I have been thinking about the 5 crowns mentioned in scripture–and particularly about the crown of rejoicing.  The Savior identifies this crown, in this New Testament verse:

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his ^acoming?

The context of the chapter includes the labor of love, of shepherding, of ministering to others, of missionary and evangelistic labors.

There’s a prize to be had for those labors, but not a prize of this world.  It is the very presence of the Savior with us.  And nothing compares with that.  Nothing ever can. Nothing ever will.

Working to share His light and to be in His presence is a divine work, and a sure prize worth striving for, worth our lives and every expenditure of effort. It’s a mountain-top experience.

We have to keep the fire burning, the flame of the gospel lit in our lives.  The More Good Foundation torch is a reminder of this for each of us.

And yet, sharing the gospel is natural if we are filled with it to overflowing.  It has to spill over… Are you?  Are you gaga over what the Lord is doing in your life–His tender mercies? What can you do today to share your light, which is in Him, the Savior of the World? How about posting your thoughts about His guidance on your Facebook page or something you read that moved you in The Book of Mormon, that might help someone you know, in an e-card or text message.  Is there someone with whom you ‘hang out’ who is need of hope or promises, strength to overcome?  If you know someone, can you refer them to the Church’s sites or ours? Can you talk to them about your joy in the gospel?  I challenge you today to make a new effort, one, and to share those with us.

Sometimes we think we need  to know more or be more before we can be effective as Mormon member missionaries, followers of Jesus Christ. But we know enough, as Elder Ballard indicated, our testimonies are what we need, and those we can share.

What will you do in the next twelve hours to this end?  Please share your experiences with us.

“But this I say, brethren, the time is short … for the form of this world is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:29, 31).