In this episode, M'Shelle Dixon joins Sean, Brian and John to discuss the Complexity of Obedience. M'Shelle served as a Mission Leader from 2016-2019 and is a member of our podcast team. We believe this episode is a must for anyone considering serving a mission, or wanting to better understand why obedience is important to God. Working through the principles of obedience can make the difference between a frustrated mission or life experience and a joy-filled one.

Note: This topic runs longer than our usual episodes, feel free to listen in two segments. The topic of Obedience begins at 12:00.

2:10 Introduce guest, Preach My Gospel social media manager, & contributor,  M'Shelle Dixon

3:55 How we use our Instagram page as a mission preparation tool @preach_my_gospel_podcast

6:30 The unique and special relationship between Mission Leaders and their missionaries.

12:00 Why obedience to the mission standards and to our covenants is such an important part of Missionary work?

15:35 Why is our quest for obedience important to Jesus Christ?

22:10 EXACT obedience is often misunderstood.

25:15 What do I do when I mess up and am disobedient?

26:35 Understanding “Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ” as a  replacement for the former Missionary Handbook of Instructions. Why is there a standard?

35:06 Commandments vs. Mission Rules. What if I do not completely understand or even agree with a mission standard?

35:50 The MOTIVE behind our obedience matters.

44:25 Elder Bednar’s Transactional Obedience vs. Transformational Obedience explained.

48:43 Labeling ourselves and others as “disobedient” or “obedient” is missing the mark.

52:25 Obedience is so much more than qualifying us for blessings.

55:00 Using clear language when setting our Goals. “But if not” goals

57:25 Patience with young and inexperienced leaders learning to motivate and help other missionaries remain obedient.

59:00 Dealing with the EXTREME of Rebellion

65:53 Dealing with the EXTREME of Perfectionism.

69:10 The Physiological Battle vs. The Spiritual Battle: Understanding Scrupulosity.

70:25 The Adversary uses these extremes to stop us and this work from progressing.

71:30 How understanding the principles of consecrated obedience help you transition home and throughout your life.

Thank you for joining us!  If you know anyone who is considering serving a mission, their leaders, and families please help us by sharing this with them. This podcast can be found on most any platform where podcasts are offered.

The Preach My Gospel Mission Prep Podcast is offered by the Utah Valley Institute of Religion and is not monetized. To learn more about how you can receive Institute Credit for listening, see our link here or find it on our Instagram page preach_my_gospel_podcast. Talk with your local seminary principal about the possibility of using this podcast to receive Seminary Make-up credit.