Facing the Field: Why Running From Hard Conversations is Running From the Spirit

It’s easy to feel like we’re running from something, isn't it? Maybe it’s the tough questions from an investigator, or perhaps it’s the discomfort of a missionary discussion where the answers aren't neat and tidy. We all have those moments—moments when the Spirit whispers, 'You need to talk to them,' and our immediate, knee-jerk reaction is to retreat.

We get so good at the 'easy' conversations. The ones where the testimony flows smoothly, where the scriptures seem to illuminate perfectly, and where the feeling of success is warm and immediate. But the real growth, the kind that truly deepens our discipleship, often happens right at the edge of our comfort zone. It happens when we have to confront something difficult.

What I was listening to recently really resonated with this idea of confrontation. The speaker talked about how many of us are naturally inclined to run—running from difficult people, running from difficult topics, even running from the necessary accountability that comes with covenant keeping. We build up these mental walls, these little excuses, and we tell ourselves, 'I just can’t bring myself to say that,' or 'It’s too awkward to talk about this.' But friends, if we are to be true disciples, we must learn to meet the Spirit where it’s challenging, not just where it’s comfortable.

Our Responsibility in the Work

In the field, this plays out constantly. We are called to be Internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time. And sometimes, being a disciple means having the courage to gently, lovingly, but firmly, challenge a misunderstanding or a pattern of thought. It means being willing to have the difficult conversation—the one that requires us to move past our own natural inclination toward avoidance.

We know that the Lord doesn't give us commandments as suggestions. He gives them as divine direction for our eternal progress. And just like the speaker mentioned, we are partners with Him. He provides the power, but we must do our part. If we are neglecting our preparation, if we are avoiding the deep dives into the Book of Mormon or the necessary study of our doctrines, we are essentially running from the work.

Being Christlike Means Facing It

To be Christlike isn't just about grand gestures; it’s about the daily, sometimes awkward, moments of accountability. It’s about learning to stand firm in the truth, even when it’s unpopular or when the other person becomes defensive. It requires us to learn how to approach these moments with the humility of a returned missionary who knows he still has so much to learn, coupled with the conviction of someone who has felt the Spirit's guidance firsthand.

If you’ve been feeling resistant lately—resistant to studying a difficult passage, resistant to sharing a testimony that feels vulnerable, or resistant to having a deep, clarifying discussion with a friend—I encourage you to pause. Ask yourself: What am I running from right now? Is it the challenge? Is it the potential for disagreement? Or is it the necessary work itself?

Remember that the Spirit doesn't whisper suggestions; He prompts us toward covenant keeping. Let's commit today to meeting the Spirit head-on, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation might be. We are stronger together, and we are equipped by the Atonement to handle what comes our way.

If you’re feeling rusty in any area of your discipleship—whether it’s your doctrinal knowledge or your conversational courage—I highly recommend diving into the latest insights on the Book of Mormon through our Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the material in a supportive, community-oriented way.

For those of you who are preparing for missions or are currently serving, let’s keep this momentum going! If you need help framing a tough doctrinal question for a potential investigator, don't forget to tap into Davee. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions as your AI Investigator co-pilot.

If you're ready to deepen your understanding of these principles, join us this week for a Book Club focusing on the covenants. Let's learn to face the field, together!