Standing Firm: Finding Our Own Walls of Defense in the Field

Sometimes, when you’re out in the field, or even just scrolling through the feed, you come across viewpoints that feel… unsettling. They challenge the very foundations of the gospel we’ve been taught, the beautiful, solid rock of truth we know to be true. It can make you pause, right? You might find yourself thinking, “How do I respond to this? What is the correct defense?”

I was recently watching some discourse about differing religious viewpoints, and it got me thinking about what a “wall of defense” really means when we’re trying to share the restored gospel. The speaker in the video was talking about how having a strong, established structure—a “wall”—is important for protection. And while the context was academic, the principle hit me right where the Spirit needed it to.

As returned missionaries, we’ve learned that sharing the gospel isn't about winning an argument; it’s about building relationships and pointing people back to the Savior. But even in building those relationships, we need to be prepared for the intellectual challenges. We need our own spiritual fortifications.

The Strength of Our Own Foundation

What does it mean to have our own “wall”? For me, after serving my mission and going through the MTC, I realized that the strongest wall isn't built by quoting scripture verses at someone else; it's built by consistent, daily discipleship. It’s the kind of discipleship that lets you stand firm in your testimony, even when the culture around you is trying to shake the foundations.

It’s easy to get caught up in debating the nuances of other doctrines, which can sometimes feel like we’re trying to defend the *structure* of the Church. But the Lord has given us something infinitely better than an intellectual defense system: the Spirit, and the covenant path. Our defense shouldn't be about being “hardline” against others’ beliefs; it should be about being deeply, unshakably connected to Christ.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: Listening for the Core Need

When we approach missionary discussions, especially with investigators who are wrestling with conflicting ideas, remember this: Don't treat the first question as a challenge to your belief; treat it as a window into their heart. If they are worried about authority, don't just recite the Book of Mormon lineage. Instead, ask, “What does ‘authority’ mean to you right now?” That shifts the focus from external defense to internal understanding. That’s where the Spirit guides you.

We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. Whether you are in a formal setting, or just having a casual conversation at the grocery store, you have the power to be an internet missionary. Don't wait for the perfect moment or the perfect theological debate to happen.

Keep Building, Keep Learning

If you want to sharpen your ability to handle these deep, complex questions—the kind that make you pause and think, “Wait, what do I say?”—I highly recommend working through some of the material on the Iron Rod. It’s filled with wisdom from those who have walked this path before us.

For those of you who are looking for a place to deepen your study together, I’ve been loving the Book Clubs happening in HolyPlaces lately. It’s a wonderful way to move beyond just reading the words and actually *discuss* the application of the scriptures.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into how to apply these principles to your own life, check out the free weekly Disciple Challenge we’ve set up. It’s a low-pressure way to practice discipleship skills right from your living room!