Gifts of the Spirit

1.        What principles are taught in section 46 that govern the gifts of the Spirit?

In this section we have many different principles that govern the gifts of the Spirit. We learn just how to use these gifts and then also what we need to do in order to make sure that we can use these gifts. The most important thing that we learn is that we must ask God for these gifts. It is a simple principle that we need to make sure that we are always doing. Another principle that we learn is that we need to be careful as to not be deceived by the evil spirits. Satan has made good things become evil if we do not treat them right. We then also need to make sure that we remember what these gifts are and to constantly seek after them.

2.        Briefly explain in your words four of the gifts of the Spirit as you understand them.

The first gift that I would like to explain entails knowing Jesus Christ and that He is the Son of God. I believe that this gift includes knowing without a doubt that Jesus Christ came down to the earth to atone for our sins. Many people have some doubt in their minds but there are others that truly believe that He lives. The second gift that I understand entails having faith to heal. This means to know that if the Lord is willing to heal someone or be healed themselves that it will happen. They believe in the true power that blessings can have. The third gift is doing miracles. I think that this is a very interesting gift because many times we think that something is not a miracle unless it was something that Christ did like making a blind man see. This is not true. A miracle can be something small. Some people can make these happen and know when it is necessary to have this happen. The last gift I want to discuss is to speak with tongues. I understand this through my missionary work. So many times we see that we struggle to find the words that we need to teach the gospel but the Lord gives us those words because we are striving to preach the gospel every day.

3.        What would a manifestation of that gift look like in your life?

I think that if I was able to receive those gifts that I talked about and to have a manifestation of that gift it would help bless my life greatly. I think that the Lord would just send a feeling and let the doubt leave my mind. It would help me to be able to understand the gospel more and to help me progress greatly. I also think that through the teaching of others that I will be able to see these gifts be manifested to me.

4.        What questions are you still pondering about concerning the gifts of the Spirit?

I am always curious when it comes to learning about the gifts of the Spirit. So many times in my life I have seen the ways that a gift can bless someone and I am curious to know just how the Lord is able to make that manifest to them and to know that they need that blessing. I am amazed that He has that power. I also would like to know more about each gift. There are still so many gifts that I do not understand completely. I hope that  I can be able to understand them more.

Then write a paragraph explaining both your own thoughts and the Lord’s teachings in section 46 as they relate to each of the following three quotes:
a)    “If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections … No man out 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 … He wants His Saints to be perfected in truth. For this purpose He gives these gifts, and bestows them upon those who seek after them, in order that they may be perfect people upon the face of the earth, not withstanding their many weaknesses, because God has promised to give the gifts that are necessary for their perfection.” (George Q. Cannon, Millennial Star, col. 56 [1894], pgs. 260–61)
 When I read this quote I thought about the imperfections that I have right now. We sometimes feel that we have so many of them. The Lord teaches in section 46 that we need to ask and pray that we can be perfect. I think that this is the most important thing that we can do. We also learn that we cannot just give up and then be saved by the Lord. If we ask for help and strength to become perfect the Lord will give us the gifts that we need to do just that.
b)    “By the grace of God—following devotion, faith, and obedience on man’s part—certain special spiritual blessings called gifts of the Spirit are bestowed upon men. Their receipt is always predicated upon obedience to law, but because they are freely available to all the obedient, they are called gifts. They are signs and miracles reserved for the faithful and for none else … In the fullest sense, they are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations.”  (Elder Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine)
The manifestations and the gifts that we can receive are infinite and it doesn’t matter how much we get of those gifts the Lord will only give us those things that we need after we show our obedience. When need to do certain things to show that we are obedient, and that we are still doing the things that we need to do be able to use these gifts for good.  
c)    “Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.
Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost.” (Marvin J. Ashton, in CR, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)
The Lord teaches us that there are many gifts and that each gift that we receive is just as important as the other gifts. We can only receive these gifts through work and obedience. So many times we think that these gifts have to be big and that we do not have some of these gifts. There are still others that believe they do not have gifts. Here Elder Ashton is trying to say that we have many gifts and they can be simple gifts. Not all will be world changing. Our goal is to acquire as many gifts as we can by doing what we need to do.  

