Kingdom Priorities: When Natural Blessings Meet Divine Calling

Sometimes, the questions we face in our personal lives feel so deeply rooted in the natural world. We talk about careers, finances, relationships, and yes, even the size of our families. These are the blessings the Lord has poured into our lives, and they are gifts we should never take for granted. But as we gather together in our discipleship, we are constantly being refined to see the *bigger* picture—the eternal, redemptive picture.

Recently, I was pondering a discussion that touched on how our deepest, most personal choices—like family planning—can sometimes get tangled up in purely natural considerations, while the gospel calls us to look through the lens of eternal covenants. It made me think about how we approach *any* major life decision while keeping the overarching goal of building Zion and bringing souls unto Christ.

Keeping the Focus: The Redemptive Lens

When we are in missionary discussions, or even when we are studying the scriptures in a Book Club setting, it’s easy to get bogged down in the details—the 'how' or the 'what.' But the Spirit always seems to gently nudge us back to the 'why.' The 'why' is always connected to the Plan of Salvation and the needs of the Kingdom. The principle I took away from that discussion is this: while natural blessings are wonderful gifts from our Heavenly Father, they must always be viewed through the lens of redemption.

Think about it: Paul, in his words, spoke of the blessing of singleness for utter devotion to the kingdom, even while acknowledging that marriage is a proper creation ordinance. It wasn't a condemnation of marriage; it was a qualification of the *ordinance*—a call to prioritize the work. That’s a pattern we see repeated throughout our journey as Latter-day Saints. We are called to be disciples *everywhere*, and that means our personal decisions must reflect that commitment.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill: The 'Why' Check

Here’s a little skill I want to share with you all as we continue our mission preparation. The next time you are having a deep conversation—whether it’s with an investigator, a friend, or even just wrestling with a personal choice—I encourage you to pause and ask yourself: “What is the redemptive priority here?”

Don't just answer the practical question; answer the *eternal* question. If the conversation veers into purely naturalistic arguments, gently guide it back to the gospel principle that governs that area. This skill helps us keep the focus on the Savior, no matter what the topic is.

A Word from Davee

Speaking of guiding us through tough questions, I was chatting with Davee this morning about how investigators sometimes feel pressured to choose between their personal happiness and their faith commitment. Davee reminded me that the best way to answer those tough questions isn't with a perfect theological answer, but with a sincere testimony rooted in the Spirit. He’s been really helpful in practicing those 'soft entry' responses for missionary discussions.

Where to Go From Here

If you want to sharpen this skill, or just want to wrestle through some tough gospel questions with someone who can walk you through the nuances, I highly recommend checking out Davee. He’s an incredible resource for practicing your responses!

For those of us who love digging into the scriptures together, I’m reminded of the power of our local groups. If you haven't already, I encourage you to look into setting up or joining a Book Club or Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s such a wonderful way to apply these principles with your companions.

And if you’re looking for some deep dives into gospel principles that will help frame your thinking, I’ve been revisiting some material on the Iron Rod. It’s always a powerful reminder that our lives are meant to be directed toward covenants and eternal progression.