Tracey and I went out on a double date with some longtime friends from college that we happen to live about 15 minutes away from. We went out to dinner at O Charley's and then went back to their house and watched the movie "Star Dust" in their home theater room in their basement. Great movie - if you're a "The Princess Bride" fan (which I am), you'll love it.
After the movie, our friend talked about how jealous she was of "return missionaries" and how most of them come back with this amazing spiritual growth. We talked about how important it was for husbands to have gone on a mission, so that spiritual growth can be a part of their family forever. As we talked, we were all so grateful to have this blessing on our lives. However, it made me ask myself 1) why was that the case, and 2) if it's possible to have this spiritual growth without serving a mission. Having met lots of amazing people with deep spirituality who joined the church as adults (having missed an opportunity to serve a mission), I would have to say the answer to question #2 is "absolutely".
I believe the key is the answer to question #1. My formula is this: Learning + Service = Real Spiritual Growth.
As a missionary, we were on a schedule of studying every morning: personal and companion study for 2 hours. And then for the rest of the day, our job was to "serve"! So with the exception of those that simply don't try to do the right thing while they're out, you can help but to gain a greater testimony of the gospel. For me personally, I loved every moment of serving people and helping them come to Christ; and being a convert to the church, I learned a great deal. My mission has provided me with a sure foundation to build the rest of my life. The trick is to make sure that I continue to follow this formula now so that my wife and children can benefit from it, as well.
Think about it. If we're reading scriptures and going to church on Sundays to learn how to be like Jesus, what's the use if we're not serving anyone - especially since that's all Jesus ever did when He was on the earth. The act of "not going to church" in mind means that you're not giving of yourself for one reason or another, so you're not going to serve very well, either. And let's not forget the power of the adversary that puts thoughts in our minds that distract us from serving and make us think that there are more "critical" things to worry about other than serving each other - a problem that is easily resolved by daily scripture study.
"Faith without works is dead", and service is our vehicle to showing Heavenly Father that we have faith and understand our purpose in life. And continued learning helps us to perfect our service, and our charity towards others, and our character.