Safeguard 2

Be Focused on Your Missionary Purpose

baptism

“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.”

Doctrine and Covenants 88:67

The Lord has said, “And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:67). To have your eye single to the glory of God means to have your focus completely on God’s purpose—which is also your purpose as a missionary.

Everything you do—including how you use technology—should be centered on your purpose, which is to “invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end” (Preach My Gospel, 1). Your desire to share the gospel will help you avoid becoming distracted.

Turn on your device only after your intention is clear. Before turning on your mobile device or computer or opening an app, determine with your companion what you will be doing. Consider the amount of time you will take and how these activities will lead to helping people exercise faith in Jesus Christ, repent, make and keep covenants, feel and follow the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Follow your mission president’s guidelines regarding which digital activities are appropriate. Experience has shown that people are more likely to encounter inappropriate content on the internet when they are casually surfing the web without a specific purpose in mind.

two elder missionaries teaching with phone

two elder missionaries looking at tablet

Along with your companion and other missionaries, prayerfully commit to:

• Ask yourself, before using any technology, how it will help people:

  • Exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.

  • Repent.

  • Be baptized or prepare to receive other ordinances.

  • Feel and follow the Holy Ghost.

  • Endure to the end.

• Turn on your device only after your intention is clear. If you can’t remember why you are using your device, stop what you are doing and review your plans.

• Use daily planning as a time to determine how you will use technology in your missionary efforts and how your plan will help you reach your goals.

• Limit the use of technology when you are feeling bored, lonely, angry, anxious, stressed, or tired, or when you feel any other emotion that makes you vulnerable or susceptible.

• Select a background screen image that reminds you of your commitment to your purpose.