The Eagle's Leisure: What Defines Our True Character?

Brothers and sisters, have you ever felt like you’ve been working hard all week—ministering, studying, serving—and then you finally get some downtime? You settle in, you relax, and maybe you find yourself drifting into a space that feels… comfortable, but maybe not quite right? It’s in those moments of leisure that the Spirit often gives us the clearest view of the heart.

I was recently reflecting on a talk by Sharon Eubank, and it struck me with the force of a revelation. It wasn't about grand, visible acts of service, though those are vital. It was about the quiet moments—the "recreational moments"—that reveal who we truly are when the spotlight is off.

The story she shared, drawn from the recollections of Eugene Roberts, is a masterclass in self-examination. He recounts being in a place of supposed entertainment, far removed from the earnest teachings of the pulpit. Yet, right in the midst of the distraction, a profound statement was made: “You can’t tell the character of an individual by the way he does his daily work. Watch him when his work is done. See where he goes. Note the companions he seeks, and the things he does when he may do as he pleases. Then you can tell his true character.”

The comparison that followed—the eagle versus the hog—is unforgettable. Both animals work hard; both provide for their young. But when the labor is done? The eagle seeks the highest, purest air. The hog seeks the muddiest hole. It’s a stark, beautiful illustration of where our natural inclinations lead us when we aren't actively trying to be better.

As returned missionaries, we spend so much time focused on the *work*—the daily grind of lessons, the planning, the calls. And that’s good! We must be diligent in our daily labor. But this talk is a gentle, yet firm, reminder that the *leisure* time—the time spent with friends, the time scrolling, the time when we feel we can "do as we please"—is where the Lord often tests our covenants and our desires. It's where we must intentionally choose the loftier heights.

Choosing the Altitude: Becoming Eagles in Our Off-Hours

For us, as disciples, the "eagle leisure" isn't just about avoiding filth; it’s about actively seeking the clean, pure atmosphere of gospel living. It means that when the intense focus of the mission or the preparation for it is over, we don't default to the easiest, muddiest habit. We seek out the companionship of the Saints, we dive into scripture study, and we make our leisure time an extension of our discipleship.

This principle applies everywhere—whether you are in the field, studying in a Book Club, or just hanging out with friends. Are the companions you seek elevating? Are the activities you choose drawing you toward the pure, clean atmosphere of the gospel? This isn't about perfection; it's about constant, gentle correction and redirection. It’s about the ambition to lift ourselves out of the 'hog group' and rise to the 'eagle' standard.

Every Moment is a Mission Opportunity

This brings me back to the core truth of our movement: that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. We don't need a specific setting or a specific task to feel worthy of the Spirit. We can be disciples in our quiet moments.

If you’re feeling the pull to elevate your own standards, I highly recommend revisiting the foundational teachings on covenant keeping. If you’re looking for a structured way to examine this, check out the resources in LivingBook. Sometimes, reading through the insights gathered in the social scripture study feed can prompt a deep reflection on where *your* leisure time is taking you.

If you're feeling like you need a little push on how to articulate these principles to someone who is skeptical, I encourage you to chat with Davee. He’s fantastic at walking through those tough, challenging questions an investigator might ask, helping us frame our answers with the grace and clarity that reflects the Spirit.

A Small Challenge for This Week

For our Disciple Challenge this week, I want you to simply observe your own leisure time. Don't judge it; just observe it. Where do you naturally drift? When you have an hour completely free, what is the *easiest* thing to do? Then, ask yourself: "What is the *easiest* thing to do that also helps me become more like the eagle?"

Let's commit to making our downtime a deliberate act of discipleship. I look forward to seeing what the Spirit reveals to us all!