Spiritual Gifts (Gifts of the Spirit)

We have been warned that in order to avoid deception, in the last days before the second coming of Jesus Christ, we must "seek earnestly the best gifts, always remembering [that] they are given for the benefit of those who love [the Lord] and keep all [His] commandments, and him that seeketh so to do" (Doctrine & Covenants 46:8-9). I feel that this verse refers to spiritual gifts; such as those recorded in 1 Corinthians 12:7-11, Moroni 10:8-17, and Doctrine & Covenants 46:11-26.

Spiritual gifts can be anything in which we are assisted or guided by the Holy Ghost, because we are blessed (as a gift) to reach beyond our own capacity. Joseph Smith taught, "all the gifts of the Spirit are not visible to the natural vision, or understanding of men; indeed very few of them are" (Joseph Smith, Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 244). Bruce R. McConkie wrote, “Spiritual gifts are endless in number and infinite in variety” (Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 371). 

While we don't know everything about spiritual gifts, there are a few things that we do know. 

Purpose of Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts have been given to each of us so that we can help strengthen, uplift, and improve one other, and ourselves, throughout this life. Spiritual gifts are sacred and are given to us by God, they are also not to be shared lightly or treated trivially (see Doctrine & Covenants 6:10-12). Regarding spiritual gifts Sheri Dew wrote, 

"None of us were given all of the gifts of God, but we were each given at least one spiritual gift. And the reason seems obvious: The Lord needs a full spectrum of talent consecrated to His work. He also wants us to work together, rejoicing in each other's strengths and together compensating for each other's weaknesses" (Sheri Dew, If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard, p. 40-41).

Peggy Worthen, wife of BYU President, Kevin J. Worthen, explained the following:

"The scriptures indicate that in addition to seeking earnestly after our unique gifts, we need to 'always [remember] for what they are given,' which the Lord says is 'for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; . . . that all may be profited thereby'.

"Our gifts are given to benefit others. If we want to discover and develop our gifts, we have to be willing to share them with others....As we look for opportunities to uplift and bless others, we will likely find new gifts and talents that are lying ­dormant and just waiting to be discovered..." (Peggy Worthen, "Spiritual Gifts" BYU Devotional, 8 January 2019).

Tad R. Callister shared, 

“Gifts of the Spirit are in fact endowments of godly traits; and thus, as we acquire these gifts, we become partakers of the divine nature. Each of these gifts is a manifestation of some celestial quality. Through the medium of the Holy Ghost, each such gift may be bestowed upon an imperfect being and thus aid him in his pursuit of godliness“ (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p. 268).

Our Responsibility to Obtain Spiritual Gifts

We have been taught that we can obtain all of the spiritual gifts there are. However, we can not have them all at once, "they come unto every man severally, according as he will" (Moroni 10:17). Severally means "one at a time" or "independently" (Merriam-Webster.com; severally). We can gain all of them one-by-one as we diligently seek for them; and that search will extend after this life. The Lord has made this promise about spiritual gifts, "Behold...thou shalt have a gift if thou wilt desire of me in faith, with an honest heart, believing in the power of Jesus Christ" (Doctrine & Covenants 11:10). Spiritual gifts may benefit us now in our lives but I feel that they are far more important to our spiritual progression.

President George Q. Cannon wrote, 

"If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect....No man ought to say, 'Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.' He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them. If a man lack wisdom, it is his duty to ask God for wisdom. The same with everything else. That is the design of God concerning His Church. He wants His Saints to be perfected in the truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts, and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be a perfect people upon the face of the earth" (George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, April 1894, p. 260].

Elder Ronald A. Rasband counseled,

"[S]eek earnestly to discover the talents the Lord has given you" (Ronald A. Rasband, "Led By Divine Design", p75).

Tad R. Callister in his book, The Infinite Atonement, gave further insight into our role of seeking  for spiritual gifts:

"The Lord in his unbounded kindness anxiously seeks to shower these spiritual gifts upon us. It is his way of bestowing upon us some of the attributes of godhood. In some respects these gifts are like a spiritual gold mind at our disposal that remains untapped if we fail to pursue the mining process. But how do we tap into the gold mine and acquire these gifts of the Spirit that may presently elude our grasp—these gifts that refine us, ennoble us, and ultimately even perfect us? Certainly, obedience to God's word is necessary, but alone it is insufficient. There is yet another, perhaps more subtle prerequisites—we must ask. We must want the gifts so fervently that this pursuit is a constant, unending struggle....

"Pure obedience and silent endurance are not enough. There must be a burning desire, a reaching out, a seeking, in short, an exhaustive exercise of our combined spiritual, intellectual, and emotional energies, all focused on obtaining these divine gifts" (Tad R. Callister, The Infinite Atonement, p. 274).

As we strive to improve ourselves, the Lord has promised His willingness to help us identify where we fall short, and also promises help to strengthen us.

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27). 

Ezra T. Benson said, 

“The Lord says He has different gifts and talents to the children of men to one He gives revelation, to another the gifts of tongues, to another prophecy, to another the gift of miracles, but no man is deprived of obtaining them all, if he has the power of mind, intelligence, and faith to do so. We can get all we desire, all we can comprehend and ask for, or all we can appreciate" (Ezra T. Benson, "Necessity of Opposition", Discourse delivered at the Seventies' Conference in the Tabernacle, Salt Lake City, as reported by G. D. Watt, 16 February 1853, emphasis added).

