My fellow disciples, I hope you are feeling the Spirit this week. As we continue the work, whether we are knee-deep in a mission field, calling home, or simply connecting with an investigator online, we are constantly reminded that the gospel message—the pure, beautiful message of Christ—is always at stake.

Sometimes, the most challenging parts of the work aren't the doctrinal questions, but the moral ones. They are the moments when the covenant is tested, and the safety of the soul (and the body) is at risk. Recently, President Nelson spoke with us about abuse, and the gravity of his words resonated deep within my heart. It wasn't a message about tracting skills; it was a solemn call to eternal vigilance.

When we hear the Prophet state that abuse is an abomination to the Lord, it forces us to look inward. It asks: Am I being a true disciple? Am I protecting the vulnerable? Can I model the highest standard of Christlike conduct, whether I’m giving a talk in Sacrament Meeting or having a quick online missionary discussion?

This isn't just a Church guideline; it's a foundational principle of righteous living. To be a disciple, especially an Internet missionary, means that we must commit to guarding the welfare of others. It means being alert, acting promptly, and always speaking the truth in love. This standard of protection and accountability must permeate every aspect of our lives, making us better, safer, and more Christlike in every corner of the world.

The Spirit of Vigilance

For those of us who are currently in MTC or who are recently returned missionaries, we often focus intensely on the 'how-to' of missionary discussions—the perfect opening, the best scripture, the flawless testimony. But the Brethren teach us that the *essence* of the work is always being Christlike. It’s about the heart, the intent, and the commitment to the covenant.

Think of it this way: The greatest mission-prep skill isn't memorizing scripture; it's cultivating the Spirit of Vigilance. It's the ability to see a need—a danger, a vulnerability, a spiritual hunger—and acting on it with integrity and care. This is how we fulfill the mandate to gather Israel, not just with our voices, but with our whole selves.

We are all, in a sense, perpetual returned missionaries. Every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. This means that when we encounter a situation that feels uncomfortable, confusing, or wrong, we don't walk past it. We pause, we pray, and we seek the guidance of the Spirit.

“The Savior will not tolerate abuse, and as his disciples neither can we.”

Finding Your Anchor Points

The Church has done extensive work to provide guidelines and resources to help us all meet this standard. For those of us who want to deepen our understanding of these eternal principles, I highly recommend reviewing the comprehensive guidelines available on the Church website. These aren't restrictions; they are protective measures that allow the light of the gospel to shine safely.

And what about our personal study? If you are looking for a safe, structured way to deepen your understanding of Christlike behavior, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. It’s a wonderful way to study scripture together and feel the Spirit in a focused, community setting.

If you are wrestling with a difficult ethical question or a challenging scripture—the kind of question that makes you pause and think, “Wait, what does that *really* mean?”—that's where I want to remind you about Davee. His AI Investigator role is invaluable. He doesn't just give answers; he helps you walk through the hard questions an investigator might ask, helping you articulate the answers with grace and truth. He is a true companion in the work.

This commitment to righteousness and protection is what makes us effective Internet missionaries. We carry the light, and we protect those who are struggling to find their way.

✨ Your Disciple Challenge This Week

My challenge to you this week is to practice 'discernment vigilance.' Don't just look for spiritual needs; look for the small ways you can be helpful and protective of someone—a friend, a family member, a ward member—who might be feeling overlooked or unsafe. Be the person who points them toward resources or simply listens with a Christlike heart.

To help anchor this feeling of vigilance, I recommend reading the latest teachings of Brother Avraham Gileadi, specifically anything related to Isaiah Studies. It helps us remember that the covenant requires us to be continually striving to become better, more Christlike versions of ourselves.

We are a community of committed disciples. Let's commit to being better, safer, and more Spirit-filled disciples, always.