Just stop with this false interpretation and this philosophy of man mingled with scripture. If it was as deep as you want it to be, we’d actively be calling on every person who chooses/has chosen not to serve to repent and go BUT WE DON’T BECAUSE ITS NOT THAT DEEP YOU ZORAMITES.
This is the dumbest take yet. Even when missions are not a full two years (which the handbook says can happen for compelling academic/career opportunities), the missionary is encouraged to carefully consider their reason, and still get honorably released. They’re no less.
Pretty much every time Cougar Chronicle publishes an article, I'm reminded of a global face to face where Elder Bednar pretty decisively refuted the notion that we need to "defend the doctrine", when asked by an incredibly pushy, YSA brother
@KimballCall You are wrong. My call letter uses the word anticipated. Not expected. Not required. Nobody has made a temple covenant to serve a two year mission. Neither did you. We made covenants to consecrate and sacrifice WHEN CALLED. You don’t get auto called on a mission. You apply.
“If a young missionary returns home early, they do not need your judgment.”
-President Russell M. Nelson
Regardless of whether or not you think your judgement of others is right in these circumstances, it is not needed. The prophet literally gave us this talk 3 years ago.
Chris brings up some very important points. BYU Football stars should not be choosing "one year missions." The message to our young men is that standards are optional and worldly success matters more than bringing souls to Christ.
The Laws of Sacrifice and Consecration matter.