Gramps
We were listening to NPR about Mormon Missions. A call came in from a caller from Utah that stated that missions are necessary for our young men to eventually go to the Celestial Kingdom.Is this true? Is this a requirement?
Richard
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Richard,
Serving a mission for the LDS church is a very important activity. However, it is not mandatory that every young man agree to serve one. For instance, the current 
prophet of the LDS church, Thomas S. Monson did not serve a mission. At the time he could have, he was in the US Navy during World War II. That fact has no negative impact on his being the prophet of the church today.
From my personal experience of serving a mission, I can tell you it is an amazing experience that offers tremendous education and growth to the young man who decides to serve. That’s not even taking into account how wonderful it is to impact someone’s life for good as a missionary.
Finally, there are situations where a young man cannot serve a mission. The standards of health and fitness have been raised to higher standards than before. That means some very willing young men simply won’t be allowed to serve, many through no fault of their own. I have said this in other places, but in the end, it isn’t important what callings you serve in. What is important is how you serve in the callings you are given.
Gramps
