Looking Upward: Finding Our Focus When the World Seems Loud

Sometimes, when you’re out in the field—whether that field is a tract delivery route, a family gathering, or even just scrolling through social media—the noise can be overwhelming. The world throws so much at us: conflicting ideas, grand pronouncements, and constant drama. It can feel like there are so many 'voices' competing for our attention.

It’s easy to get caught up in the skirmishes, to focus on the 'who' and the 'what' of the conflict, rather than the ultimate source of all light and truth. But as we continue in the work, we have to remember where our eyes—and our hearts—must always be fixed.

I was recently studying some material about the heavenly hierarchy, and it brought to mind the description of Archangel Michael. The message is powerful, but the principle it illuminates for us as Latter-day Saints is deeply personal: where do we direct our focus?

Michael is consistently portrayed as the one who stands above all, the defender of truth, the one whose name itself asks a profound question: 'Who is like God?'

This isn't just ancient history; this is missionary preparation for our modern lives. When we are in missionary discussions, or when we are trying to teach someone about the restored gospel, it's so easy to get bogged down in defending doctrines or debating nuances. We can get so focused on *winning* the argument that we forget the core message: the Father is the ultimate authority, and Jesus Christ is the Savior.

The video I watched today really hammered this home. It showed the immense power and role of Michael, but more importantly, it highlighted the *purpose* behind that power—to direct attention back to the Creator. It reminds us that our role, as disciples, is to be conduits, not the source. We are here to point people to the Rock.

Keeping Our Gaze Fixed

Think about it. The transcript mentions how people sometimes express a desire to worship the *creation* rather than the *Creator*. That’s a spiritual danger we must guard against, whether we are talking about secular philosophies or even getting too attached to our own efforts in the work. The focus must always be upward.

This is a perfect reminder for us all, whether we are in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or simply trying to be better disciples at home. We need to continually ask ourselves: Am I leading the conversation back to the Savior? Am I helping my companion understand that the ultimate answer to life's biggest questions points to the restored gospel?

This week, I want to challenge us to practice this principle in our personal study. If you're using your time in LivingBook for your scripture studies, try this: After reading a passage, don't just take notes on the theology; take a moment to write down one way that principle directs the reader's gaze toward God.

A Little Challenge for the Week

As you prepare for your next missionary discussions, or even just for your weekly family gospel talk, I encourage you to use this 'Gaze Check.' If you feel yourself drifting into defending a point, pause, take a breath, and redirect the conversation back to the central theme of the Atonement or the Restoration. Let the Spirit guide that gentle redirection.

For those of you who are feeling the pull toward more deep study, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on the nature of God and the roles of angels. I found some excellent insights in the Iron Rod materials related to divine purpose. If you haven't, check out a Book Club focused on understanding revelation in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful way to learn alongside others.

Remember, we are all disciples on this journey. We are not meant to stand alone. We are meant to lift each other up, pointing one another toward the light. Keep gathering Israel, keep keeping our eyes heavenward, and keep sharing the good news!

In the Spirit,

A Fellow Disciple