Maintaining Sacred Conduct: No Flirting in Mission Fields

It is absolutely correct that mission fields, alongside all other spheres of sacred work, demand the highest standards of moral conduct and that flirtation is inappropriate in these settingsPH167 37.1+1. We must recognize that the work is holy and that unbecoming behavior, including levity and unholy flirtation, must be utterly put away3LtMs, Lt 31, 1880, par. 6.

Maintaining Correct Deportment

Proper education and training for service must always secure sound morals and correct deportmentCG 293.2+2. Workers must maintain a high moral tone and becoming dignity at all times, understanding that this spiritual training is essential whether laboring in fields afar off or in fields nearer home7LtMs, Lt 17, 1891, par. 36+1.

Key considerations regarding conduct in the work include:

• Avoiding Familiarity: Temptations to encourage inappropriate familiarity are a danger to workers in every mission and every institutionPH167 37.1. It is essential for individuals, both men and women, to maintain the necessary reserve and sobriety to avoid encouraging the attentions of others, as this lack of caution can ensnare those who are weak in moral powerPH167 37.1.

• The Demoralizing Effect: The course of indulging in a courting spirit or flirtation among laborers is demoralizing upon the church and proves to be a curse to the workBDOC 6.40+1. Such indiscretion violates the necessary rules of modesty and reserveBDOC 6.43.

• Controlling the Mind: True change begins internally; the thoughts must be guarded and controlled by determined efforts to ensure that right actions followYI April 21, 1886, par. 3. We must use our God-given talents of mind and strength in the service of the Master, not allowing our affections to fasten upon improper objectsPH157 13.2+1.

A Call to Consecration

Every person associated with God’s cause must remember their primary duty is service to the Master8LtMs, Ms 13, 1893, par. 15. We are bought with a price, and we belong to Christ, who must be consulted in all things regarding how the affections of the heart shall be employedYI April 21, 1886, par. 3.

The Bible provides clear direction on our commitment:

• Living Sacrifice: We are called upon to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service Romans 12:116LtMs, Lt 163, 1901, par. 14.

• Transformation: We must not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our mind, that we may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God Romans 12:2.

• Purity of Character: True happiness is attained by righteousness, and we must elevate our young minds above low, evil habits, striving to form a good, pure character1EGWLM 695.7+1.

It is crucial to recognize that the discovery of weakness or the failure to maintain a correct standard in one's deportment can hinder the cause, creating a record in the books of heaven that none would want to meet15LtMs, Lt 140, 1900, par. 1+1. May we embrace the principles of righteousness, striving diligently to make our calling and election sure 2 Peter 1:10.