Dear Sisters and Elders –
When speaking to His disciples,
Christ explained, “I have chosen you out of the world” (John 15:19). As
missionaries, we MUST separate ourselves from the world in order to perform our
callings effectively.
The Missionary Handbook
identifies specific ways we should separate ourselves from the world:
·
“Do not watch
television, go to movies, listen to the radio, or use the Internet (except as
authorized)” (p. 25).
·
“Listen only to music
that is consistent with the sacred spirit of your calling” (p. 25).
·
“Computer or
electronic games of any kind are not authorized” (p. 26).
·
“Read only books,
magazines, and other materials authorized by the Church” (p. 27).
·
“Never be alone with,
flirt with, or associate in any other inappropriate way with anyone of the
opposite sex” (p. 33).
·
“You [are] expected to
devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all
other personal affairs” (p. 4).
Please choose the Lord over the
world by following these standards. Obedience to these standards increases our
spiritual strength and improves our ability to bring souls to Christ.
Disobedience causes discouragement and limits our capacity to serve the Lord effectively.
Some rationalize that by
holding onto just a few small things from the world, they are only hurting
themselves. This is not true. When we disregard these missionary standards, we
also harm our companions, those we teach, our assigned ward, and the mission.
Moreover, we have already committed to God that we would follow these
standards. “When you accepted your call, you promised to live by these
standards” (MH, p. 4).
If you have a challenge
following any of these standards, please repent (change) today and commit to
leave the world behind for the rest of your mission. Christ gave up everything
for us through His Atonement. We can at least give up these small, insignificant
worldly things so that we can serve Him with all of our “heart, might, mind,
and strength” (D&C 4:2).
Thank you for the worldly
things you sacrifice in order to show your love for God and to serve Him
completely.
Love,
President Pingree
A few photos from recent ZLC
 |
| Elder Chavarria and President Pingree |