From Elder Richard G. Scott, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (deceased). . . continuing from his book ‘Finding Peace, Happiness and Joy,’ (previous posts . . .To Obtain Spiritual Guidance, To Obtain Spiritual Guidance II, To Obtain Spiritual Guidance III. Continuing this theme, Elder Scott wrote:
- “A proud individual cannot know the things of the Spirit. Paul taught this truth, saying: “11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1st Corinthians 2:11,14)
Therefore spiritual guidance must be cultivated in the environment of humility. Pride, overconfidence, selfishness, seeking for position or honors of men stifle direction.
We also learn from the Book of Mormon that humility produces strength of character, as attested by the Lord’s declaration: “ 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
One of my favorite portions of the Book of Mormon is the series of accounts in Alma chapter 17 through 26 that deal with the missionary experiences of those great Sons of Mosiah who went forth to teach the Lamanites truth. Those verses contain principles that have molded and refined my life. You will recall that at one point Ammon begins to speak of the exceptional blessings they had received and of the many people they had converted to the Church. Then Aaron, his brother, rebukes him saying, “Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting.” There follows these insightful words of Ammon:
- And it came to pass that when Ammon had said these words, his brother Aaron rebuked him, saying: Ammon, I fear that thy joy doth carry thee away unto boasting. 11 But Ammon said unto him: I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God.12 Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever. Alma 26:10-12
What an excellent depiction of a worthy, humble servant of the Lord, yes one who speaks with boldness when moved upon by the Holy Ghost. What a marvelous pattern for us to follow in teaching gospel truths. Humility, then, is an essential starting point for greater spiritual enlightenment.
Exercise Faith, Especially in Jesus Christ
The following scriptures will help you comprehend the power of faith in Jesus Christ:
“And Christ hath said: if ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me.” Moroni 7:33
“And it came to pass that . . . the Spirit of the Lord came upon them and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscious because of the exceeding faith they had in Jesus Christ. Mosiah 4:3
“They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation. Helaman 3:35
Profound spiritual truth and the guidance that flows from it cannot simply be poured from one mind to another. It takes faith and diligent effort. Precious truths come a small piece at a time through faith, often with great exertion and at times with wrenching struggles. The Lord intends it to be that way so that we can mature and progress. Moroni said, “Dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith. Ether 12:6
President Hugh B. Brown said, “Whenever in life great spiritual values await man’s appropriation, only faith can appropriate them. Man cannot live without faith, because in life’s adventure the central problem is character-building—which is not a product of logic, but of faith in ideals and sacrificial devotion to them. (Hugh B. Brown, in Conference Report,October 1969, 105.)
. . . . The need to recognize faith in Jesus Christ is understood by most of us. We know it is a fundamental requisite of the plan of salvation. When that exercise of faith is coupled with urgent need, the personal growth and blessings that flow are transcendent. Elder James E. Faust gave this expression of feelings regarding such experiences:
During the years of my life, and often in my present calling, and especially during a recent Gethsemane, I have gone to my knees with a humble spirit to the only place I could for help. I often went in agony of spirit, earnestly pleading with God to sustain me in the work I have come to appreciate more than life itself. I have, on occasion, felt the terrible aloneness of the wounds of the heart, of the sweet agony, the buffetings of Satan, and the encircling warm comfort of the Spirit of the Master.
I have also felt the crushing burden, the self-doubts of inadequacy and unworthiness, the fleeting feeling of being forsaken, then of being reinforced an hundredfold. I have climbed a spiritual Mount Sinai dozens of times seeking to communicate and to receive instructions. It has been as though I have struggled up an almost real Mount of Transfiguration and upon occasion felt great strength and power in the presence of the Divine. A special sacred feeling has been a sustaining influence and often a close companion. (See ‘A Personal Relationship with the Savior,” Ensign, November 1976, 59.)
To be continued. . .