Eldred G. Smith advised that we can look to our ancestors for ideas as well,

"Everyone has inherent talents. From a study of your genealogy, find the talents you have inherited by the things you like to do, and do easily, that some of your ancestors have done. Then become an expert or a specialist in some phase of that field. The Lord will bless your efforts in your studies and in your daily work" (Eldred G. Smith, "Decision", General Conference, April 1978).

In the October 2018 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson entreated, 

"[Y]ou have special spiritual gifts and propensities. Tonight I urge you, with all the hope of my heart, to pray to understand your spiritual gifts—to cultivate, use, and expand them, even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do so" "(Russell M. Nelson, "Sisters’ Participation in the Gathering of Israel", General Conference, October 2018).

As we seek to identify our spiritual gifts, the Holy Ghost can help us in knowing what specific one to focus on, at that time in our lives.

(Incomplete) List of Spiritual Gifts

In my efforts to discover my own spiritual gifts I have come across many examples. In this blog post I wanted to include a list of spiritual gifts that I have compiled from hearing, reading, or learning about them. I will continue to update it as I learn more. 

— "'lay hold upon every good gift,' beginning with the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our lives, General Conference, April 2018).

— "And the talent of greatest worth learned in pre-mortality was that of spirituality" (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, p. 34).

— "Above all talents—greater than any other capacities, chief among all endowments—stands the talent for spirituality. Those so endowed find it easy to believe the truth in this life" (Bruce R. McConkie, "The Millennial Messiah", p. 234).

— "Each of us should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe" (Elder David A. Bednar, Increase in Learning (electronic version); referring to Mormon 1:1-5). "Quick to observe. Prompt to watch and to obey....Simply stated, being quick to observe is an antecedent to and is linked with the spiritual gift of discernment. And for you and for me, discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark....[B]eing quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment. We can only hope to obtain that supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction if we are quick to observe-if we both look and obey" (David A. Bednar, "Quick to Observe", BYU Speeches, 10 May, 2005).

— "While it certainly takes courage to face perils, the true badge of courage is overcoming the fear of men. For example, Daniel's prayers helped him face lions, but what made him lion-hearted was defying King Darius. That kind of courage is a gift of the Spirit to the God-fearing who have said their prayers" (Elder Lynn G. Robbins, "Which Way Do You Face?", General Conference, October 2014).

— knowledge of scriptures

— wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, fear of the Lord, righteous judgment, reprove with equity (2 Nephi 21:2-4)

— to be an obedient spirit

— love for your fellow men

— patience

— "faith, hope, charity" (1 Corinthians 13:13)

— tolerance

— to organize

— to discipline oneself

— public speaking

— teaching

— a powerful listener (Truman G. Madsen, "Joseph Smith the Prophet", p95)

— the ability to forgive

— music & the arts (creating and performing)

— there are physical, mental, and spiritual gifts: intelligence, memory, having a capable body, able mind, athletic abilities, hand-eye coordination, mechanical abilities, musical and artistic abilities (Robert D. Hales, "Return", p223-4)

— being a righteous influence (Sheri L. Dew, "Awake, Aries, and Come Unto Christ", BYU Women's Conference, 2008). 

— to make people feel comfortable

— to deny not the power of God

— knowledge of Heavenly Father (Alma 37:8)

— a testimony of Jesus Christ

— increased love for family

— love for the people you serve

— “Men can and often do communicate the love of Heavenly Father and the Savior to others. But women have a special gift for it--a divine endowment. You have the capacity to sense what someone needs--and when he or she needs it. You can reach out, comfort, teach, and strengthen someone in his or her very moment of need” (Russell M. Nelson, "Sister's Participation in the Gathering of Israel", General Conference October 2018)

— “writing, speaking, and planning” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Parents and Children”, General Conference, October 2018)

— appreciation for hard work

— listening to the whisperings of the spirit

— understanding of teamwork

— to understand the value of personal virtue

— dreams

— the interpretation of dreams

— having the faith to act

— "joy is more than a fleeting feeling or emotion; rather, it is a spiritual gift and a state of being and becoming" (David A. Bednar, BYU Devotional, 4 Dec 2018)

— humility to pray always

— compassion

— living simply

— being mindful

— being able to offer a mighty prayer

— recognizing the error of our ways (Alma 37:8)

— Having faith in Jesus Christ; Having faith to be healed; Listening to the Holy Ghost; Learning languages; Teaching the gospel; Being wise; Recognizing what is right and what is wrong; Gaining knowledge; Believing others’ testimonies; Noticing if someone needs a friend; Showing love; Understanding the scriptures; Keeping a journal; Being a loyal friend; Being kind ("What Are Your Spiritual Gifts?", Friend Magazine, March 2017).

— the ability to memorize

— the ability to remember

— persuasive speaking

— ability to contribute insightful and impactful comments or ideas (mentioned by stake patriarch)

—  creativity

— spacial reasoning (seeing where things fit; how things fit together)

— cooking & baking

— experimenting with food and recipes

— having a color eye (seeing color and how colors fit together)

— color memory (being able to remember the exact shade of a color)

— music memory

— perfect pitch

— to lead, to follow, to persuade others

— to be artistic

—to be musical

— to have an intuitive sense of math

— to innovate new ideas

— "One of the gifts of the Spirit is to believe the testimony of others who have had direct and personal revelation relative to God and his Goodness" (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, The Premortal Messiah, p. 16).

