The Power of Unity

In the Bible we read about a people who wanted to build a tower to heaven. "And they said, go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven" (Genesis 11:4). We know how the story goes. God puts a stop to it, confounds their language, and sends them their separate ways. 

I had always imagined that the reasoning behind this was because God was jealous that they were not focusing their efforts on Him. However, I think there is a different, more powerful, reason.

"There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—

"And when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated" (Doctrine & Covenants 130:20-21).

There is power in unity. 

When the Savior was in the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed, "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are" (John 17:11). 

When Paul was speaking to the Galations he said, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28).

"So we, being many, are one body in Christ" (Romans 12:5).

The Lord has made it clear that He wants us to be united with Him. Why? I think it is because He understands the power that comes from the eternal law of unity. I love how Tad R. Callister explains God's use of laws,

"Gods do not live oblivious of laws, but through obedience have mastered the laws so that they might use them to accomplish their purposes" (Tad R. Callister, "The Infinite Atonement", p251).

So, why did God put a stop to the building of the Tower of Babel? I think that the reason can be found within the story itself.

"And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do" (Genesis 11:6).

When we are united, for good or for ill, nothing can be restrained from us.

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.