Zone Conference - Obedience

Wed. Feb. 24 was Zone Conference for us. There were zone conferences held on Wed., Thurs., and Fri. in different areas of the mission. The theme for the conferences was obedience. As usual we had to be prepared in case we were called on to give a short 3-4 minute talk.
Obedience

The following are remarks from President Andersen on the subject of obedience.

Without a sufficient level of obedience you won't have joy. Why do I care so much? If you are disobedient, you won't have joy. Satan is a great liar. He will tell you you'll be happy if you're disobedient; you need to be obedient to be successful.

You must decide to be 100% missionaries. The way of the mission and the way of the world will always separate. As with Joshua say, "As for me and my [companion], we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Protect your companion. You can be as the Sons of Helaman, "Yea, and they did obey and observe to perform every word of command with exactness" (Alma 57:21). You will be blessed by doing so.

The President then summarized some of the mission rules. To be obedient in big things, you must begin by being obedient in little things.

1) Wake up at 6:30 am and keep the morning schedule, particularly personal and companion study.

2) As missionaries you say many prayers each day. Say your prayers on your knees with your companion - morning, before study, after study, evening, when teaching.

3) Lock your heart. Leave it with God until after your mission.

4) Use the phone according to the mission rules.

5) Honestly use your allotment. It is sacred money to be used only for food, travel, and other approved items.

6) Don't listen to inappropriate music.

7) Do not go on exchanges with other missionaries without permission.

8) Never let anyone else into your apartment without permission.

9) Don't take any stupid pictures that will embarrass the church. Remember who you are all of the time.

10) Always, always be with your companion - always within sight and sound.

11) Always dress as a missionary unless there is a special need.

12) Use appropriate language; some words should never be used.

13) Only use the internet to email your family. Do not email anyone else.

14) Don't ever respond to others in anger.

Start with a desire to be obedient. God has promised you miracles. Protect each other like the Army of Helaman. As with Nephi in 2 Ne. 33:15, "For thus hath the Lord commanded me, and I must obey."