The Only Security We Possess: Obedience and the Spirit

Brothers and sisters, if there’s one message that echoes through the decades, one truth that seems to cut through the noise of the world, it’s this: nothing is guaranteed. Nothing is certain. We live in a time where the headlines scream of instability, of upheaval, of things falling apart. It’s easy, when the world feels shaky, to look for a tangible promise—a guarantee of safety, a shield against the coming storms.

But as we gather here in our digital gathering place, the Rogue Disciples network, we are called to look deeper. We are called to look past the political pronouncements and the worldly assurances, and instead, look to the bedrock of our covenant path. Sometimes, the most profound teachings are the ones that make us uncomfortable, the ones that strip away our assumptions about what ‘security’ means.

Recently, I was revisiting some talks, and Bruce R. McConkie’s words on this really settled deep in my spirit. He spoke plainly: there is no promise of safety, no promise of security, except for those who love the Lord and who are seeking to do all that He commands. It’s a powerful, almost startling statement to hear, especially when we’re so accustomed to feeling that the *good* things—the blessings, the temple covenants, the strength of the quorum—are enough.

The Course of Obedience

When we hear that, it can feel like a heavy yoke. Are we being told that our feelings aren't enough? That our commitment isn't enough? No. I think what the Spirit is trying to teach us is that our *reliance* cannot be placed on anything external to our covenant keeping. Our security isn't found in the strength of the *Brotherhood* (though that is a glorious gift!), nor is it found in the stability of any earthly institution. It is found in the daily, moment-by-moment choice to follow the path laid out for us.

This is the core of missionary preparation, isn't it? It's not just about memorizing talk tracks or knowing the scriptures; it’s about internalizing the principle of obedience. It’s about being willing to *do* what is right, even when it’s unpopular, even when it requires sacrifice, even when no one is watching—the very definition of being a true disciple, whether you are in the MTC, in the field, or right here, in your living room as an Internet missionary.

Being Christlike: Our Constant Field Work

If we take this concept—that obedience is our only security—and apply it to our modern mission field, what does it look like? It means that our discipleship isn't confined to specific times or places. It means that every member can be an Internet missionary, every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. It means that when we are studying in a Book Club in HolyPlaces, or when we are wrestling with a tough question with Davee in our AI Investigator role, we are practicing obedience. We are choosing to learn, to be humble, and to seek understanding.

My challenge to you this week, my dear brothers and sisters, is to identify one area of your life—a habit, a thought pattern, a relationship—where you have been relying on something other than the covenant path. Where are you seeking security in comfort, or in certainty, rather than in the Lord’s commandments?

Let’s make a covenant with the Spirit this week: that whatever challenge comes—whether it’s a difficult missionary discussion, a tough study session, or just a quiet morning of prayer—we will meet it with a renewed commitment to obedience. That is where the power, the true, eternal safety, resides.

A Little Practice for the Week Ahead

To help us focus on this principle, I highly recommend diving back into the foundational teachings. If you haven't already, check out the latest insights on covenant keeping. I found some particularly clarifying thoughts in the latest Iron Rod reading on Abraham. It really ties the theme of covenant faithfulness to the promise of eternal life.

If you’re looking for a way to deepen this study with others, consider joining a Bible Study Group through HolyPlaces. If you're ready to talk through some tough doctrines, don't forget to check out Davee—he’s always ready to walk you through the hard questions an investigator might ask!

Stay diligent, keep pressing forward, and remember: the only security is found in following the covenant.