— "Let us remember that the power to change is very real, and it is a great spiritual gift from God" (Pres James E. Faust, "The Power to Change", Ensign, November 2007).

— “The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible" (Elder Russell M. Nelson, "Ask, Seek, Knock", Ensign, Nov 2009). "First, I mention the gift of discernment, embodying the power to discriminate...between right and wrong. I believe that this gift when highly developed arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions —spiritual impressions, if you will —to read under the surface as it were to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them" (Steven L. Richards, Conference Report, April 1950). "One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits....Now, the gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves" (George Q. Cannon, quoted by David A. Bednar in "Quick to Observe", BYU Speeches, 10 May 2005). "[B]eing quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment" (David A. Bednar, "Quick to Observe", BYU Speeches, 10 May, 2005).

— "Like any other talent with which we are blessed, we must constantly practice the talent of spirituality" (Elaine S. Dalton, Virtue, p. 51).

— "A number of spiritual gifts are documented in scripture, but there are many others. Some might include having compassion, expressing hope, relating well with people, organizing effectively, speaking or writing persuasively, teaching clearly, and working hard... inspir[ing] others to improve their discipleship… notic[ing] others“ (Elder John C. Pingree Jr., "I Have a Work for Thee", Ensign, Nov 2017).

— “It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them....the gift of asking... listening... hearing and using a still, small voice... being able to weep... avoiding contention... being agreeable... avoiding vain repetition... seeking that which is righteous... not passing judgement... looking to God for guidance... being a disciple... caring for others... being able to ponder... offering prayer... bearing a mighty testimony... receiving the Holy Ghost... the gift to calm" (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, "There Are Many Gifts", Ensign, Nov 1987). 

— “He seems to know everyone and is particularly gifted at remembering names” (Elder Gary E. Stevenson, "The Heart of a Prophet", General Conference, April 2018).

— “The capacity and opportunity to learn“ (Robert D. Hales, "Return", p. 366).

— “Bring[ing] out the hidden capabilities of things around them“ (Nathaniel Hawthorne, House of the Seven Gables, p. 54)

— knowing great and marvelous mysteries to "bring many to the knowledge of the truth"

 (Doctrine & Covenants 6:10-11)

— gift of being a seer (Mosiah 8:16)

— communicating across time and space with other people, even beyond the veil (Eva Witesman, "All In" podcast, 22 Jan 2020).

— "adept[ness] at instilling such qualities as faith, courage, empathy, and refinement in relationships and in cultures" (D. Todd Christofferson, "The Moral Force of Women", General Conference October 2013)

— being able to see the details

— being able to see the big picture

— the ability to visualize

—the Gift of Aaron [the ability to ask God and receive "knowledge concerning it"] (Doctrine & Covenants 8:6)

— “The gift to ponder; looking to God for direction. The gift to hear and respond to the still, small voice. The gift to be calm, which includes the ability to curb anger and to be temperate, rather than contentious. The gift to study and to listen. And, perhaps the greatest gift of all, to have charity"....[T]he gift of prophecy or revelation. This gift is different from the priesthood office of prophet. The gift of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus." (Robert D. Hales, "Gifts of the Spirit", BYU Devotional, 1 August 1993).

— to know what to pray for (Richard Callan, Church History & Doctrine Department at BYU; saw on a discussion of the scriptures on KBYU TV).

— "to genuinely listen" (Robert D. Hales, "Return", p. 367).

— powerful speaking & influential writing (Ether 12:24-25)

— speaking with tongues; gift of preaching; gift of the Holy Ghost; gift of translation (Alma 9:21).

— being loving, honest, moral, civil, continually learning, forgiving and merciful, thrifty and hard working, grateful, optimistic and full of faith (see Gordon B. Hinckley, "Standing For Something")

— to bring many to a knowledge of the truth (Alma 23:6)

— to see the unseen

— "Seeing others as God does" (Douglas D. Holmes, "Deep in Our Heart", General Conference, April 2020).

— "Faith and testimony, gospel devotion and Church loyalty, conviction so strong it leads to covenants and consecration are ultimately matters of the Spirit. They come as a gift from God, delivered and confirmed to our soul by the Holy Ghost in His divine role as revelator, witness, teacher of truth" (Jeffrey R. Holland, "The Greatness of the Evidence", Book of Mormon Chiasmus Conference, 2017).

— "promptings, impressions, revelations, dreams, visions, visitations, miracles" (Boyd K. Packer, "The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ—Plain and Precious Things", General Conference, April 2005).

— "The wisdom of God is a spiritual gift" (Neil L. Andersen, "Reverence for God is the Beginning of Wisdom", Ensign, January 2013).

— "the gift of reverence" (Ulisses Soares, "Reverence for Sacred Things", General Conference, April 2025).

I would love to hear your thoughts about any additional spiritual gifts that you have heard of. Please share them in the comments.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

The topic of faith has been on my mind lately, and I started thinking about what it is, how we can develop it, and how we can act in faith. 


What is Faith?
In the scriptures we read that the first principle of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ is, "faith in the Lord Jesus Christ" (Article of Faith 1:4).

Other scriptural definitions of faith include:

“I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen” (Ether 12:6).

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1).

I have also heard of faith being defined as believing in something that we can not see that is true. 

What faith is not is really, really hoping that something will happen, and that through the strength of our will power we can make it happen.