Preaching the gospel

When I read these sections the one thing that I constantly go back to is the experience of going on a mission. It was something that I have always felt was very pivotal in where I am today. I grew up not really going to church and very active. I just really went through the motions of what needed to be done to make my parents happy. When I got into high school I was not thinking at all about a mission. I had always had a dream of playing professional soccer so I was focused on that. I knew that I needed to go to college to help that. One college that I found was very interesting and I found to be a place that I could play soccer. I was so excited to do that and to graduate from high school. The day before I was to leave college was the day that changed my life. I felt that I was making the wrong choice for some reason. I felt that I needed to do something else before I went to college. This turned out to be a mission. I told my parents and for the next 6 months I prepared to go and serve a mission. After I came back I was still given the opportunity to play soccer in college. Even though I didn’t get to play professionally I still believe that I was able to do what the Lord wanted me to do.

I think that this was the principle that was taught many times throughout these sections. Many of the apostles and leaders were sent to leave their families and to preach the gospel.  They did not know what to expect and where they were going but they felt that they needed to follow the Lord. I felt that if I had not followed the Lord that I was going to receive the blessings that I have had at this point in my life. This taught me that I was capable of receiving revelation and acting on that revelation. This is perhaps one of the most reliable principles of the gospel because if we cannot follow the counsel of the Lord then we are not able to know what we need to do with the Lord.

New Revelations

The first revelation that the members learned is that revelation is only received for the whole of the church by the prophet. This helps us to see that those who try to lead away the church through new prophecies will not be heard because they are not able to receive that revelation for the whole church.

The second revelation that we learn is that we are able to speak and to talk in the church. Unlike most churches the leader of the church is mainly the one that preaches to the congregation but we are able to teach and preach to the members when we feel the need to by the influence of the Holy Ghost.

The third that we see is that we are not to command the prophet. The prophet holds the keys necessary to minister to angels and so he is only commanded by the Lord and not the members.

The fourth revelation that we see is that the members are to go out and preach the gospel. Even though it has been said before that the members needed to go out and teach the gospel but this was a commandment that they needed to go to other places. They needed to expound further out to the world and establish the church worldwide.

The last revelation that I see is from all of the commandments. They were told that they were to write down these revelations but not by commandment. This is because revelation only comes when it is needed and so we are not commanded to seek out after revelations that the Lord has not prepared us to receive.

The tension that we see is from the way of commandment that we are to follow what the prophet says and not from the agency of man to seek after the mysteries of God. We are to follow the Lord and that includes following the prophet. The prophetic revelation is the most important because we are able to know what the Lord really needs of us. But with this we still need to focus on the things of our personal lives.

Women of the Church

• What are ten attributes of “an elect lady” that you observe in your reading of section 25? Reference and explain them in your own words.

1.  25: 1; We need to receive the gospel in order to become a son and daughter of God.

2.  25:5; We need to make sure that we are a comfort to the leaders and our spouses.

3. 25:5 We need to have meekness. In order for us to have meekness we are to console others.

4. 25:6 We need to be obedient to the commandments of the Lord. We must be willing to do the things that he has commanded us.

5.25: We need to teach the gospel to others and to expound on the scriptures as well as the brethren.

6. 25:8; We must receive the Holy Ghost. In order to do so we must do that by the laying on of Hands.

7. 25:9 We cannot fear the things that will come upon us. Anything can happen and we must face it with courage.

8 25:10 Seek after the things of God and not the things of the world.

9. 25: 13 Rejoice in the things of the Lord and remember the things of the Lord.

10. 25:14 You need to cleave unto thy husband and seek after the things that he says as long as they are said in righteousness.

• What do you know about Emma’s life that matches well with the admonitions given to her in this revelation?

