We talk a lot about one on one; reaching out to the one, finding ones to teach.  I did a topical guide search on the word “one” and came up with this perspective.

First of all, thanks to Joseph Smith, we know it’s possible to stand before God and speak to Him as a man talks with another (JS-H 1:17-19, Abr. 3:11), “one on one”.  For me, that is important information.  As I kneel to pray, I can imagine myself at the feet of my Father, with His ear bent toward me, listening intently, for he sees me as “one” of His children.

The Trinity is vague and distant, but the Godhead is close by and accessible.  Again, thanks to Joseph, we know there are three distinct Gods, yet they are “one” in purpose (2 Ne 31:21, A of F 1).

These are two different ideas that intrigue me.  How does the word “one” capture the image of individuality, as well as, total and complete unity?

God’s work and glory is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39).  Like the great teacher that He is, He invites us all to be a part of this work (D&C 29:2,7).

While teaching us to bring every “one” together, He demands that we commit ourselves first (first one, then others); (Mosiah 18:21-22) “with one eye, having one faith and one baptism”.  Only then can our “hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another”.   Think of the temple.  We go first for ourselves as one of God’s children.  Then we go for other “ones” of God’s children, “one by one”, each done on an individual level, all while creating a great linking chain of “one” complete family.

In fact, being a member of God’s one true gospel, there are several demands placed upon us.  We must have “one” heart and “one” soul (Acts 4:32), be of “one” mind (2 Cor. 13:11), love “one” another, and cease to find fault “one” with another (D&C 88:123-4).  Have no –ites among you, but be “one” (4 Ne 1:17).  No longer will there be two, but “one” nation and “one” king (Ezek 37:22).

Jesus Christ tells us we must be “one” with Him, but then He shows us by inviting us to come “one by one” (as individuals) to touch the marks in his hands and feet (3 Ne 11:15).  We weren’t there among the Nephites, but He will come again and we will have our own “one by one” opportunity to shed our tears upon His palms and purse our lips to His feet.  Jesus had just come from the cross in Jerusalem, it had been a long three days for Him, yet He let the people come “one by one” for more than ten hours.

Now, what are we doing with this commission?  Can we not bring other sheep to Christ, so they might commune “one on one”?  Is visiting that one sister after our own long day too much trouble?  Can saying Hello, volunteering to help, inviting one more time, be more than we want to do?

Jesus doesn’t use guilt to force us.  There is no contention where He is.  It is the Spirit that moves us into action.  Let the Spirit be your motivation.  When you pray, ask Heavenly Father for direction, courage, and ability.  This is His work and glory and we are mere, yet eager, participants.

It is our singular (one) blessing to “declare His word…unto the ends of the earth” (3 Ne 11:41)