181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
The spirit of revelation is real — and can and does function in the individual lives of members, declared Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Speaking Sunday morning, Elder Bednar said revelation is communication from God to His children on earth. It's one of the great blessings associated with the gift and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
"The spirit of revelation is available to every person who receives by proper priesthood authority the saving ordinances of baptism by immersion for the remission of sins and the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost — and who is acting in faith to fulfill the priesthood injunction to 'receive the Holy Ghost,'" he said. "This blessing is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of every man, woman and child who reaches the age of accountability and enters into sacred covenants."
In the scriptures, the influence of the Holy Ghost is frequently described as "a still small voice." Because the Spirit whispers gently and delicately, it is easy to understand why one should shun inappropriate media, pornography and harmful, addictive substances and behaviors. "These tools of the adversary can impair and eventually destroy our capacity to recognize and respond to the subtle messages from God delivered by the power of His Spirit."
Elder Bednar explained that revelations are conveyed in a variety of ways, including dreams, visions, conversations with heavenly messengers and inspiration. Some revelations are received immediately and intensely — and others are recognized gradually and subtly.
"Most frequently, revelation comes in small increments over time and is granted according to our desire, worthiness and preparation. Such communications from Heavenly Father gradually and gently 'distil upon [our souls] as the dews from heaven'" (Doctrine and Covenants 121:45).
The history of the Church and the personal experiences of individuals are replete with examples of the Lord's pattern for receiving revelation "line upon line, precept upon precept."
"For example, the fundamental truths of the restored gospel were not delivered to the Prophet Joseph Smith all at once in the Sacred Grove," he said. "These priceless treasures were revealed as circumstances warranted and as the timing was right."
Some tend to emphasize marvelous and dramatic spiritual manifestations so much that they fail to appreciate and even overlook the customary pattern by which the Holy Ghost accomplishes his work. They may consider the experiences of Joseph in the Sacred Grove or of Paul on the road to Damascus. "We come to believe something is wrong with or lacking in us if we fall short in our lives of these well-known and spiritually striking examples. If you have had similar thoughts or doubts, please know that you are quite normal. Just keep pressing forward obediently and with faith in our Savior. As you do so, you "cannot go amiss" (Doctrine and Covenants 80:3).
As members honor covenants, keep the commandments and strive ever more consistently to do good, they can walk with the confidence that God will guide their steps.
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