Seeing the Signs: Wisdom in Our Relationships and the Gospel

Brothers and sisters, as we journey in our discipleship, we are constantly being asked to pay attention. We pay attention when we are in the field, when we are studying doctrine, and when we are trying to build our lives on the Rock. But what about the relationships we build? What about the people we allow into our inner circles?

It’s a natural thing to want things to work out. When we meet someone, especially when the feelings are strong, our hearts want the songs on the radio to make sense, and we want that feeling of "this is it." We want to be in love.

But the Spirit, bless its guidance, often whispers warnings when our hearts are blinded by emotion. Sometimes, we are so focused on the *feeling* of love that we ignore the *fundamentals* of what makes a life—and a covenant—strong. This isn't about being cold or cynical; it's about being wise, like the sensible person described in Proverbs 27:12.

When we are called to be Internet missionaries, we are taught to be discerning. We learn to ask the hard questions, not just about doctrine, but about character. And that extends to our dating lives, our friendships, and our commitments.

Be Wise and Pay Attention

The counsel we received today reminds us that the sensible person sees trouble coming and avoids it. The unthinking person walks right into it and regrets it later. While the counsel can feel extreme, especially when we are just trying to navigate the complexities of modern life, the core principle rings true: we must align our desires with eternal principles.

One of the most critical areas where we must apply this wisdom is in our spiritual trajectory. If a relationship is to last, it cannot be built on unequal values. It must be built upon the foundation of Christ.

The first red flag mentioned is clear: **When they are not consistently pursuing Jesus.**

This phrase—*consistently pursuing Jesus*—is everything. It’s not about perfection; it’s about direction. It’s about whether the Savior is the primary focus of their life, their thoughts, and their actions. Are they actively seeking to know Him, or is He just something they *say* they are interested in?

As we prepare for our own service, whether we are in the MTC, in the field, or serving as online missionaries, this principle is our compass. We must always be modeling that consistent pursuit. If we are to help others find their next step, we must first be sure of our own. If you’ve been pondering your own path, I highly recommend looking into the resources at life.church/next to help guide you to your next step in your walk with Christ.

Remember, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Our commitment to the Savior should color every aspect of our lives, including our relationships.

If you want to dig deeper into the principles of living wisely and building lives on eternal foundations, I’ve been studying the teachings on this in LivingBook. Sometimes a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces can help us unpack these concepts together. If you're wrestling with difficult questions about doctrine or life, don't hesitate to bring them to Davee for a session with the AI Investigator. He’s ready to walk you through those hard questions!

For more insights into building lives that honor the Savior, check out some recommended reading from the Iron Rod authors available in LivingBook.