Continuing with the counsel of Elder Richard G. Scott from a couple of days ago (see ‘To Obtain Spiritual Guidance’): He wrote:
“From a sincere effort over a considerable period time, I have tried to understand the doctrinal foundation of spiritual guidance. For this book (Finding Peace, Happiness, and Joy) I have attempted to express the important aspect of that guidance briefly. I now state the resulting statement of principle in hope that it will be a beginning place for your study of how to obtain spiritual guidance. Succinctly expressed, that principle is:
To acquire spiritual guidance and to obey it with wisdom, one must:
Seek Divine light, in humility
Exercise faith, especially in Jesus Christ
Repent
Strive diligently to keep His commandments
Pray continually
Hearken to spiritual guidance
Express gratitude
I will further explain each element of that statement of principle using examples from the scriptures, the prophets, and the priceless, though difficult, laboratory of personal experience. My desire is that the suggestions given in these pages will help you in your quest for spiritual direction throughout your life. In time, that guidance will lead you to accomplish the objective given by President Joseph F. Smith:
“The greatest achievement mankind can make in this world is to familiarize themselves with divine truth, so thoroughly, so perfectly, that the example or conduct of no creature living in the world can ever turn them away from the knowledge that they have obtained. . . .
From my boyhood, I have desired to learn the principles of the gospel in such a way . . . that it would matter not to me who might fall from the truth, . . . my foundation would be . . . certain in truths . . . I have learned.” (13-below)
Like President Smith, you and I need that kind of secure anchor to keep our lives centered in righteousness and to avoid being swept away by the ruthless waves of worldliness that surround us.
Seek Divine Light, In Humility
Why seek divine light? The Lord himself answers that question: “That which is of God is light: and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. (14-Doctrine & Covenants 50:24)
The scriptures clarify: “The word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (15-Psalms 119:105)
Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy; . . . by this shall you know, all things whatsoever you desire of me, which are pertaining unto things of righteousness, in faith believing in me that you shall receive. (16- Doctrine & Covenants 11:13-14)
Regarding divine light President Wilford Woodruff recorded: “Now, if you have the Holy Ghost with you—and everyone ought to have—I can say unto you that there is no greater gift, there is no greater blessing, there is no greater testimony given to any man on earth. You may have the administration of angels: you may see many miracles; you may see many wonders in the earth; but I claim that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest that can be bestowed upon man. It is by this power that we have performed that which we have. It is this that sustains us through all the persecutions, trials and tribulations that come upon us.(17-below)
After he died, Brigham Young appeared to Wilford Woodruff and said: “‘I have come to see you; I have come to watch over you, and to see what the people are doing.’ Then, said he, ‘I want you to teach the people — and I want you to follow this counsel yourself—that they must labor and so live as to obtain the Holy Spirit, for without this you cannot build the kingdom.'”(18-below) President Woodruff testified: “Joseph Smith visited me a great deal after his death, and taught me many important principles. . . .Among other things he told me to get the Spirit of God; that all of us needed it.” (19-below)
Joseph Smith told Brother John Taylor on one occasion: ” Now, if you will continue to follow the leadings of the spirit it will always lead you right. Sometimes it might be contrary to your judgment; never mind that;and if you be true to its whisperings it will in time become in you a principle of revelation so that you will know all things.” (20-below)
continued. . .
References
13 Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1939), 3-4
17. Wilford Woodruff, in Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2004),49.
18. Wilforc Woodruff, The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, ed. G. Homer Durham (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946), 290; see also page 289
19. Woodruff, Discourses of Wilford Woodruff, 288.
20. John Taylor, in Teachings Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2001), 153.