If we substitute the greek translation of substance with “assurance”, and evidence with “proof” in the scripture from Hebrews 11:1, we see that faith is the proof of things which we hope for, that are not seen, with the assurance that they are true (see Hebrews 11:1 footnotes 1b and 1d). The key word I want to point out is "assurance", and that assurance can only come from the Holy Ghost. 

Webster's Thesaurus explains that assurance is "a state of mind in which one is free from doubt" (Merriam-Webster.com: assurance). In my own life I have felt that assurance for brief moments while other times it seems to last longer. We have been counseled to write down spiritual impressions, and it might be because we may sometimes forget the assurance we once felt. Having it written down allows us to go back to it and reaffirm that assurance.


How Do We Develop Our Faith in Jesus Christ?

This brings us to the question of how to develop our faith, and I want to specifically think about faith in Jesus Christ; because that is where the power of faith germinates. As Sheri Dew wrote, “It is our willingness to believe in the Savior…that unleashes His power in our lives” (Sheri L. Dew, “God Wants a Powerful People”, p 178).

However, as with anything else of great worth, there is no shortcut to developing our faith.

Elder Robert D. Hales taught:

"Our society has developed a shortcut mentality. In a day of instant oatmeal, instant messaging, and instant credit, far too many have come to expect instant gratification in everything....The truth is that we cannot receive the greatest blessings Heavenly Father has in store for us without developing the patience and faith to wait....We wait upon the Lord when we walk in faith with a humble expectation that His promises are sure. We also wait upon the Lord when we obey a commandment before completely understanding the rationale behind it....There are no shortcuts to becoming powerful servants of the Lord. We must do it, with the Lord's help, in the practice of prayer and fasting, of scripture study and gospel living" (Robert D. Hales, "Return", p 204-205, 211).

If we look to the story of Nephi, in the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ, we find many examples of faith. In the first part of the story, while living in Jerusalem, the Lord asks Lehi (Nephi's father) to take his family, leave everything behind except what they will need to survive, and flee into the wilderness (see 1 Nephi 2:2-4). We learn a little later that Nephi may not have been as eager to leave as one might think, especially from the faith-filled stories that fill his record. He shares, "I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers" (1 Nephi 2:16, emphasis added). Nephi might have struggled with this decision, but he turned to the Lord for guidance. He had faith in the Lord, and he showed his faith by his action to follow his father -- uncomplainingly -- into the unknown wilderness.

There was a time in my life where things were very hard. There were several challenges that all seemed to come at once, and they seemed to never end. During this time I felt that the Lord was trying to teach me something, but I didn't know exactly what. I was trying to be patient, but it was really hard. I remember opening my scriptures to where I had been reading about the people of King Limhi, who were in bondage to the Lamanites. The verse that struck me at this time in my life is when King Limhi is speaking to his people and says, 

"But if ye will turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and put your trust in him, and serve him with all diligence of mind, if ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure, deliver you out of bondage" (Mosiah 7:33). 

It was then that I realized that the Lord could deliver me out of the bondage I felt myself in, if I would turn more fully to him and put my trust in him. As I did that, the challenges didn't go away. It still took several years. But looking back now, I see the spiritual growth that I gained from turning to the Lord during those hard times.

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, have been taught of the increased need for faith in these final days before the Second Coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 2011, President Russell M. Nelson prophesied of this need when he said, 

"Why do we need such resilient faith? Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord 'shall suffer persecution'" (Russell M. Nelson, "Face the Future With Faith", General Conference, April 2011).

In 2017, Robert D. Hales counseled, "The constellation of characteristics that result from faith in Christ...are all necessary to our standing strong in these last days" (Robert D. Hales, "Becoming a Disciple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, General Conference, April 2017).

In 2018 President Nelson prophesied, "Our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, will perform some of His mightiest works between now and when He comes again. We will see miraculous indications that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, preside over this Church in majesty and glory. But in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost" He then pleads with us to "to increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation" (Russell M. Nelson, "Revelation for the Church. Revelation for our Lives", General Conference, April 2018, emphasis added).

So, how do we increase our capacity to receive revelation? Elder David A. Bednar gives us a clue. "Just as expressing gratitude more often in our prayers enlarges the conduit for revelation, so praying for others with all of the energy of our souls increases our capacity to hear and to heed the voice of the Lord" (David A. Bednar, "Pray Always", General Conference, October 2008, emphasis added). I wonder if this is one of the reasons that the Savior was able to be so close to the spirit. He served others, and prayed for them as well.


Acting in Faith
So, how does one act in faith?

The other morning as I was thinking about faith, this thought came to my mind:

Faith is an assurance, from the Spirit, that something is true, will happen, will turn out okay, or whatever the feeling is. My part is to act on that assurance to allow the Lord to make it happen. With this in mind, it seems that the way we do our part to act on our faith is to look forward to something with hope, and act on that assurance.

There was a time in my life when I found myself needing to find a new apartment, as my roommates were moving out. I had been looking for a while and had found nothing. It was nearing the end of the month when I would need to be out, and I still wasn't sure what to do. About this time I remember driving past a friend's apartment when the impression came to me "you will live there". My friends were moving soon, so I was thrilled at the prospect. Shortly after, I called the landlord, who met me at the apartment. I told him I was interested, and he said, "you are the one I want to have this apartment". It was a perfect fit.

It wasn't until a few weeks later that some of my other friends asked how I was able to get into that apartment. As it turns out, they had been on a waiting list for 6 months!

