"The simplicity of this ordinance may cause us to overlook its significance. These four words—'Receive the Holy Ghost'—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed 'receive the Holy Ghost' and its attendant spiritual gifts. 'For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift' (D&C 88:33).
"What should we do to make this authorized admonition to seek for the companionship of the third member of the Godhead an ongoing reality? Let me suggest that we need to (1) sincerely desire to receive the Holy Ghost, (2) appropriately invite the Holy Ghost into our lives, and (3) faithfully obey God’s commandments."
- David A. Bednar, "Receive the Holy Ghost," General Conference October 2010
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
Understanding that the injunction "receive the Holy Ghost" is an invitation for us to perform the action of receiving is a critical point. It's not an automatic, immediate action performed on our behalf; it's an offer to us to accept a gift.
Elder Bednar explains in this insightful talk about the actions we can take to receive that gift of the Holy Ghost. They include both our desires and our actions. It's a process that we must undertake with humility and faithful discipleship.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
No comments:
Post a Comment