Directing the Gift: Finding Purity and Purpose in Our Temple Preparations

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to feel the Spirit guiding us toward deeper covenants—whether we are preparing for our first mission call, refining our testimony, or simply trying to live more fully as disciples in our daily lives—we inevitably run into the practical realities of the mortal journey. Sometimes, the challenges aren't about doctrine; they're about the day-to-day management of our bodies and our minds.

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on a topic that comes up in our missionary discussions and in our personal testimonies with increasing frequency: how do we honor the covenants we make while navigating the natural, powerful currents of our physical lives? It’s a topic that requires both deep doctrine and practical, day-to-day discipline.

It’s easy to think that purity is just about *avoiding* things, but the Lord has given us so much—our capacities, our emotions, our very drive to build families and build Zion. The goal, as we learn in the Spirit, isn't suppression; it's *mastery*—the mastery of self, guided by the Spirit, so that our energy is always directed toward the Lord and the work.

I wanted to share some thoughts today, drawing from some excellent counsel, about how we can treat this natural gift of sexuality with the reverence it deserves. It’s a skill, truly, one that requires continuous refinement, much like learning to testify with conviction or mastering the art of the opening question.

Directing the Gift: More Than Just Abstinence

What I took away from reviewing this counsel was a profound reminder that the Bible doesn't paint sexuality itself as sinful. Our drives are natural, God-given capacities. Where the challenge lies, and where we must exercise our best selves, is in the *misuse* and *misdirection* of those capacities. This isn't a source of guilt; it’s a call to stewardship.

Think about it through the lens of service. If we are constantly wrestling with how to channel our energy—our focus, our passion, our deep desire for connection—the natural overflow is often toward self-gratification. But the gospel redirects that energy. It teaches us to take that powerful energy and point it outward, toward building Zion, toward serving our neighbors, and toward our covenants with God.

Practical Discipline: Filling the Mind and the Hands

The counsel here is beautifully holistic. It doesn't just say "don't." It says, "Do this instead."

Redirecting Energy into Service

This is where the concept of being an internet missionary becomes so vital. When you feel that natural tension building, the immediate, Spirit-guided response isn't to retreat into isolation, but to *engage*! Can you call a friend who is struggling with their own mission prep? Can you spend an extra hour studying the Book of Mormon with a companion? Can you volunteer for a service project that requires your full focus?

Remember the example of Job—covenanting with his eyes not to look lustfully. That’s a boundary, yes, but it’s also a conscious choice to redirect focus. We do the same with our minds. If the mind wanders to unproductive places, we must actively fill it with the Word, with scripture study, or with thoughts of the Savior’s Atonement.

I highly recommend checking out this resource on managing these natural urges. It offers practical, actionable steps that feel very much like mission preparation—it’s about building habits of self-control and accountability.

Accountability and the Spirit

Finally, the greatest tool we have is the Spirit, and the best way to keep it close is through honesty. The counsel repeatedly emphasizes confession and accountability. Hiding these struggles doesn't make them go away; it builds walls between us and the Spirit. Sharing them—with a trusted friend, a bishop, or even journaling them for personal reflection—allows us to bring them into the light of the Lord’s grace.

My challenge to you this week, as you continue your discipleship journey, is this: When you feel that natural pressure building, pause. Before you react, ask yourself: "What is the most service-oriented, covenant-keeping thing I can do *right now*?" Let that question guide your feet, your hands, and your mind.

If you are looking for ways to deepen your personal study, I encourage you to look into the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook. Connecting with others over a shared scripture passage can be a powerful way to keep our minds focused on Christ.

For those of you who are in the thick of mission prep, or those who are newly returned missionaries, let’s keep supporting each other. If you want to discuss these kinds of deep, real-life covenants, join our next virtual study session!