With certain gospel ordinances, there are phrases that must be said word for word. With the bestowal of the gift of the Holy Ghost, there is a charge each new member is given to “receive the Holy Ghost”. I used to think of this as a one-time event that each new member was to do, and then they could essentially “check the box” on that event. But through the years I have grown to understand that this is a standing command; that it does not have a completion date, but rather receiving the Holy Ghost is something we are to continually do throughout our lives.
Football is a great example of this. On a team, there are those who are designated as receivers. And not all receivers are created equal. There is a great deal of skill in learning to run the plays and routes, and to anticipate what the quarterback might do. And if you get this skill down well enough, you could make millions in the NFL. Likewise, receiving the Holy Ghost in our lives is a skill that is developed. Rather than being something that passively happens to us, receiving the Holy Ghost takes an active, conscious effort every day. Just as a football receiver must learn to be in the right place at the right time, and to avoid those who are trying to stop them, so we can strive to be in the right places where we can recognize and receive the Spirit. And we can avoid temptations that might stop us from receiving as well.
In this last conference, President Uchtdorf commented on how we often live beneath our privileges, when it comes to having the Holy Ghost in our lives. But are some people just more privileged than others with receiving direction from the Holy Ghost? I strongly believe there are not; but the great spiritual men and women who often receive the Spirit’s direction have refined their abilities and talents in receiving the Holy Ghost. For instance, what do we do when we receive a prompting? Do we doubt, argue and not follow that prompting? If we are always pushing off promptings when they come, what will happen to the frequency of promptings? On the other hand if the Lord can always trust that we will follow those promptings, what will most likely happen with the frequency of promptings?
To me, President Monson is a great example of this idea. I believe that through the years, he has learned to quickly follow those promptings, so the Lord knows He can count on him, so he uses him all the more. May we also be quick to respond and receive the Holy Ghost in our lives every day; make that active, conscious effort.
If you found this post insightful, don't forget to “like” it on Facebook so that it can be shared with others you know.
Official Holidays & Observances This Week
April 4th through April 10th
Monday Vitamin C Day & World Rat Day
Tuesday One Day Without Shoes Day
Wednesday Jesus's Christ's Birthday (D&C 20:1)
Thursday No Housework Day & Metric System Day
Friday Buddha Day
Saturday Winston Churchill Day
Sunday National Sibling Day
Football is a great example of this. On a team, there are those who are designated as receivers. And not all receivers are created equal. There is a great deal of skill in learning to run the plays and routes, and to anticipate what the quarterback might do. And if you get this skill down well enough, you could make millions in the NFL. Likewise, receiving the Holy Ghost in our lives is a skill that is developed. Rather than being something that passively happens to us, receiving the Holy Ghost takes an active, conscious effort every day. Just as a football receiver must learn to be in the right place at the right time, and to avoid those who are trying to stop them, so we can strive to be in the right places where we can recognize and receive the Spirit. And we can avoid temptations that might stop us from receiving as well.
In this last conference, President Uchtdorf commented on how we often live beneath our privileges, when it comes to having the Holy Ghost in our lives. But are some people just more privileged than others with receiving direction from the Holy Ghost? I strongly believe there are not; but the great spiritual men and women who often receive the Spirit’s direction have refined their abilities and talents in receiving the Holy Ghost. For instance, what do we do when we receive a prompting? Do we doubt, argue and not follow that prompting? If we are always pushing off promptings when they come, what will happen to the frequency of promptings? On the other hand if the Lord can always trust that we will follow those promptings, what will most likely happen with the frequency of promptings?
To me, President Monson is a great example of this idea. I believe that through the years, he has learned to quickly follow those promptings, so the Lord knows He can count on him, so he uses him all the more. May we also be quick to respond and receive the Holy Ghost in our lives every day; make that active, conscious effort.
If you found this post insightful, don't forget to “like” it on Facebook so that it can be shared with others you know.
Official Holidays & Observances This Week
April 4th through April 10th
Monday Vitamin C Day & World Rat Day
Tuesday One Day Without Shoes Day
Wednesday Jesus's Christ's Birthday (D&C 20:1)
Thursday No Housework Day & Metric System Day
Friday Buddha Day
Saturday Winston Churchill Day
Sunday National Sibling Day
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