Which Way Do You Face? Remembering Our True Allegiance in the Field

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to build up Zion—whether that’s in a local ward, a mission field, or right here in our own homes—the pressures to compromise can feel immense. It’s easy, when you’re surrounded by people, to start adjusting your compass point. We get so caught up in maintaining 'respectful coexistence' that we forget the fundamental truth: we are accountable to God alone.

I was recently reflecting on a talk given by Elder Lynn G. Robbins, and it struck me with the force of a revelation. He recounted a moment when President Boyd K. Packer asked him, “Which way do you face?” It was a question that, without context, leaves you genuinely baffled. But the lesson that followed was crystal clear: A Seventy doesn't represent the people *to* the Prophet; he represents the Prophet *to* the people. Never forget which way you face!

This isn't just a doctrinal point; it’s a life-and-death spiritual principle for every disciple, whether you are in the MTC, serving a mission, or simply trying to be a better parent or neighbor. It’s about whose applause we are chasing. Are we trying to please the people, or are we trying to please our Heavenly Father?

The Subtle Snare of Fear of Men

The transcript highlighted how this fear manifests. It’s not always a dramatic public failure; often, it's a quiet capitulation. It’s the fear that makes us hesitate to report flagrant disobedience from a companion because we don't want to "offend" them. It's the desire to keep the peace at the cost of the covenant.

The scriptures are littered with examples of this spiritual drift. Think of King Saul, who disobeyed God’s word because he feared the people. Or the Pharisees, who prioritized fitting in with their peers over confessing Christ. These examples show us that pleasing man, even when it seems compassionate or necessary for harmony, can actually be duplicity—serving two masters.

The true badge of courage, the article suggests, isn't just enduring a lion's den; it's having the spiritual fortitude to speak the truth when it’s unpopular, even when it costs us friendships or comfort. It requires remembering that our ultimate audience, our ultimate accountability, is the Godhead.

Remembering the First and Second Great Commandments

The anchor point, the constant reminder we need, is the proper order of our loyalties. We must remember that our first and second great commandments—to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves—must always guide our actions. When we confuse these, we lose our bearings.

This is a powerful message for all of us who are engaged in the work. If you are in missionary discussions, if you are studying in a Book Club, or if you are simply trying to live righteously at home, ask yourself: Am I making this decision based on what feels easiest for the crowd, or what feels right before the Lord?

A Disciple Challenge for the Week

This week, as you engage in your discipleship—whether it’s in your personal scripture study or helping a friend understand the plan of salvation—I invite you to pause before responding to any pressure, criticism, or temptation to compromise. Take a deep breath and whisper to yourself: *“Which way do I face?”* Let that question settle your spirit and realign your focus.

If you want to dive deeper into this principle, I highly recommend revisiting the talk, or checking out the related material in the LivingBook. If you’re feeling the pull of deep study, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. We can work through these concepts together.

Keep keeping the covenant, my brothers and sisters. Keep your focus fixed on the Savior.