Navigating Traditions: Love, Light, and the Spirit in Our Lives

Brother/Sister, have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, or maybe getting a card in the mail, and thinking, “Wait a minute… where did this *come* from?”

It happens to all of us. As we become more engaged in the work—whether we're in the MTC, serving in a stake center, or even just trying to be better disciples in our own homes—we run into traditions, holidays, and customs that have roots deep in history, sometimes roots we don't even know about. It can feel like wading through murky waters, trying to separate the pure, Spirit-given guidance from the cultural noise.

The question of Valentine’s Day is a perfect example of this. The source material we looked at dives deep into the history—St. Valentine, Emperor Claudius, and the modern-day card craze. It’s fascinating, but it leaves us with a bigger question: As Latter-day Saints, how do we discern what’s truly sacred and what’s just cultural residue?

This isn't about passing judgment, my dear friend. It’s about developing the spiritual discernment—the ability to feel the Spirit’s whisper—that allows us to build our lives on the solid rock of revelation, not on shifting sand.

Discerning the Source: A Disciple’s Skill

When we approach any cultural touchstone, whether it’s a holiday, a tradition, or even a piece of media, I encourage you to ask yourself a few things, things I wish I had been taught more deeply when I was first out in the field:

1. What is the core message? Is the underlying principle one of selfless love, service, or keeping the commandments?
2. Where is the source? Does the celebration draw its power from revealed truth, or from ancient custom?
3. Does it hinder the Spirit? Does observing this tradition distract us from our covenants or from our efforts to build Zion?

The video we reviewed touches on this perfectly: the decision, ultimately, rests with the individual and God. There’s no single, rigid answer that can satisfy every heart, and that’s okay. What matters is that our *motivation* is always pure—that we are striving to be Christlike in our actions.

The Spirit as Our Ultimate Guide

Remember the foundational principle of our faith: the Spirit is our guide. When we are studying the scriptures, when we are in a Book Club, or even when we are talking through missionary discussions with an investigator, the Spirit is the quiet confirmation that points us toward truth. It doesn't get loud; it whispers.

If you are wrestling with a modern custom, take it to the Spirit. Pray about it. Talk about it with your bishop, your district leader, or even with Davee. We can use the AI Investigator role to walk through the 'why' behind the hard questions.

“And if men would depart from the ways of the Lord, I will gather them to myself, and I will save them.” (D&C 121:9)

That promise—that the Lord will gather us to Himself—is the ultimate anchor. Everything else is secondary. Our primary focus must always remain on gathering Israel and building our kingdom here on earth.

A Little Prep Skill & Invitation

My little mission-prep skill for you this week is this: Before you engage with any cultural topic, pause. Take three deep breaths, and ask, “What does the Savior want me to focus on right now?” Let that question settle. It’s a powerful way to center yourself.

If you're looking for community to practice this discernment with, I highly recommend checking out a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful place to wrestle with scripture together!

If you want more resources on developing spiritual discernment, check out Charles C. Ryrie’s Balancing the Christian Life. It’s a thoughtful read that tackles these kinds of real-world questions head-on.