I have come to learn that acting in faith is a choice, and Elder Neil L. Andersen affirmed. "My dear friends, your faith did not begin at birth, and it will not end at death. Faith is a choice" (Neil L. Andersen, "Faith Is Not By Chance, But By Choice", Ensign, November 2015).

As the Lord tests our faith, however, we might not always have an assurance as we try to move forward in faith. If we read in Ether, Moroni teaches us, "wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith." (Ether 12:6).

Faith isn't merely believing, it requires action. Bishop Richard C. Edgley instructs, 

"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, 'Come unto me' and 'Knock, and it shall be [given] you'. These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism" (Richard C. Edgley, "Faith—the Choice Is Yours", General Conference, October 2010).

I love the thought of faith being like a muscle. Something that we must use in order for it to grow. But, in order to increase our faith, I like the words of Elder Juan Pablo Villar, "If we want to increase our faith, then let’s do things that require faith" (Juan Pablo Villar, "Exercising Our Spiritual Muscles", Ensign, April 2019).

And what do we do when there are setbacks? Life is full of setbacks. We have a choice to become discouraged by them, or trust in the goodness of God and believe that "all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good" (Doctrine & Covenants 122:7).

Elder David A. Bednar taught, 

"In many of the uncertainties and challenges we encounter in our lives, God requires us to do our best, to act and not be acted upon, and to trust in Him. We may not see angels, hear heavenly voices, or receive overwhelming spiritual impressions. We frequently may press forward hoping and praying—but without absolute assurance—that we are acting in accordance with God’s will. But as we honor our covenants and keep the commandments, as we strive ever more consistently to do good and to become better, we can walk with the confidence that God will guide our steps" (David A. Bednar, "The Spirit of Revelation", Ensign, April 2011).

When thinking of ways to act on faith I thought of choosing to believe...

• that there is a God in heaven who knows you and loves you more than you can imagine
• You are a child of Heavenly Parents, of royal birth, with a purpose on this earth. 
• Challenges in this life are for a reason; and can help us become like our Heavenly Parents.
• The Lord has a prophet on the earth (and then act on his words) 

Some of the words from our current prophet, Russell M. Nelson, include:

"My dear brothers and sisters, I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day. I promise that as you ponder what you study, the windows of heaven will open, and you will receive answers to your own questions and direction for your own life. I promise that as you daily immerse yourself in the Book of Mormon, you can be immunized against the evils of the day, even the gripping plague of pornography and other mind-numbing addictions" (Russell M. Nelson, "The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?", General Conference, October 2017).

"[In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.

"My beloved brothers and sisters, I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. Let this Easter Sunday be a defining moment in your life. Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" (Russell M. Nelson, " Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives", General Conference, April 2018).

It is our choice. We can choose to act in faith, allow the Spirit to penetrate our hearts, and teach us truth. Or we can choose not to.

9 Verses and Receiving Greater Revelation

President Russell M. Nelson made the following statement in the April 2018 General Conference. In the April 2019 General Conference this same statement was quoted three times.

“[I]n coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018; see also the following from General Conference April 2019: Mathias Held, “Seeking Knowledge by the Spirit”; Takashi Wada, “Feasting upon the Words of Christ”; and Ronald A. Rasband, “Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection”).

If it is so crucial to our spiritual survival to know how to listen to, and recognize, the Holy Ghost how would one go about doing it? Answers can be found in the holy scriptures, in the words of our modern prophets and apostles, and through personal revelation.

Henry B. Eyring said the following, “The Prophet Joseph set an example for us of how to receive continual spiritual direction and comfort through the Holy Ghost" (Henry B. Eyring, "His Spirit to Be with You", General Conference, April 2018). President Eyring then explained the pattern. First, be humble before God. Second, pray with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Third, obey exactly. And fourth, "ask for inspiration, receive direction, and act on it" (ibid.).

Elder Richard G. Scott recounted a time when he was seeking for answers. He asked for help, received inspiration, expressed gratitude, and asked if there was any more. He received more. He repeated the cycle several times, and more was received each time. He then made this statement, "I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you" (Richard G. Scott, "To Acquire Spiritual Guidance", General Conference, April 2009).

A few examples from the scriptures show how applying the pattern to receive revelation can work. One example is recounted in the book of First Nephi. Nephi's father, Lehi, had just shared an amazing dream that he had, and Nephi wanted to know more about it. The pattern that Nephi followed may be familiar to some: desire, believe that the Lord can make it known unto you, and ponder (see 1 Nephi 11:1). This same pattern was followed by President Joseph F. Smith when he received the vision on the Savior's visit to the deceased spirits in the spirit world while his body was lying in the tomb. President Smith pondered, reflected, and desired to know. His vision is recorded as Doctrine & Covenants section 138 (see Doctrine & Covenants 138). Another example from this dispensation is the story of a young boy who desired to know which church to join. He read the scriptures, pondered on them, prayed in faith, believed the Lord would answer him, and was given a glorious vision of the Father and the Son appearing to him in a quiet grove in upstate New York (see Joseph Smith—History 1:10-17).

If we explore the first of those scriptural examples, Nephi desiring to know for himself, Nephi followed the pattern of desiring, believing, and pondering. He was caught away in the Spirit and was asked what he wanted. He replied, "to behold the things which my father saw" (1 Nephi 11:3). The Spirit then showed him the tree, and within 9 verses Nephi had applied the pattern of revelation and received what he had asked for. 

