I have had this subject on my mind ever since I was asked to speak at a baptism about the Gift of the Holy Ghost. As I prepared I ran across an article that stated "most of us do not understand the gifts that we have been given, and we therefor do not fully utilize these gifts." This is not referring to "talents"- but specifically to spiritual gifts (or gifts of the spirit).
I know that in my own life, my own world- I do not take time to ponder on these gifts. The Gift of the Holy Ghost is quite amazing. To know that if I choose to be obedient, I can have this comforter, testifier, and teacher near me always- that's not a bad gift to have. As I searched further into the gifts of the spirit I made note that the common denominator for each (spiritual) gift is OBEDIENCE. Mormon Doctrine states "Certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law "
Obedience is possible because of two things.
1)Laws- ordained by Deity so that his children by conforming to laws might progress and become like Him.
2)Agency- God endowed each child with the ability to obey or disobey the divine will of our father. Agency has existed from the beginning.
Our Savior demonstrated the perfect formula for obedience when he stated "Father, thy will be done and the glory be thine forever." Moses 2:4
So, knowing that obedience is the gateway to which I can receive spiritual gifts- gifts that are purposely provided to enlighten me, encourage me, to edify me, to guide me toward eternal life, to bring me peace- I should without doubt always chose obedience.
And when I review the list of gifts that my father can bless me with- I feel even more encouraged to obey.
Please note that each person does not receive the same gifts- life would be so boring if we were all the same. Nevertheless, these gifts are beautiful. Each gift alone is precious.
The gift of Faith, including the gift to heal and/or be healed
The gift of Testimony
Knowledge, revelation, wisdom, the gift of teaching, ministry, the working of miracles, prophecy, visions, beholding of angels and ministering spirits, the gift of discernment, tongues, interpretation of tongues, translation--
These are in no way all of the gifts available to the obedient. We have been told that the gifts are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.
I remember Carla taught at lesson in Relief Society about gifts and challenged us to go home and read our Patriarchal Blessing. I was so impressed/amazed how Heavenly Father knows me. The gifts listed in it are so obvious to me in my life. I still need to work on developing them, but it's so awesome to know that HE knows ME.
ReplyDeleteLove this. :)
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