Jesus’ command to “always observe” this sacramental ordinance (see verses 6. 11) must not be seen as a selfish desire to receive recognition as we “always remember him,” neither should it be viewed merely as an essential ordinance of salvation, but as a merciful, spiritual blessing-a constant reminder of his love for us and his desire to protect us from the destructive designs of the devil. Having his Spirit to be with us is as much a protection as it is guidance and direction. Elder Melvin J. Ballard added this valuable insight: “No man goes away from this Church and becomes an apostate in a week, nor in a month. It is a slow process. The one thing that would make for the safety of every man and woman would be to appear at the sacrament table every Sabbath day. We would not get very far away in a week-not so far away that, by the process of self-investigation, we could not rectify the wrongs we may have done. If we should refrain from partaking of the sacrament, condemned by ourselves as unworthy to receive these emblems, we could not endure that long, and we would soon, I am sure, have the spirit of repentance. The road to the sacrament table is the path of safety for Latter-day Saints.” (“The Sacramental Covenant.”)