Righteous Habits and Disciplines
Righteous Habits and Disciplines
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
December 30th, 2024
Sister Quinn and I hope you were able to enjoy a merry Christmas. We will never forget our time in the temple with you. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the Christmas Season.
As we begin a new year, I would like to share a lesson I learned several years ago while attending a leadership training program held on the site of the Gettysburg battlefield in Pennsylvania. During the three days of this program, we walked the grounds of the battlefield where we were taught examples of good and poor leadership skills displayed by the commanders who fought in this critical battle of the American Revolution.
One of the leaders I came to admire during this training was Joshua Chamberlin who led the 20TH Maine Infantry. Commander Chamberlin and his men were given the responsibility to protect the left flank of the Union Army on a hill known as Little Round Top. When they were given their orders, it was made clear to Chamberlin and his men that should the Confederate army overrun their position, this critical battle would be lost – and likely the entire war. Though outnumbered 2:1, Chamberlin and his men fought valiantly to hold their ground. Twice their position was attacked. Following the second attack, Chamberlin and his men discovered they were out of ammunition. The Confederate army attacked a third time. As the enemy approached their position, Chamberlin commanded his men to attach their bayonets to their rifles and charge the approaching army. This was a courageous – and successful strategy by Chamberlin and his men that allowed them to ultimately protect the Union flank. The Union would go on to win the pivotal battle fought of Gettysburg – and eventually the war.
Because of his heroism, Chamberlin returned home to Maine a hero. He would be elected to four terms as Governor of Maine. Years following the war, Chamberlin would famously say:
“No man in their time of peril can act differently than their habits or disciplines.”
I have thought often of the wisdom of these words. I know that as we voluntarily and regularly practice righteous habits and disciplines, they become part of our character. These habits and disciplines will sustain us during the times of temptation and challenge we all face in mortality. Alma would provide similar instruction to his son Helaman:
“…by small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” (Alma 37:6)
Great men have habits and disciplines that define their character. Disciples of Jesus Christ are such people. As we begin this new year, I invite you to consider habits and disciplines you can practice each day to deepen your discipleship to Jesus Christ. Your mission is the perfect time to practice and develop habits and disciplines that will return home with you at the end of your mission. You can take home no greater gift from your mission than a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel developed from daily habits and disciplines that have built your faith.
We had seven baptisms across CASRM this week. That makes for 31 this transfer. That’s the highest number this year in CASRM for a transfer. Congratulations! These baptisms give us a total of 58 baptisms since the challenge was issued. We have 10 friends on date this week. We are so close to reaching our goal of 66 baptisms. Please continue helping your friends keep their commitments.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