Nephi, after receiving what he had asked for didn't say "amen" and stand up ready to move forward with his day. Nephi was listening.

I feel that the next verse is a key that can take us into a higher state of spiritual learning. A state where we can, "increase [our] spiritual capacity to receive revelation....[and] do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly" (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives”, General Conference, April 2018)

The Spirit asked Nephi, "What desirest though?" (1 Nephi 11:10). Because Nephi was listening, he was able to respond to these gentle whisperings. By taking the time to listen when the Spirit spoke to him, he was able to receive much, much more than he had asked for. In fact, the information he had received in the first 9 verses where expanded to 122 additional verses including many things that Nephi "saw [which] are not written" (1 Nephi 14:30). 

What if each of our prayers were answered to such an extent? They can be, if we take the time to listen.

Elder David  A. Bednar taught, 

"The overarching purpose of Heavenly Father’s plan is for His children to become more like Him. Accordingly, He provides us with essential opportunities to grow and progress. Our commitment to learn and live according to truth is increasingly important in a world that is 'in commotion' and is ever more confused and wicked. We cannot expect simply to attend Church meetings and participate in programs and thereby receive all of the spiritual edification and protection that will enable us 'to withstand in the evil day'...

"If all you or I know about Jesus Christ and His restored gospel is what other people teach or tell us, then the foundation of our testimony of Him and His glorious latter-day work is built upon sand. We cannot rely exclusively upon or borrow gospel light and knowledge from other people—even those whom we love and trust" (David A. Bednar, "Prepared to Obtain Every Needful Thing, General Conference, April 2019).

We must come to know for ourselves.

Blessings of the Temple

If you've ever wondered "why" we have been asked to go to the temple here is a list of the blessings of temple attendance that I have collected through the years.

• feel the spirit often
• see God's hand in the details of your life
• feel peace
• feel God's power in the temple 
• be armed with His power when you leave the temple
• learn the truths, light, and knowledge of the gospel when you attend the temple
• learn the true doctrine of Christ in the temple
• receive a knowledge that we are part of a great cause
• gain an understanding of our responsibilities for others beyond the veil
• helps us remember our covenants [baptismal covenants involve obedience and service; other covenants involve obedience, sacrifice, the submission to gospel laws, purity, and the promise to serve as best as we can]
• you can receive the fullness of the Holy Ghost
• have a clear mind
• blessed in all aspects of your life, including increased family blessings
• both men and women can learn to draw upon the Lord's priesthood power
• the Lord will provide miracles
• the assistance to mend troubled, broken, or anxious hearts
• the ability to no longer feel alone
• increased love for others, especially your family members living and dead
• the power to discern between right and wrong
• a greater influence of the Holy Ghost to feel direction in life
• increased ability to repent 
• protection from temptation
• helps to refine (improve) and sanctify (purify) your heart
• deep and abiding conversion to the Savior through increased faith in Him 
• a better understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ
• increase joy through an increased ability to feel the love of God
• provides a refuge from the trials of life
• fills you with greater faith in Jesus Christ

Lehi's Vision: the Mists of Darkness

One of the stories from the Book of Mormon that seems to have more and more meaning, no matter how many times I have studied it, is Lehi’s vision of the Tree of Life. In short, Lehi saw a tree with a rod of iron extending from it and a path underneath the rod of iron. On one side of the rod of iron was a river and on the other side of the river there was a huge building. Countless people were in the dream either moving toward the rod or away from it. Nephi was able to see his father’s dream and was given the interpretation as well. This dream seems to represent the spiritual journey that we are each on in this life.

I was intrigued by one verse in particular; where the angel is explaining to Nephi about the mists of darkness:

“And the mists of darkness are the temptations of the devil, which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost” (1 Nephi 12:17).

This gives three examples of how the adversary uses temptation to lead us away from the iron rod—the word of God (see 1 Nephi 11:25)—are by: 1) blinding our spiritual eyes, 2) hardening our hearts, and 3) leading us away into broad roads where we get lost.

Spiritual Blindness

In reference to blindness, the Bible dictionary states, “In addition to the healing of physical blindness, the mission of Jesus included curing blindness to the things of the spirit” (Bible Dictionary:blindness). Isaiah describes spiritual blindness as, “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (Isaiah 42:20). Paul taught about spiritual blindness to the Ephesians as, “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness [footnote: GR hardness] of their heart” (Ephesians 4:18).

Elder Kim B. Clark taught,

“In His mortal ministry, Jesus worked such mighty miracles of healing and taught with such authority and power that the scripture says, ‘His fame went throughout all Syria … and there followed him great multitudes of people.’

“Some who saw Him heal and heard Him teach rejected Him. Others followed Him for a season but then walked with Him no more. The Lord Jesus Christ was there in front of them, but they did not see who He really was. They were blind, and they chose to turn away….

“However, there were many men and women, including His faithful Apostles, who centered their lives on Him. Though they struggled with worldly distractions, with confusion about what He taught, and even with fear, they believed in Him, loved Him, and followed Him.

“Of them, Jesus said, “Blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear’” (Kim B. Clark,“Eyes to See and Ears to Hear”, Ensign, November 2015).

Spiritual blindness comes when we choose to ignore the truths we know—perhaps out of ignorance, or perhaps because we have alienated ourselves from God. No matter the cause, it seems that we are unable to see those things that are right before our eyes, because of choices that we have made.

