The Three Nephites desire to stay on the earth to bring souls unto Christ. They will not taste of death, and they will be spared sorrow, except for the sins of the world. They will receive a fulness of joy in the kingdom of our Heavenly Father. There is great joy over a soul who repents (see D&C 18:13). We should seek this joy of bringing souls to Christ. This was Alma’s joy and glory (see Alma 29:9–10). Bringing the word to others is how we are forgiven (see D&C 31:5; James 5:20). Our desire should be like that of the Three Nephites who tarried—to bring souls unto Christ. This will be the thing of most worth in our lives (see D&C 15:6). Then shall our joy be great.
Regarding the joy of missionary work, President Ezra Taft Benson has stated:
Not only should a mission be regarded as a priesthood duty, but every young man should look forward to this experience with great joy and anticipation. What a privilege—what a sacred privilege—to serve the Lord full time for two years with all your heart, might, mind, and strength (D&C 4). Show your love and commitment to the Lord by responding to His call to serve. Know that the real purpose in going into the mission field is to bring souls unto Christ, to teach and baptize our Heavenly Father’s children so that you may rejoice with them in the kingdom of our Father (see D&C 18:15). (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1988], 193)
Concerning senior missionaries, President Spencer W. Kimball has stated:
I am thinking of the missionary work, and there are numerous people in the retired group who do and could give much of their energies and time in a selfless proselyting effort to bring souls unto Christ, the greatest service. There may be some limitation on the foreign, “away from home” missionary work, but almost no limit to the missionary service that could be performed in one’s own community with one’s own neighbors in one’s own time. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1982], 255)