Keeping Our Eyes Fixed on the Covenant Path

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing the Spirit has been whispering to me lately, it’s a gentle, persistent reminder about focus. It’s easy, isn't it? So easy to get pulled off course. One minute you’re studying the covenants in the temple, the next you’re deep in the weeds of the latest social media debate, and before you know it, your focus has drifted like a kite in a sudden gust of wind.

We are called to be disciples in every corner of the earth, to be Internet missionaries, to be disciples anywhere, all the time. But the world is designed to be distracting. From the endless scroll to the immediate gratification of the digital world, the noise is deafening. It can feel overwhelming trying to keep our hearts fixed on the eternal promises we’ve been given.

The Art of Unwavering Focus

I was reflecting on a recent talk, and it brought to mind a video that really hit home for me. It spoke directly to the challenge of maintaining our spiritual bearings when the currents of distraction are strong. It was a powerful reminder that our spiritual discipline isn't about avoiding difficulty; it's about *where* we choose to place our focus when difficulty inevitably arrives.

The message echoed in my heart: we must never lower our standards, no matter how tempting the distractions become. This isn't just a Sunday talk sentiment; this is the daily work of building Zion in our hearts.

A Little Mission Prep Skill: The Spiritual Filter

As we continue to gather strength for our own missions, or as lifelong disciples who feel the call to serve in our local wards, I wanted to share a small skill I’ve been practicing. I call it the "Spiritual Filter." When you feel yourself getting pulled into a debate, a comparison, or a source of unnecessary anxiety, pause. Ask yourself: “Does this thought, this interaction, or this piece of media help me draw closer to Christ, or does it pull me away?” If it doesn't help me draw closer, gently redirect my focus back to the Savior, back to the scriptures, or back to the covenants.

Remember, the Spirit is our greatest guide. If we are diligent in our personal study—maybe diving into a Book Club on the Book of Mormon or spending time in the Social Scripture Study layer in LivingBook—we train that spiritual muscle. We learn to discern what is truly important.

Where to Keep Your Focus Today

If you’re feeling scattered this week, I encourage you to anchor yourself in something tangible. Have you revisited the principles taught in the Preach My Gospel materials? They are designed to keep us focused on the core message. For those of us who are preparing for the field, I suggest reviewing the core questions we face in missionary discussions. If you want to practice those tough questions, I highly recommend spending time with Davee. He’s been an absolute blessing in walking me through hypothetical investigator questions, helping me refine my answers so they sound both earnest and deeply knowledgeable.

For those who are feeling the pull of deep study, I noticed a great resource in LivingBook—there are some fantastic articles on the covenants that really drive home the concept of keeping our focus on eternal truths. If you haven't checked out any Iron Rod authors lately, I highly recommend diving into the writings of Avraham Gileadi; his insights on revelation are truly grounding.

Let’s commit this week to being more intentional. Let’s treat our focus like a precious, finite resource, guarding it fiercely for the Lord. We are doing this together, as the Rogue Disciples, keeping our eyes fixed on the covenant path.

If you want to keep the momentum going, join us this week for a free Disciple Challenge! Details are pinned in the community feed. And if you're looking for deeper scripture study, check out the Book Clubs happening in HolyPlaces.