Guarding the Hedge: Protecting Your Weaknesses in the Work

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one principle that keeps getting emphasized in the temples, in the mission field, and yes, even in these quiet moments of study, it’s the necessity of guarding our weaknesses. It’s a principle that feels both incredibly simple and monumentally difficult to live by. We talk so much about the strength of the Spirit, about the power of covenants, and the incredible gifts the Lord gives us to share the gospel. But what about the things we *don't* want to be exposed?

It reminds me of watching a message recently—one about the priestly garments. The speaker pointed out that the undergarment speaks of the flesh, and that the key principle in God’s plan is: everybody’s got weakness. We cannot pretend that we don't have one, or that we can somehow manage it until it disappears. We have to name it, and more importantly, we have to cover it.

The Samson Principle: Strength Undone

The example of Samson is powerful, isn't it? He was blessed with incredible strength—a testament to the Lord’s power channeled through him. Yet, it was not his strength that ultimately defeated him; it was his weakness, his unguarded vulnerability. The enemy, brothers and sisters, is not looking for our moments of greatest spiritual success; he is looking for the gap in our defenses, the place where we think we are too strong to fail.

This isn't meant to be a spirit of condemnation, but a spirit of fierce, loving preparation. As we all strive to be better disciples, to build our testimonies, we need to be proactive. We need to build spiritual hedges. A hedge, in this context, is a boundary, a line we draw in the sand—or in the Spirit—that says, "No matter what happens, I will not cross this line."

Building and Maintaining Our Spiritual Hedges

When we think about our covenants, our families, or our commitment to the restored gospel, where are our hedges needed? Maybe it’s guarding our time, ensuring that our study of the scriptures doesn't get sidelined by the trivialities of the day. Maybe it’s guarding our boundaries in our relationships so that we don't allow proximity to influences that weaken our resolve. These hedges aren't meant to isolate us; they are meant to protect the sacred work we are called to do.

The speaker emphasized that hedges only work if we *keep* them. If we build a boundary around our commitment to the Spirit, but then we let it down just "one time"—just because we feel okay, or just because it seems easier—that single lapse can compromise everything. We have to be diligent, even when we feel like we are in the safest place on earth.

"Trust the Spirit, not the flesh. Distrust the flesh so much that you cover it up with God's covering."

This is the essence of being an internet missionary, or a disciple anywhere, all the time. It means that when we are studying in a Book Club, or when we are preparing for missionary discussions, or even when we are just scrolling through our phones, we must be aware of where our weaknesses lie and actively guard them with the Spirit. Don't wait for the temptation to appear; preemptively strengthen the boundary.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of this, I highly recommend diving into the teachings on covenant keeping. For a refresher on how to apply these principles to your personal life, check out the latest insights from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook.

If you’re ready to talk through some of these tough questions—the kind that make you pause and think, "Wait, is this really safe?"—I encourage you to utilize Davee's AI Investigator role. He’s ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you refine your answers with the Spirit's guidance.

For those of us who are newly returned, or those who are still in the trenches of missionary preparation, let’s keep each other accountable. What is one boundary—one hedge—you are committing to reinforce this week?

If you want to join a focused study group to build up that spiritual muscle, consider joining a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Let's keep the hedges strong, together.