The Discipline of the Spirit: Building a Foundation for the Covenant Path

Sometimes, when we hear voices—whether from the pulpit, the media, or even just the quiet whispers of our own conscience—that speak about a perceived decline in standards, it can feel overwhelming. It can feel like the very bedrock of our culture is shifting beneath our feet.

Recently, I was listening to a talk that focused heavily on the concept of discipline—the kind of discipline that comes from parental guidance, from community standards, and from consistent expectation. It was a powerful reminder that discipline, in its purest sense, isn't punishment; it's the scaffolding that allows something beautiful and strong to be built.

As returned missionaries, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when people are taught the covenants and the principles of the Gospel—the structure, the routine, the commitment to the work. We’ve seen the power of consistent teaching, whether it’s in a missionary discussion or in the structured learning environment of the MTC.

What struck me while listening was the core message: discipline is intrinsically linked to respect, and respect is vital for building Zion. If we lose the habit of self-discipline—the discipline to study, the discipline to keep our covenants, the discipline to be patient—we risk losing the ability to see the Lord’s kingdom advance in our lives and our communities.

The Gospel as Our Ultimate Discipline

When we talk about discipline in the context of the Gospel, we are talking about something far deeper than just following rules. We are talking about becoming Christlike. The scriptures teach us that without discipline, there is no holiness. It’s a process of refinement, much like the gold being purified by fire.

Think about the covenants we make. They are disciplines! They require us to set aside worldly distractions, to prioritize the Spirit, and to consistently show up for the work. Whether you are preparing for your own mission, serving in a local ward, or simply engaging in a Book Club through HolyPlaces, you are exercising spiritual discipline. You are training yourselves to be disciples.

It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of the world—the political currents, the social disagreements—and feel like the biggest battle is out there. But the greatest battleground for the Rogue Disciples is often within ourselves. It’s about maintaining the discipline to *know* the truth and to *live* the truth, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular.

We are called to be Internet missionaries, disciples anywhere, all the time. And that requires a disciplined heart, a disciplined study habit, and a disciplined commitment to the principles of the restored gospel.

I highly recommend revisiting the foundational teachings on covenants. If you are looking for a deep dive into what it means to be trained by the Spirit, check out some of the readings available in LivingBook. Sometimes, a focused study on the Book of Mormon covenants can re-anchor us.

If this message resonates with you, I invite you to join our next gathering. We’re hosting a casual virtual session next week to discuss how we can apply the principle of "discipline" to our current discipleship efforts. Details are posted in the community feed!

For those who want to dig deeper into applying these principles to challenging questions, I encourage you to use Davee. He’s ready to walk you through some tough hypothetical questions an investigator might ask about the necessity of covenants. It’s excellent practice for any missionary preparation!

Remember, every time you choose to study scripture over distraction, every time you choose to keep a small promise to God, you are exercising the divine discipline that builds Zion.

How are you strengthening your discipline this week? Share your thoughts below, or join a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces!