A Sign Between Me and My Heavenly Father
“A Sign Between Me and My Heavenly Father”
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
November 6th, 2023
Last Friday we met with members of the MLC to counsel and train together. I am grateful to these strong leaders for their examples of diligence, obedience, and love. They do a wonderful job serving each of us in the mission.
I learned a valuable lesson several years ago in the April 2015 General Conference from a talk given by then Elder Nelson. He taught an important principle I would like each of us to consider and apply. I quote a portion of the talk:
“How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, “What sign do I want to give to God?” That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.
My reason for sharing this quote is not to encourage more reverence on the Sabbath day, though that is always important. I share this quote to remind us that our obedience is a sign of love, sacrifice, and devotion for our Father in Heaven and the Savior. Long lists of dos and don’ts are not needed if we understand this important principle.
During each meeting of the MLC, we discuss policies, principles, and practices (PPPs) that govern our service as missionaries. We discussed several missionary standards during our recent council. None of them new, nor do they “raise the bar” of expectations above those specified in Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ. We reviewed several PPPs because we felt that CASRM has slipped in a few critical areas. Your leaders will be sharing these with you this week.
I am asking that you consider what sign you are extending your Father in Heaven in your music, use of time, exercise, social media, and podcasts choices. Do your choices invite the Spirit into your missionary service? Are your choices an appropriate sign to your Father in Heaven? If not, please correct these choices so that you can fully enjoy the Spirit.
Sister Quinn and I are grateful to serve with you in CASRM. We pray that you will be able to fulfill your missionary purpose.
Love,
President Quinn
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