“The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.”
(Julie B Beck, April 2010, CR)
From this assignment, I have learned that one cannot just read the Holy Scriptures; we must search and diligently seek out principles. One can find principles in even the most factual of verses if we would just seek and search them out. Some principles are fairly obvious, but what I’ve learned through this activity is that some of the most profound doctrine can be found be searching for and thinking “outside the box”. And what makes a true principle? A true principle makes a decision clear even under the most confusing of circumstances. So even when it seems there is no answer, if we would just search and seek out for principles, we will find what the Lord wants us to know in order to clarify a decision, a feeling, or a situation. God is not a Father of Confusion.
So for this week’s assignment, I was directed to go through the reading and pick out principles concerning revelation and the process required to obtain it. I was to pick a principle from each section of reading. We are in the Doctrine and Covenants and this week’s reading was from sections 6-9 and then 11-13.
Principle #1: D+C 6:22
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might aknow concerning the truth of these things.”
Ë Revelation requires desire. Without a firm desire to know the things of God, we will not be open or receptive to the Spirit enough to be open and receptive to revelation. If we possess that firm desire, then we need only ponder and pray on the wanting of our heart, and it shall be revealed to us.
Principle #2: D+C 7:5
“I say unto thee, Peter, this was a good desire; but my beloved has desired that he might do more, or a greater awork yet among men than what he has before done.”
Ë Along with a firm desire, we must possess a great desire to serve God and do a great deal more than what is expected of us. That is what the law of Consecration is about. Going above and beyond the commandments and serving God with our whole beings. This great desire to serve will provoke great faith within our bosoms, which faith will inspire the Spirit of revelation.
Principle #3: D+C 8:10
“Remember that without afaith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith. Trifle not with these things; do not bask for that which you ought not.”
Ë Without faith, men are nothing. If we want to accomplish God’s work, we cannot do it without fervid faith in Him. Without it, nothing shall be revealed to us-for we lack the Spirit necessary in order to receive. If we are to receive fullness in our minds and hearts, we must ask fervently in faith-nothing wavering. We will then be exercising our right to revelation-just like Joseph.
Principle #4: D+C 9:8
“But, behold, I say unto you, that you must astudy it out in your bmind; then you must cask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your dbosom shall eburn within you; therefore, you shall ffeel that it is right.”
Ë Prior to prayer and supplication, we must ponder and review the matter in our minds. I know this sounds like a waste, but how are we to obtain clarity from God if we do not receive clarity within ourselves. Pondering and prayerfully considering matters will open our hearts to the Spirit and prepare us to be taught by the Spirit of revelation. Then, after these things, can our bosoms burn with the truth.
Principle #5: D+C 11:12
“And now, verily, verily, I say unto thee, put your atrust in that bSpirit which cleadeth to do dgood—yea, to do ejustly, to walk fhumbly, to gjudge righteously; and this is my Spirit.”
Ë How can we receive enlightenment from the Holy Spirit if we do not trust His Words? It is crucial to our receiving revelation that we trust in the Holy Ghost. If we listen and follow His promptings, we will be guided in right paths. We shall obtain the insight we seek.
Principle #6: D+C 12:8
“And no one can assist in this work except he shall be ahumble and full of blove, having faith, hope, and charity, being temperate in all things, whatsoever shall be centrusted to his care.”
Ë In order to be most receptive to the Spirit, we must cultivate Christ-like characteristics. These characteristics will help us learn my faith and the Spirit; we will have better revelation.
Principle #7: D+C 13:1
“Upon you my fellow servants, in the name of Messiah I aconfer the bPriesthood of Aaron, which holds the ckeys of the ministering of dangels …”
Ë If we remain close to the Spirit and remain worthy to receive the blessings from the holy priesthood, we shall receive revelation as though being ministered by angels. Our revelation will be frequently, powerful, and the sweetest of experiences.
Finally, I was asked what questions and challenges that I have found face us when we strive to obtain revelation. Some of my questions were:
1. How might I better be prepared to clear my mind and be open to the Spirit?
2. What is pondering exactly? How can I better accomplish this? It’s always seemed terribly tricky to me.
And then a few challenges I recognized were these:
1. Sometimes people fail at receiving revelation because they do not prepare their minds and heart before study.
2. They do not make themselves open to receive the Spirit.
3. After study and prayer, they do not often take the time to listen for the silent whisperings of the Holy Ghost.
4. They do not remove themselves to their ‘closets’. They place themselves in areas of distraction. Not only can the mind not be fully receptive, but the Spirit will not speak sacred things in loud places.
I want to bear my testimony of the great gift God has given; the gift of revelation. I know that God speaks to men today, through the holy Prophets and through the still, small voice. I know that this weekend, being Conference weekend, will be a time that all might receive answers to problems if they only prepare themselves to receive God’s direction. May we all listen to the promptings of the Spirit. May we all feel His love.
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