Dear Sisters and Elders –
As missionaries, we have committed ourselves to Christ 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In the Missionary Handbook it explains: “You will be…expected to devote all your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs” (4).
The adversary works hard to distract us from doing the Lord's work. A distraction is anything that prevents us from giving our full attention to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though not an exhaustive list, several of Satan’s preferred distractions include:
- Worldly forms of entertainment (MH, 24-27)
- Unauthorized use of cell phones or Internet (MH, 20, 37)
- Casual attitude towards the daily schedule (MH, 13-15)
- Forgetting the purpose of member visits and staying too long (MH, 35-36)
- Casual relationships with members of the opposite sex (MH, 33-34)
- Preparation day activities that dull the Spirit (MH, 19-22)
As a companionship, please review the list of distractions (and references) above. Discuss other tactics the adversary uses to distract us. What distractions keep you from being a more focused missionary for Jesus Christ? Please set goals and take any necessary steps for improvement.
I promise that as you avoid Satan’s distractions, you will find greater joy and satisfaction in the Lord’s work. You will feel the Spirit more strongly. You will become a more powerful advocate for Him. You will be able to help more people.
Thank you for your sincere efforts to “attend upon the Lord without distraction” (1 Cor. 7:35).
With much love and respect,
President Pingree