In Nephi’s vision he was taught about a “great and abominable church” who’s sole intent was to “blind the eyes and harden the hearts of the children of men”. This was done by their “[taking] away from the gospel of the Lamb many parts which are plain and most precious” and because of this “an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them” (see 1 Nephi13:26-29).

Elder Dallin H. Oaks gave this insight,

“Book of Mormon prophecies describe the ‘great and abominable church of all the earth, whose founder is the devil’. This ‘church’ is prophesied to have ‘dominion over all the earth, among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people’. Called ‘most abominable above all other churches,’ this church is also said to act ‘for the praise of the world’ in bringing ‘the saints of God … down into captivity’.

“Because no religious denomination—Christian or non-Christian—has ever had ‘dominion’ over all nations of the earth or the potential to bring all the saints of God down into ‘captivity,’ this great and abominable church must be something far more pervasive and widespread than a single ‘church,’ as we understand that term today. It must be any philosophy or organization that opposes belief in God. And the ‘captivity’ into which this ‘church’ seeks to bring the saints will not be so much physical confinement as the captivity of false ideas” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Stand AsWitnesses of God”, Ensign, March 2015).

We are surrounded by the ideas and philosophies of the world. As we hold to the rod of iron we can avoid deception.

Another way the mists of darkness cause spiritual blindness is by the temptation to “[look] beyond the mark” (Jacob 4:14). I think that means seeking for things that we can’t understand in this life, sometimes to the exclusion of all other things. Seeking is necessary in this life, but there are many things that we won’t have answers for until the next life. When on our quest for truth, which comes through seeking, it would be wise to remember the words of President Uchtdorf,

“It’s natural to have questions—the acorn of honest inquiry has often sprouted and matured into a great oak of understanding. There are few members of the Church who, at one time or another, have not wrestled with serious or sensitive questions. One of the purposes of the Church is to nurture and cultivate the seed of faith—even in the sometimes sandy soil of doubt and uncertainty. Faith is to hope for things which are not seen but which are true.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters—my dear friends—please, first doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith. We must never allow doubt to hold us prisoner and keep us from the divine love, peace, and gifts that come through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Come, Join with Us”, Ensign,November 2013).

To avoid, or withstand, the mists of darkness we must cling to the rod of iron and not let the questions that we don't have answers to cloud our vision of what we already know.

Lehi told of “a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron” (1 Nephi 8:20). I wonder if this path is made of “a sure foundation” (Helaman 5:12), a foundation of rock—rather than a dirt path—that the posts of the rod of iron are deeply embedded into. The iron rod is the word of God, and Christ is the rock. If we stray from the stone path we are near a river (a horribly, dangerous, swiftly moving river) that I imagine has gradually sloping, sandy banks.

I am reminded of the psalm, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalms 119:105). The path is something solid to guide our steps. However, when the mists of darkness come if we don’t have hold of the rod, Nephi recorded that those people, “did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost” (1 Nephi 8:23) even though they were initially on the path. It is our grip on the rod that makes the difference when the mists of darkness come. And they will come.

“Traveling through mists of darkness is a completely normal part of God’s plan. He allows us to experience difficulties from time to time so that we can completely depend on Him and His Son. The key is to cling to the iron rod” (Juventa Vezzani, “Latter-daySaint Voices: Finding My Way through Mists of Darkness”, Ensign, January 2016).

Hardens the Heart

I think a key to understanding how hearts can be hardened is found in the Book of Hebrews,

“Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end;” (Hebrews 3:12-14)

I feel that these verses say that we will start to disbelieve when we distance ourselves from God. We can then become more hardened in our hearts through continued disbelief or even the deceitfulness of sin, further distancing ourselves from God. We lose our connection with the Spirit through sin, and no longer have the continual guidance and direction available through the Holy Ghost.

We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God” (Articles of Faith 1:8). The Lord has given us His word—an iron rod—to cling to as a spiritual protection in these last days. President Ezra Taft Benson shared this promise about the Book of Mormon specifically:

“It is not just that the Book of Mormon teaches us truth, though it indeed does that. It is not just that the Book of Mormon bears testimony of Christ, though it indeed does that, too. But there is something more. There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path” (Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion”, Ensign, November 1986, emphasis added).

There have been times during my life when I have been closer to the Lord and other times when I have been father away. How do we continually stay close to the Lord? I think that President Spencer W. Kimball gave wise counsel when he said,

“When you look in the dictionary for the most important word, do you know what it is? It could be ‘remember.’ Because all of [us] have made covenants … our greatest need is to remember. That is why everyone goes to sacrament meeting every Sabbath day—to take the sacrament and listen to the priests pray that [we] ‘… may always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given [us].’… ‘Remember’ is the word” (see Book of Mormon: Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual, Lesson 33, "A Sure Foundation").

I also love this insight on the power that comes through remembering that was shared about a seminary class,

“’If you remember,’ [the teacher] said, ‘you won’t forget to pray. You won’t forget to serve or love. You will remember to read the scriptures. You will not forget your family and friends. You will remember to obey the prophet. You’ll keep in your heart the knowledge that Jesus Christ sacrificed his life for us, and you will love him as he loves you. You will remember why you came to this earth. And you will remember you are sons and daughters of God. You can return home to him if you remember to keep his commandments and live your lives the way he has asked.’” (Laura Kay Worthington, “What is the Most Important Word?”, New Era, September1992).

