Safeguarding Our Discipleship
Safeguarding Our Discipleship
President Quinn’s Weekly Message
California Santa Rosa Mission
January 19th, 2026
We congratulate our missionaries who will be returning home this week. Thank you for your service in CASRM. We are excited for the joyous reunion that awaits you with family and friends. We love you!
The wars chapters in the Book of Mormon teach us many important lessons. After fighting a victorious war against the Lamanites for fourteen years, the Nephites return to their homes. With the war ended, they became less vigilant in defending themselves against their conquered enemy, the Lamanites. Contention also arises among the Nephites upon the death of Pahoran, the man who had served as Chief Judge for many years. Three of Pahoran’s sons desire to become the Chief Judge of the Nephites – contentions and distractions arise among the Nephites as they struggle to settle on a leader. The consequences of these distractions are tragic:
“And it came to pass that because of so much contention and so much difficulty in the government, that they had not kept sufficient guards in the land of Zarahemla; for they had supposed that the Lamanites durst not come into the heart of their lands to attack that great city Zarahemla. But it came to pass that Coriantumr did march forth … and came upon the inhabitants of the city, and their march was with such exceedingly great speed that there was no time for the Nephites to gather together their armies. Therefore Coriantumr did cut down the watch by the entrance of the city, and did march forth with his whole army into the city…” (Helaman 1:18-20)
The Lamanites were successful in capturing cities at the center of the Nephite nation because the Nephites had become casual with the fundamental safeguards for defending themselves. The Nephites never imagined their strongholds at the center of their nation could be conquered by an invading Lamanite army.
This account in the Book of Mormon teaches us the need for vigilance in protecting the “center” of our lives, our discipleship to Jesus Christ, by upholding our spiritual safeguards. These safeguards include obedience to our covenants, daily scripture study and prayer, weekly partaking of the sacrament with a sincere and grateful heart, following the counsel of our living prophet, regular temple attendance, and selfless service to others. If we are not vigilant in keeping and building our discipleship to Jesus Christ, destructive and cunning forces of the advisory can invade those areas of our lives that are essential and central to our spiritual well-being.
Fortunately, the Nephites nation was led militarily by a wise general – Moronihah. The son of the great Captain Moroni:
“But when Moronihah had discovered this, he immediately sent forth Lehi with an army round about to head them before they should come to the land Bountiful.” (Helaman 1:28)
We learn later in this chapter that Moronihah’s decisive action allowed the Nephites to defeat the Lamanite army and recapture their land.
If we discover that our spiritual defenses have weakened, we need to do what Moronihah did – we must “immediately” take the appropriate actions that will allow us to restore that which was lost. Please ask yourself and ponder this question: Where and how can I be more vigilant in protecting and deepening my discipleship to Jesus Christ?
It is critical we be vigilant protecting and safeguarding the centers of our lives. As we also learn in the war chapters, it is easier to protect and defend our places of security than trying to reclaim them (Alma 59:9).
Sister Quinn and I pray the Lord will watch over and protect you. We know there is safety, strength, peace, joy, and protection in being vigilant in living and honoring our covenants.
Love,
President Quinn
(630) 881-4030
