Elder David A. Bednar on the powerful blessings of the Holy Ghost

Elder David A. Bednar (born June 15, 1952) was serving as the president of BYU–Idaho when he was called and sustained as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in October 2004.

"Obedience opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. And the spiritual gifts and abilities activated by the power of the Holy Ghost enable us to avoid deception—and to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are. You and I have been endowed with a greater capacity for obedience precisely for these reasons. Moroni declared:

"'Hearken unto the words of the Lord, and ask the Father in the name of Jesus for what things soever ye shall stand in need. Doubt not, but be believing, and begin as in times of old, and come unto the Lord with all your heart, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling before him.

"'Be wise in the days of your probation; strip yourselves of all uncleanness; ask not, that ye may consume it on your lusts, but ask with a firmness unshaken, that ye will yield to no temptation, but that ye will serve the true and living God' (Mormon 9:27-28).

"As we heed that inspired counsel, we can and will be blessed to recognize and repel the attacks of the adversary—today and in the days that lie ahead. We can and will fulfill our foreordained responsibilities and contribute to the work of the Lord in all the world."

- David A. Bednar, "Things as They Really Are," CES devotional, BYU-Idaho, May 3, 2009; see Ensign, June 2010, pp. 16-25
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This is a remarkable description of the blessings that come from obedience. It's the key that "opens the door to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost"—a most precious gift, one to be sought after and prized greatly. The Holy Ghost then "activates" spiritual gifts that bless us in profound ways:

I love the expression that with the Holy Ghost and the spiritual gifts that follow, we can be blessed "to see, to feel, to know, to understand, and to remember things as they really are." What a profound endowment!

So much follows from the simple and foundational concept of obedience! As we are willing to submit our will to God, and follow in His path, joy and safety will certainly be the result, and a life greatly expanded in richness and opportunity.