In Part One of this article I shared how situational awareness became an ingrained part of my everyday life via my career in law enforcement. In Part Two, I explored situational awareness and spiritual sensitivity as it related to Joseph Smith and Church history. In Part Three, I want to examine how situational awareness remains a relevant and important component in our own Church participation today. This is part 3. Read parts 1 and 2.

Situational awareness—the ability to observe, interpret, and respond appropriately to one’s environment—is often associated with the military or emergency services. However, its principles apply powerfully to the spiritual and practical life of a disciple of Jesus Christ. For members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, situational awareness is not just about personal safety or alertness; it is a Christ-centered, proactive mindfulness that helps individuals respond to the world with love, wisdom, and faith. In our time—marked by cultural shifts, technological saturation, and spiritual confusion—situational awareness is more relevant than ever in helping members stay spiritually grounded, minister to others more effectively, and make thoughtful decisions that align with eternal principles.

One of the most critical ways situational awareness manifests itself is in spiritual discernment—recognizing the influence of the Spirit and discerning between truth and deception. We are taught in scripture that if ye are prepared ye shall not fear (D&C 38:30). Preparation includes being aware of the spiritual and social currents around us. Situationally aware members are not surprised by the world’s shifting values because they are watchful, studying current trends through the lens of eternal truth.

For instance, as the world increasingly promotes relative morality and personal truth, Latter-day Saints are counseled to stand for absolute truths revealed through prophets and scriptures. However, doing so wisely requires tact and awareness. A situationally aware disciple understands that bearing testimony on sensitive issues must be done with love, not condemnation, and tailored to the understanding and readiness of the listener. As President Dallin H. Oaks has taught, there is a difference between what is right and what is wise. That wisdom often comes from being situationally aware—knowing when and how to act in faith without unnecessarily offending or causing contention.

In the context of Church service and ministering, situational awareness allows members to see others the way the Savior did. The Lord was always aware of the needs, thoughts, and spiritual conditions of those around Him. When He approached the woman at the well, the rich young ruler, or even His apostles in moments of distress, He responded not just with knowledge but with full awareness of their circumstances and hearts.

Similarly, when members minister to others, especially in a time when many struggle silently with mental health, isolation, or spiritual doubts, they must look beyond surface appearances. A sister who seems distant at church might be carrying burdens at home. A young man skipping mutual might be silently battling anxiety. A situationally aware and spiritually sensitive ministering brother of sister can perceive changes in tone, absence from meetings, or subtle expressions of discouragement. They can follow up on these promptings with compassion—not as an obligation, but as a reflection of Christlike love born from awareness.

Leaders, too, must read the room, so to speak. A bishop who is situationally aware can recognize when a ward needs healing from division, when changes should be made slowly, or when individuals are ready for callings that will stretch and bless them. Such leaders rely on spiritual discernment through the Holy Ghost, but they also observe, listen, and learn with intention.

The recognition of situational awareness can also be used to enhance worship and teaching experiences within the Church. Leaders and teachers who are attuned to the engagement levels of their audiences can adjust their delivery to better meet the needs of their classes or other ward meetings. For example, a Sunday School teacher who notices students are losing focus can pivot to incorporate interactive discussions or testimonies to rekindle engagement. Likewise, sacrament meeting speakers who are mindful of their audience’s responses can modify their tone and message to better connect with listeners, making spiritual teachings more impactful.

In a more temporal sense, situational awareness is also crucial to the Church’s emphasis on preparedness, safety, and wise stewardship. As natural disasters, economic instability, and global conflicts continue, the need for alert and prepared members becomes clearer. Leaders of stakes and wards are asked to be aware of local risks, community resources, and the needs of vulnerable members. Situational awareness helps leaders implement emergency plans and encourage self-reliance without spreading fear.

Even in weekly meetings and activities, Church leaders are increasingly mindful of physical and emotional safety. Youth leaders today must consider how social media, bullying, or identity issues affect their youth. Teachers must be aware of trauma and life experiences that influence how a lesson is received. The Church’s strong emphasis on protecting children and preventing abuse also stems from the principle of proactive awareness—recognizing potential risks and addressing them before harm occurs.

As we know, missionary work is a fundamental aspect of the Church. As such, situational awareness can enhance its effectiveness especially in a global church with increasing cultural diversity. Missionaries who are attuned to their surroundings can better understand cultural norms, recognize opportunities to serve, and engage with potential investigators in meaningful ways. By being aware of the social and spiritual climate of their area, missionaries can tailor their approach to teaching and rendering service, making sharing their love of the gospel and Jesus Christ more relevant and impactful. The ability to communicate effectively with people of other faiths, traditions, and worldviews requires more than gospel knowledge—it requires humility, empathy, and an awareness of how messages are being received. Additionally, situational awareness helps missionaries to stay safe in unfamiliar environments, ensuring they can carry out their service without unnecessary risks.

Members, too, as everyday missionaries, must be conscious of timing, tone, and context when sharing the gospel. A situationally aware member recognizes that a coworker in distress may be more open to a conversation about prayer than a formal invitation to church. Being aware of others’ needs and the promptings of the Spirit leads to more natural and effective missionary experiences.

One of the most immediate benefits of situational awareness in the Church is the improvement of safety and security measures. Meetinghouses and temples are places of worship and peace, but they are not immune to potential threats, including natural disasters, medical emergencies, or security concerns.

In my law enforcement capacity, I worked closely with Church security at the Los Angeles Temple during the Proposition 8 protests in 2008. I became very aware of not only the security threats engendered by the crowds protesting outside of the Temple grounds, but also of the many unrelated security issues—some potentially very dangerous—confronting the Temple presidency and other Temple workers.

By maintaining situational awareness, church leaders and members can recognize potential hazards before they escalate. For example, ward leaders and security personnel can be trained to identify and respond to suspicious activities or health-related emergencies during services or events. This proactive approach ensures that the Church remains a safe place for all who gather to worship.

On one occasion, I was called out of a ward sacrament meeting to help diffuse a situation involving an emotionally distraught member who was sitting in his car in the building parking lot, threatening to commit suicide. The leadership’s situational awareness that there was somebody in the congregation with experience dealing with such circumstances resulted in a de-escalation of the individual’s emotional trauma and a positive resolution for all involved without further disturbing the service.

During stake conferences, situational awareness has led to periodic parking lot checks during the meetings, as well as established plans for other emergencies of a medical or disruptive nature. Nightly security checks of ward and stake buildings by a rotating roster of volunteer members have also become part of situational awareness in today’s complex societal and political climate.

Jesus Christ is a perfect example of situational awareness blended with spiritual sensitivity. He was never unaware of His surroundings—He knew when to speak and when to remain silent, when to teach and when to heal, when to rebuke and when to extend mercy. His perfect awareness of others’ needs and His surroundings did not make Him reactive or fearful; it made Him a powerful, centered, compassionate leader.

In reality, situational awareness is a valuable skill that can greatly benefit The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in today’s world to create a safer, more welcoming, and spiritually enriching Church environment. Through vigilance and mindfulness, members can better serve one another, fulfill their callings, and contribute to the Church’s mission of bringing people closer to Christ.

As President Russell M. Nelson has often taught, we live in a time that demands spiritual agility and awareness. The adversary is cunning, and the world is distracting, but the Lord’s followers can thrive when they stay anchored in truth while being perceptive of their environment. By combining spiritual sensitivity with practical observation, Church members can become more effective disciples, better equipped to love, serve, and lead.