Incline Your Heart: Finding the Divine Direction in Joshua

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing I’ve learned since returning from the field, it’s that the Lord rarely gives us a straight, easy path. Sometimes the Spirit whispers, and sometimes He speaks through the scriptures in a way that requires us to stop, breathe, and actually *incline* our hearts. It’s easy to treat scripture study like a checklist—read the verse, move on to the next topic. But the covenant path, the path of discipleship, requires something deeper.

I was recently reflecting on Joshua’s challenges. Think about it: the covenant was established, the promise was clear, but the people still faced moments where they needed divine direction. The principle woven through these accounts, and what I feel so strongly about now, is that true obedience isn't just about following instructions; it's about the *readiness* of our hearts to receive them.

The Power of the Incline

When we study passages like Joshua 24, we see the people gathered together, making a covenant. It’s a pivotal moment. But what makes that covenant stick? It’s not just the words spoken; it’s the heart posture of the people. It’s the willingness to look up, to acknowledge where they’ve been, and to commit their future to the Lord.

This reminds me so much of our own journey as Latter-day Saints. We go through our own 'covenants'—Baptism, temple covenants, commitments to our families. But are we actively inclining our hearts daily? Are we treating our discipleship like a destination, or like a daily, moment-by-moment act of faith?

A Missionary Perspective

When I was in my last assignment, I remember one missionary discussion where the investigator was very intelligent, very well-read, and seemed to have all the answers. They were articulate, but they were also resistant. It felt like we were presenting them with a perfectly laid-out map, and they were pointing out every single topographical inaccuracy. It was exhausting!

What I realized, after talking with my district leader, was that I was trying to *prove* the gospel using facts and figures, rather than inviting them to *feel* the Spirit. The shift was profound. I stopped presenting the 'proof' and started asking, "What does the Spirit feel like to you when you consider this?"

That’s the skill I want to share with you today, my brothers and sisters. Whether you are preparing for your own mission, or you are right here in your living room, you are an internet missionary. Don't just recite doctrine; invite feeling. Ask questions that require them to look inward, to incline their own hearts.

We need to remember that preach my gospel isn't just about what we say; it’s about the sacred space we create for the Spirit to work. It’s about humility enough to admit that we don't have all the answers, but that the Savior does, and He wants us to trust Him with our whole selves.

The greatest gift we can give someone isn't a pamphlet; it's the invitation to feel the Spirit of the living God.

This week, let's focus on that intentionality. Let's move beyond just *knowing* what we believe and focus on *feeling* the covenant power of it. If you’re struggling to find the words in a discussion, remember the core principle: invite them to incline their heart to God.

I highly recommend diving into the context of Joshua through the podcast episode we're referencing. Listening to the full episode will help frame this study beautifully. After you listen, I encourage you to use Davee to role-play a tough question you might face in a future missionary discussion. Let's practice turning intellectual resistance into spiritual inquiry.

For those looking for more deep dives into scriptural context, check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces, or join a Bible Study Group. The Lord loves when we gather together to study His word!