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
February 15th, 2025
Last Thursday we met with members of the MLC to counsel 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 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 the love, sacrifice, and devotion we are willing to offer our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ. Long lists of dos and don’ts are not needed if we understand that our actions and decisions each day are a sign of our discipleship between us and our Father in Heaven.
Years ago, I was on a business trip overseas in Seoul, Korea. On the last night of my trip, I went to dinner with my client. We finished the evening in a karaoke bar. Each member of our large party took a turn lip syncing a song. As the evening wore on, I noticed the conversation and behavior of my colleagues and clients began to become less and less appropriate with their consumption of alcohol. The owner of the bar also sent lovely Korean hostesses to our table to encourage more drinking. I soon recognized this was an inappropriate setting for a bearer of the priesthood. Despite the protests of my colleagues and clients, I excused myself from the celebration and returned to my hotel room. I remember feeling the confirming presence and peace of the Spirit as I knelt to offer my nightly prayer. I had no regrets from my actions earlier in the evening.
I ask that you consider what sign you are showing your Father in Heaven in your choices of music, urgency in your missionary work, your weekly KI goals, obedience to standards, use of social media, and the kindness and love you extend to others. Do your choices and actions invite the Spirit into your missionary service? Are your choices an appropriate sign of your discipleship to your Father in Heaven and Jesus Christ? If not, please correct these choices so that you can fully enjoy the Spirit.
I am grateful to witness the many righteous choices I see each day in CASRM. I am inspired by your service. Your devotion to your missionary purpose is a powerful sign between you and the Lord. The success we continue to witness across CASRM is evidence of your faithfulness and goodness. Thank you!
We have an exciting week ahead with the arrival of 15 new missionaries. We extend our love and gratitude to our 10 departing missionaries. We will miss you! Thank you for your service in CASRM. You have been a blessing to all of us.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