Emma went through a lot of things. She had to deal with the loss of her family and the persecutions from others for what her husband was saying. She had to endure the loss of children and other close relatives just for the sake of following the Lord and His church.

• What in this list would be difficult for women of the world to understand, accept, or even appreciate?

I think that the most difficult thing that women would have to understand is the commandment to follow their husband. At times we are not so easily inclined to listen to our husbands when they have a commandment from the Lord. At this time it can be difficult to follow them in faith and to not doubt that they are doing what they are suppose to e doing.

• In what ways are women of the church different from women of the world?

Women in the world are constantly belittled and they are seen as people who do not lead and just follow. In the church we leave it a responsibility for the women to guide the church and teach others about the church.  

• Read Elder Neal A. Maxwell and Sister Julie Beck’s message on the women of God and share your impressions and a meaningful quote from each talk (see attachments).

In the talk by Sister Julie B. Beck I was most impressed on the views that she gives on what true motherhood really means. A lot of times we think that motherhood is simply just getting married and following their husband. It is more than that. One quote that she says in her talk goes like this: “Some women are not given the responsibility of bearing children in mortality, but just as Hannah of the Old Testament prayed fervently for her child (see 1 Samuel 1:11), the value women place on motherhood in this life and the attributes of motherhood they attain here will rise with them in the Resurrection (see D&C 130:18). Women who desire and work toward that blessing in this life are promised they will receive it for all eternity, and eternity is much, much longer than mortality. There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.” I am impressed by this comment because it tells us that we are grateful for the responsibility that we are ringing the gospel into the world by bearing children.

In the talk by Neal A Maxwell I was most impressed by the way that he gives admiration to the women of the Church. It is most of the time those women in our lives that teach and inspire us the most. He said: We men know the women of God as wives, mothers, sisters, daughters, associates, and friends. You seem to tame us and to gentle us, and, yes, to teach us and to inspire us. For you, we have admiration as well as affection, because righteousness is not a matter of role, nor goodness a matter of gender. In the work of the Kingdom, men and women are not without each other, but do not envy each other, lest by reversals and renunciations of role we make a wasteland of both womanhood and manhood.” I am grateful that we have women in the church that help to inspire us and to guide us in the right direction.  

Will we ever know the true worht of a soul?

1.   1.    I am not suggesting that we accept sin or overlook evil, in our personal life or in the world. Nevertheless, in our zeal, we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. We know from modern revelation that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God (Uchtdorf, April 2010)

2.      2.  When you feel worthless, “remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” 11 [ D&C 18:10] Refrain from repeatedly thinking or saying negative words about yourself—there is a clear difference between humility and humiliation. Identify and use your unique talents rather than dwelling on your weaknesses. Anthony Perkins, Oct 2006

3.      Wherever it is found and however it is expressed, the Golden Rule encompasses the moral code of the kingdom of God. It forbids interference by one with the rights of another. It is equally binding upon nations, associations, and individuals. With compassion and forbearance, it replaces the retaliatory reactions of “an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.” 17 [ Matt. 5:38; see also  Ex. 21:24–27;  Lev. 24:20] If we were to stay on that old and unproductive path, we would be but blind and toothless. 18 [See Joseph Stein, Fiddler on the Roof (1964), 142]

This concept of treating others as one would like to be treated is easy to understand. And it acknowledges the precious nature of each of God’s sons and daughters. 19 [See  Matt. 25:40;  D&C 18:10] Scripture asks parents to teach children not to “fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin.” Instead, we “teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.” 20 [ Mosiah 4:14–15] Russell M. Nelson Oct. 2002

4.      “The worth of souls is great in the sight of God.” 4 [ D&C 18:10] Are we doing all we should? Do we remember the words of President John Taylor: “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty.” 5 [Deseret News Semiweekly, 6 Aug. 1878, 1] Monson Oct 2001

