The Unspeakable Gift

Life's storms are sure to come. This life was never meant to be easy.

Elder F. Burton Howard recounts in the article The Gift of Knowing that throughout our lives we will be required to choose between duty, or obligation, and other more-or-less attractive alternatives. Should we watch television or go visiting teaching? Should we spend time with the family or with friends? Do we read the scriptures or the latest novel? Do we leave the children home or take them with us? Do we go into debt or do without? Each of these choices, when made, excludes others. Otherwise, there could be no real probation (or test). The designer of the plan of salvation made it that way. By allowing us to discover where our hearts are as the result of the free choices we make, he helps us learn who and what we really are.

The above article is long but worth the read. I thought of each one of you at different times while reading it. Some of you have looming decisions to make; some of you have serious obstacles to overcome. We all need guidance and direction thorough the challenges and decisions of life. But the Lord has not left us comfortless. John 14:18

I read recently about a survey that was taken, and the respondents overwhelmingly agreed that they preferred to watch a football game already knowing who would be victorious. The element of surprise aside why do you think they responded that way?

Reasons they gave included--less stress, confidence, assurety, peace--knowing the end makes all the difference in how you see the game while it is happening. Even during difficult situations--3rd down, two minutes left in the fourth quarter, and two touchdowns behind--we can accept the status quo with confidence if we know the outcome.

We know the outcome! Christ is victorious. He wrought the Atonement in our behalf, and we too can be victorious and achieve our fondest dreams. The gift of knowing is priceless. And as members of the Church, we have been given the unspeakable Gift of the Holy Ghost that we might know the truth of all things. Where should I go for work? What should I study in school? Who shall I marry? When is the right time? Answers to these questions and all others are at our finger tips if we remain true to our covenants and seek the direction of the Lord, then listen to and follow the counsel.

I close with Elder Howard's exhortation "The gift has been given; what we make of it is up to us. Unless we listen to counsel, we will receive none. Unless we pray, exercise faith, love, obey, and keep the tabernacles of our spirits clean, we can have no claim upon this unspeakable gift."

Please live so that the guidance of the Holy Spirit can help you make wise decisions and to apply what you know to what you do.

It makes all the difference.