As the Restoration of the Gospel occurred, the burden was laid upon the shoulders of all those entering into the newly restored covenant to gather again Israel. The lost sheep, who do not even retain a memory of their prior covenant status, must be gathered again. This mission is global, and involves warning all nations.
This language anticipates Nephi’s counsel about the last days. Anyone can be a part of the covenant. Even those who identify themselves as “Gentiles” will be welcomed if they enter into the covenant. Those who are involved in the Restoration are to be a “light” to others. The Gospel was never meant to be hoarded. In fact, it cannot be. You either share it, or you are damned for your failure to declare the warning to others.
Our day is the day in which we are required to be a “light” unto others. To the extent we accomplish this, we fulfill prophecy and we please the Lord. To the extent we fail to do so, we risk our own rejection from the Lord. President Spencer W. Kimball’s admonition “every member a missionary” was not just a clever phrase. It was a warning to us about our obligation to either declare the glad tidings to others, or be damned for our failing.