The Hard Line: Submitting Our Desires to the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one thing I wish I could bottle up from my time in the field—the sheer, quiet power of the Spirit—it would be the ability to keep our desires in check. It’s easy to get caught up in the *knowing*—the more we read, the more we study, the more we *think* we understand—that we are somehow more enlightened than the person standing across from us. But the gospel requires something deeper than just knowledge; it requires submission.

I was recently reflecting on a discussion that really hit me. It touches on the tension between what we *know* through modern understanding, and what the inspired word of God has always taught. It’s a delicate balance, isn't it? We are taught to be diligent students of the scriptures, to use the tools God has given us—the LivingBook, our Bible Study Groups in HolyPlaces—but we must never let our intellect become a master over our spirit.

The core challenge, as highlighted in the discussion, is this: When our personal desires—our cultural understandings, our educated assumptions—clash with what the restored gospel testifies, where do we anchor ourselves? Do we argue until we are exhausted, trying to prove our modern understanding is superior? Or do we humbly accept that the ultimate authority rests with the inspired word of God?

The Discipline of Submission

This isn't about intellectual surrender; it’s about spiritual surrender. It’s the same principle we learn in our early days of missionary preparation: when the investigator pushes back, when the culture seems to contradict the doctrine, the most powerful response isn't a rebuttal; it’s a gentle, Spirit-filled redirection back to the source. We must accept the inspired word as the final authority, even when it feels counter-intuitive to our current desires or what seems 'logical' based on worldly metrics.

This principle is vital for every single one of us, whether you are preparing for your first mission, serving in a stake presidency, or simply trying to be a better disciple in your own home. We are called to be Internet missionaries, yes, but more importantly, we are called to be disciples who *submit*.

A Bite-Sized Mission-Prep Skill: The 'Pause'

When you feel the urge to correct, to debate, or to prove a point—especially when you feel strongly about a topic—I want you to practice the 'Pause.' Before you open your mouth, take a breath, and ask yourself: "Am I speaking from my knowledge, or am I channeling the Spirit?" The Spirit rarely needs an exhaustive defense; it needs simple, heartfelt testimony and the willingness to yield.

Remember that the goal of the work is not to win a debate; it is to invite someone to meet the Savior. That invitation requires humility first.

Keep the Learning Going

If this topic resonated with you, I encourage you to dive deeper. For those who love wrestling with doctrinal questions, I highly recommend checking out the latest writings by Richard L. Jones or other authors available in the Iron Rod collection. If you’d rather discuss it with others, join a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces—it’s a wonderful place to wrestle these big ideas safely!

For those of us who are currently in the field, or preparing to go, let’s keep lifting each other up. If you haven't already, consider joining our next virtual gathering. It's a chance to share experiences, tackle tough questions, and recommit to that sweet surrender. Details are in the comments below!