Balancing Principles: A Disciple's View on Complex Issues

It’s rare, isn't it? When you’re out in the field, or even just having a quiet moment studying scripture, that the Lord doesn't bring you a topic that requires you to hold two seemingly opposing truths in your heart at the same time. We’re taught to be disciples of Christ, and that means we’re called to see the world—and the gospel—in its full, beautiful complexity.

I was recently looking at some material concerning immigration, and it really struck me how often the conversation gets trapped in two extreme corners: either we’re "heartless" and only focus on rigid boundaries, or we’re "headless" and ignore all structure. It’s a perfect example of how the Spirit calls us to find the *third way*—the way rooted in eternal principles.

Finding the Principles, Not the Policy

When I was studying this, I realized that the most helpful thing isn't to become a policy expert—and let’s be honest, that’s too complex for any of us to master!—but to identify the underlying *principles* that guide our hearts. Are these principles rooted in our culture, or are they rooted in the eternal truths taught by the gospel of Jesus Christ?

The source material I reviewed laid out a beautiful framework that resonated deeply with what we learn in our own discipleship. It boiled down to a few core ideas that, when viewed through a Latter-day Saint lens, point us back to the Savior’s teachings on love and order.

The Two Pillars: Dignity and Order

The first principle, which echoes everything we learn in our studies of the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the Prophet, is that every human being is made in God's image and likeness. That’s non-negotiable. Our inherent worth comes from our divine parentage, not our citizenship or our passport. That must always be the foundation of our compassion.

But then, the discussion naturally moves to the second pillar: the recognition that a sovereign nation has a right and a responsibility to protect its borders. This isn't about building walls of malice; it's about the natural need for order, just as we have locks on our doors to protect what’s inside. It’s a recognition of necessary structure.

The Third Principle: The Obligation to Welcome

This is where the heart and the head finally meet. The material pointed out an obligation—a call to welcome the foreigner who is in search of security or livelihood they cannot find at home. It's a call to compassion tempered by reality.

As we continue our work as disciples, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or right here in our own homes, we are constantly learning how to balance these pillars. We are called to be both compassionate stewards of the Gospel *and* responsible members of our communities. It requires us to be thoughtful, to listen deeply, and to remember that our ultimate allegiance is to the principles of the Restoration.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: Listening for Principles

When you find yourself discussing a complex, polarizing topic with someone—whether it’s a potential convert or a friend who disagrees with you—don't rush to your prepared answer. Instead, practice listening to identify the *underlying principle* driving their statement. Are they speaking from a place of fear? A sense of duty? A need for security? Naming the principle helps you respond to the *person* and the *principle*, not just the political talking point. That’s how we truly start to feel the Spirit guiding our conversations.

If you want to practice this skill, I highly recommend diving into a Book Club or joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We can wrestle with difficult texts together and practice finding those eternal anchors. If you’re ready to dig deeper into how to handle tough questions in the field, remember that Davee is standing by! He’s ready to run through some investigator scenarios with you.

Stay diligent in your study, brothers and sisters. The Lord blesses those who seek to understand the fullness of His covenants.