Safeguard 4

Be One

Christ in fiery furnace with three men

“And if any … among you be strong in the Spirit, let [them] take with [them those] that [are] weak, that [the weak] may be edified in all meekness, that [they] may become strong also.”

Doctrine and Covenants 84:106

The Lord has said, “I say unto you, be one; and if ye are not one ye are not mine” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:27). Help your mission develop a culture of unity, obedience, compassion, caring, vigilance, and accountability so that you can all strengthen, encourage, and support one another. All missionaries should be encouraged to follow these safeguards and should feel comfortable asking for help when needed. Developing this culture of trust will help you and other missionaries avoid isolation, build and strengthen righteous habits, and protect one another from temptation.

As you strive to build righteous habits, seek help from other missionaries and prepare to help missionaries around you. As a companionship and as a district, be one in protecting and strengthening one another: “And if any … among you be strong in the Spirit, let [them] take with [them those] that [are] weak, that [the weak] may be edified in all meekness, that [they] may become strong also” (Doctrine and Covenants 84:106). Also remember to be one with the Lord and to rely on Him in all of your efforts to follow the safeguards.

Talk with your companion and members of your district if you are unsure about whether or not you are misusing technology. If you feel tempted for any reason, ask your companion or mission leader for help. Remember, nearly all challenges associated with the internet or with pornography happen in isolation. Therefore, you must never use your device when you are alone. This guideline includes not taking your device with you into the bathroom and not using your device while your companion is in the bathroom. Allow your companion and other missionaries to help you be aware of where you may need help. Helping one another is a healthy approach to increasing your spiritual strength, and it is an opportunity to express your love.

Because these interactions between missionaries may be uncomfortable or difficult, remember the following principles as you seek to help other missionaries or seek help from other missionaries:

• “Companions … strengthen each other in times of difficulty. They can provide protection from physical danger, false charges, and temptation. Love and respect your companions” (Missionary Handbook [2006], 30).

• Always assume the best intentions. For example, if your companion is not following one of the safeguards, assume that he or she does not realize it. Do not assume that he or she is knowingly disobeying the rules.

• Do not discuss your past transgressions with other missionaries. Reaching out to others for help does not mean sharing experiences from your past or explaining why you may be vulnerable. Speak with the mission president privately if you have questions about worthiness. Remember, “Your loyalty is first to the Lord, then to your mission president, then to your companion” (Missionary Handbook, 32).

• If you do learn or witness something personal about another missionary, always keep confidences and do not gossip about that missionary with others. Simply express love and support to the struggling missionary, and do not ask prying questions. “All missionaries—especially [mission leaders] and those in the [mission] office—must maintain confidentiality by not talking to others about private matters” (Mission President’s Handbook [2006], 20).

• If it appears that some missionaries are not following the safeguards, approach them in a way that is nonthreatening and nonjudgmental. In a warm and understanding way, ask questions such as, “Can you help me understand why you did that?” Then make a plan together. Ask, “What do you think we should do?” and “How can we help each other?”

• Follow the process on page 15 of this guide: (1) be aware and acknowledge, (2) choose to act, and (3) learn and improve.

• If a missionary struggles to follow these safeguards, involve the mission president or another appropriate mission leader. Seek counsel on how you can best help the struggling missionary.

• Missionaries who are struggling with misusing technology usually already know that what they are doing is wrong. When they reach out for help, they need to feel compassion, support, and love, not shame or guilt. React calmly, and always seek the Spirit’s guidance.

• Work with your companion and district to agree on ways to support one another. If you find that your habits are slipping, talk with your companion or a mission leader. With their help you can:

  • Make a new plan.

  • Set additional safeguards.

  • Ask them to help you be accountable.

  • Evaluate any circumstances that you should change to help you stay focused on your purpose.

two sister missionaries looking at phone

Work together in unity as a companionship whenever you use your mobile devices.

Remember, the Lord has confidence in you and in each missionary He has called. He has provided companions and leaders to protect and support you. He knows the challenges you face, and He is prepared to help you as you assist Him in this great work. Being one as missionaries will not only lift the work; it will prepare you for family and Church responsibilities following your mission.

two sister missionaries using desktop computers

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

• Ensure that you can see your companion’s screen at all times.

• Have your companion review all posts, comments, and messages before you send them. (This does not apply to letters to the president or emails home.)

• Participate as a companionship in all social media teaching events, including emails, texts, Facebook messages, Skype, and FaceTime.

• Invite mission leaders to regularly review how you are using technology in your missionary efforts.