thus far.