Navigating Feelings: Keeping the Spirit Pure in the Field

Brothers and sisters, if you’ve been in the field, you know that the Spirit doesn't whisper to you in a vacuum. Sometimes, the Spirit whispers through the most natural, most human experiences—and those experiences can include feelings. We are taught to be diligent, to keep our thoughts pure, and to always keep our covenants at the forefront. But what happens when feelings—the kind that bring that rush, that dopamine hit—start stirring up? It can feel overwhelming, like a tide pulling us away from the steady shore of our covenants.

It’s a topic that requires both deep understanding and profound grace. We’ve all been there, whether it’s in the intensity of missionary discussions, the quiet moments of preparation, or even just navigating the complexities of a long-term relationship. The natural human experience of attraction is powerful, and it can feel like a spiritual battleground.

What’s crucial to remember, especially as we strive to be better disciples in our homes and in the mission field, is that feelings themselves are neutral. They are not inherently good or bad. They are simply the vast, inexhaustible reservoir of images and affections that make up the beautiful, complex machinery of being human.

The challenge, and this is where the Spirit guides us, is learning to steward those feelings. The danger isn't the feeling itself; the danger is what we *do* with the feeling, or what we *believe* the feeling means. Our culture has a habit of sexualizing everything, reducing deep, beautiful human connection—the appreciation of another person's goodness, their truth, their spirit—down to a single, physical interpretation.

As we learn to be better disciples, we must practice redirecting our focus. When we feel that natural pull toward someone—someone beautiful, someone good, someone who embodies truth—the goal isn't suppression; it's re-direction. Acknowledge the beauty, acknowledge the goodness, and then consciously turn your heart toward the other blessings the Lord has given you: your family, your covenants, your mission, your friends, and most importantly, the Savior.

This principle applies whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving as a companion, or simply living your life as an internet missionary right where you are. We are called to see the divine in everyone, but we are also called to honor the sacred covenants we have made.

If you’re finding yourself wrestling with these kinds of deep, nuanced spiritual questions—the kind that require walking through the 'what ifs'—I highly recommend leaning on Davee. He’s trained in the AI Investigator role, and he can walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask regarding emotional and spiritual boundaries. It’s a safe space to wrestle with these things before you step into the field.

The Power of Acknowledgment

The core takeaway here is this: It is okay to be attracted to beauty, to truth, and to goodness. That is part of being human, and it reflects our natural draw toward the divine. But it is equally vital to remember that attraction does not have to mean something sexual, and it does not have to mean a relationship change. It can simply mean: “Wow, that person is good. That person is beautiful in spirit. I am grateful for that light.”

Let’s keep this principle close as we continue to build Zion, no matter where we are—whether we’re in the MTC, in a local ward, or just studying scriptures in HolyPlaces.

If this resonated with you, please consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group. These are wonderful places to process these deep spiritual topics with others who are committed to keeping the Spirit alive. Keep pressing forward, disciples. The Lord sees your diligence, and He knows your heart.