Poison By Degrees

Poison By Degrees

President Quinn’s Weekly Message

California Santa Rosa Mission

September 15th, 2025

 Thank you for joining us on the transfer call Saturday evening. Transfer week is both an exciting and challenging time. This is especially the case as we welcome 22 new missionaries to CASRM this week. I know we have some nervous new trainers and leaders. I promise the Lord will sustain you in these new assignments.

Over the last few days, I have reflected on the importance of being obedient to the standards and principles of righteousness we have been given by our inspired leaders. These standards have been given by a loving Heavenly Father who desires what is best for us.

The account of Lehonti in the Book of Mormon (Alma 47) warns us that lowering our standards can lead to unintended and tragic consequences. Lehonti and his soldiers were securely encamped on a mountain top high above the army led by the wicked Amalickiah. Lehonti and his men were in a position of strength where they could easily defend themselves against the army of Amalickiah. Three times Lehonti resisted the persistent invitations of Amalickiah to “come down” to him. Tragically, on the fourth invitation to “come down” Lehonti foolishly gave up his position of strength. He descended from the safety provided by the mountain top and embraced the new standard offered by the conspiring Amalickiah. The decision to lower himself down to the level of Amalickiah led to an unintended and tragic end for Lehonti:

“And it came to pass that Amalickiah caused that one of his servants should administer poison by degrees to Lehonti, that he died.” (Alma 47:18)

We give up our position of spiritual strength and security when we choose or are persuaded to rationalize our obedience to gospel standards and principles. This rationalization, like it did for Lehonti, typically occurs slowly over time – “by degrees.” We justify small acts of disobedience believing they do not matter or that there will be no significant consequences. I am confident Lahonti felt the same.

Years ago, following a business dinner, my boss and two colleagues conspired to have me enter an adult strip club. They invited me to lower my standards for a few hours. They assured me that only the four of us would know what we had done – that this would be the only time they would ask me to do it. The pressure to enter the bar was intense. My boss would soon be awarding promotions, raises, and bonuses to our team. I might be forfeiting a significant promotion and pay raise if I refused to join them. For a brief instant I considered lowing my standards to “come down” to the level of comradery and prosperity they offered me. I am grateful for the Spirit that gave me the strength to say “no.” I was blessed in many ways and for many years for this decision. Years later, a leader of our firm who had become aware of this event, sponsored my promotion to a partner in the firm because he admired my integrity – my willingness to live the standards of my faith.

I pray you will have the conviction and integrity to honor the standards the Savior has established for His missionaries and disciples – that you will never rationalize disobedience – even to those standards that may seem small or less important. We have recently enjoyed great success in CASRM. Do not allow this success to dull your determination to remain obedient. Show your gratitude to the Lord by being more obedient.

Please do not rationalize or let your obedience to standards slip “by degrees.” Be firm and immovable! Exercise Christlike obedience to all missionary standards. I ask that you each set the correct example for the large number of new missionaries joining CASRM this transfer and next. Show them our culture of serving in the Savior’s way. I promise you will enjoy the protection and strength of the Spirit as you honor our inspired gospel standards and principles.

We congratulate our nine missionaries who will be returning home this week after honorably completing their missionary service. You return home with our love and gratitude. We pray you will enjoy a joyous reunion with you friends and family.

Love,

President Quinn

(630) 881-4030