5.      We are all brothers and sisters, children of our Heavenly Father. We must reach out to those that for some reason have forgotten the path. We love you and invite you to come to the table and share in the spiritual banquet that the Lord has prepared for your joy and happiness. You will know of our Heavenly Father’s love as you come with a heart that is willing, obedient, and ready to partake and serve. He knows you; He knows your needs and what faces you in the future. He has a perfect understanding of the feelings, suffering, and trials of each one of us. Because of that and the infinite Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ, you will be able to face every challenge that comes to you in your sojourn here in this life. Ned B. Roueche Oct. 2004

6.      Our call to cry repentance to all people is a direct consequence of the infinite and eternal Atonement. (See  D&C 18:10–14.) It is by teaching the gospel and administering the ordinances that the Atonement becomes effective in a person’s life. As Paul said, “How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? Jack H. Goaslind Jr. Oct 1983

7.      President Child then raised his eyes from the scriptures and asked the brethren: “What is the worth of a human soul?” He avoided calling on a bishop, a stake president, or a high councilor for a response. Instead, he selected the president of an elders quorum—a brother who had been a bit drowsy and had missed the significance of the question.

The startled man responded, “Brother Child, could you please repeat the question?”

The question was repeated: “What is the worth of a human soul?”

I knew President Child’s style. I prayed fervently for that quorum president. He remained silent for what seemed like an eternity and then declared, “Brother Child, the worth of a human soul is its capacity to become as God.”

All present pondered that reply. Brother Child returned to the stand, leaned over to me, and said, “A profound reply; a profound reply!” He proceeded with his message, but I continued to reflect on that inspired response. Monson Oct 1994

8.      As presidencies of Aaronic Priesthood quorums, as advisers to these quorums, we can, with the Lord’s help, reach out and rescue those for whom we have responsibility. Young men, with a smile on your face and determination in your heart, you can take, arm in arm, a less-active boy and together come to priesthood meeting and learn of the Lord and what He has prepared for you to do. You are entitled to His divine help, for He has promised you: “I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.” 8 [ Monson Oct 2003

9.      1.—As an example of voluntary service in the cause of the Master, it is unexcelled.

2.—As an incentive to clean living among youth, as a contributing factor to character building, its influence is immeasurable.

3.—As an educative force and uplifting influence upon our communities, its effect is clearly manifest.

4.—As a contributing factor to a better understanding among nations, and to the establishing of international friendship, it wields a significant influence.

5.—As it is the purpose of the Almighty to save the individual, not to make him a mere cog in the machinery of the state, the missionary service works most harmoniously in the consummation of this eternal plan!

Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God . . .

And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!

And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me! ( D&C 18:10,15-16). McKay 1949 Oct

10.   Just think of it, brothers and sisters, Jesus Christ suffered the pain of all men that you and I might have the promise of eternal life. Surely He can expect us to do His work that He has entrusted to us. Our Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son have not left us alone in this great work. They have promised to guide us if we will but ask them for help. M. Russell Ballard Oct. 1984

These 10 things I was able to find and I learned quite a bit from them. The first by Uchtdorf really got me to see that there is more than there is to see of other people. We cannot judge from what they are doing because that is just the sin that they are doing. The second insight that I found was in the second quote. Many times I feel worthless and feel that I am too negative. From the worth of souls we see that we need to be positive. The third comes from the 5^th. We all know of people that have lost the way and that need to find their way back to the path. By sharing that happiness and bringing them to the table we are able to do that. The 6^th quote really spoke as well. Our cry to repentance will always be engrained in our minds as a necessity. Without it we are unable to find our own worth. The fifth one that I found was in a talk by Pres. Monson. In it he explained of an experience that he had with an elder quorums response. His response of the question at hand was very profound. He said in response to “What is the worth of a human soul, “Brother Child, the worth of a human soul is its capacity to become as God.” So many times we feel that we know what worth we are to the Lord but in the end we do not really know until we ask what we are doing. I have learned so many things about the worth of a soul this week and have really enjoyed what that can bring to my life.