Another key about why our hearts may be hardened is found in 3 Nephi. Nephi recounts,

“[A]nd the people began to forget those signs and wonders which they had heard, and began to be less and less astonished at a sign or a wonder from heaven, insomuch that they began to be hard in their hearts, and blind in their minds, and began to disbelieve all which they had heard and seen—

 “Imagining up some vain thing in their hearts, that it was wrought by men and by the power of the devil, to lead away and deceive the hearts of the people; and thus did Satan get possession of the hearts of the people again, insomuch that he did blind their eyes and lead them away to believe that the doctrine of Christ was a foolish and a vain thing” (3 Nephi 2:1-2).

The people began to forget about what they had seen and heard, and began to harden their hearts. They were not remembering. Each week we are reminded to “always remember Him” (Doctrine & Covenants 20:77, 79) during the sacrament prayers. This does not mean for those few minutes that we’re sitting in our seats, but always in our day-to-day lives. This is a great protection to us, to allow us time to really remember our Savior, so that we can (hopefully) keep from becoming hard in our own hearts.

We will be surrounded by mists of darkness at different times throughout our lives. During these times, if we can remember to grasp the iron rod we can find light, truth, and direction. Continually holding fast to the rod of iron takes faith, but is crucial when we are surrounded by these mists and unable to see. Elder David A. Bednar explains the importance of the day-to-day things that we need to do to be able to remember.

“In [1 Nephi 8:30] we read about a third group of people who pressed forward ‘continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.’ The key phrase in this verse is continually holding fast to the rod of iron.

“The third group also pressed forward with faith and conviction; however, there is no indication that they wandered off, fell into forbidden paths, or were lost. Perhaps this third group of people consistently read and studied and searched the scriptures. Perhaps it was diligence and devotion to a seemingly ‘small and simple [thing]’ that saved the third group from perishing. Perhaps it was ‘the knowledge of the Lord’ and ‘the knowledge of the truth’ obtained through faithful study of the scriptures that yielded the spiritual gift of humility—such that this group of people ‘fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree’. Perhaps it was the spiritual nourishment and strength provided by continually ‘feasting upon the word of Christ’ that enabled this group to heed not the scorning and mocking of the people in the great and spacious building. This is the group you and I should strive to join” (David A.Bednar, “Lehi’s Dream: Holding Fast to the Rod”, Ensign, November 2011).

Leadeth them Away into Broad Roads

When I read this sentence I wondered why the adversary chose to lead people into “broad” roads. Why didn’t he lead them to isolation? Perhaps it is because when we are alone, and take a moment for some quiet reflection and contemplation, that we can feel the whisperings of the spirit drawing us back to the path. I feel that the adversary is aiming for distraction. If he can put us in a broad road, filled with sights, sounds, and other distractions, it can put us in an awkward or uncomfortable situation of making ourselves stand alone, if we choose to be different. He wants to cloud our judgment with what seems to be a natural desire to want to be included and accepted. There is strength in numbers, both for good and evil.

I also like this explanation that President Boyd K. Packer gave:

“This trend to more noise, more excitement, more contention, less restraint, less dignity, less formality is not coincidental nor innocent nor harmless.

“The first order issued by a commander mounting a military invasion is the jamming of the channels of communication of those he intends to conquer.

“Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit” (Boyd K. Packer, “Reverence Invites Revelation”, Ensign,November 1991).

In Luke we read, “Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able” (Luke 13:24). When I read this verse I wondered why would they “not be able” to enter? What would keep them from being able to enter?

King Benjamin taught about the broad road of sin when he said, “And finally, I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin; for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them” (Mosiah 4:29). The road to sin is so incredibly vast that we cannot fathom it. The road to the Savior, on the other hand, is very narrow. Nephi taught,

“Wherefore, do the things which I have told you I have seen that your Lord and your Redeemer should do; for, for this cause have they been shown unto me, that ye might know the gate by which ye should enter….

“And then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life;…

“And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

“Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

“And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:17-21).

Once we are in the “broad” roads of life it is easy to stay there without any effort. But once we enter into the gate that leads to eternal life, it will take a concerted effort on our part to stay there.

The adversary does not often come out and attack openly. He uses subtlety, deceit, arrows and fiery darts that can be thrown from a distance, rather that hand-to-hand combat. He doesn’t attack when we are strong but waits until we are tired, rundown, and weak.

The mists of darkness are necessary to provide an opportunity for growth. We can’t fully comprehend something unless we’ve experienced it. This life gives us that opportunity to learn—to know for ourselves the good from the evil. In this battle we have our Savior on our side. The power that comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ can help to keep us on the strait and narrow path. It is only through Him that we will be able to stay on the path that leads back to Him.

The key to enduring through the mists of darkness, the temptations that will come throughout our lives, is the rod of iron.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gives amazing insight into the power of the word of god.

“The Savior warned that in the last days even those of the covenant, the very elect, could be deceived by the enemy of truth. If we think of this as a form of spiritual destruction, it may cast light on another latter-day prophecy. Think of the heart as the figurative center of our faith, the poetic location of our loyalties and our values; then consider Jesus’s declaration that in the last days ‘men’s hearts [shall fail] them’….

“Brothers and sisters, God always provides safety for the soul, and with the Book of Mormon, He has again done that in our time. Remember this declaration by Jesus Himself: ‘Whoso treasureth up my word, shall not be deceived’—and in the last days neither your heart nor your faith will fail you” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “Safety for the Soul,” Ensign, November 2009).

May we do all that is in our power to keep our grip on the iron rod.