Leadership for Saints: Part 56

Gifts of the Spirit
by Rodger Dean Duncan and Ed J. Pinegar

The scriptures—in 1 Cor. 12, Moroni 10, D&C 46, and elsewhere—clearly enumerate some of the ways the Holy Ghost blesses us.

For example, in D&C 46:13–26 we are taught:

To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.

To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.

And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.

And again, verily I say unto you, to some is given, by the Spirit of God, the word of wisdom.

To another is given the word of knowledge, that all may be taught to be wise and to have knowledge.

And again, to some it is given to have faith to be healed;

And to others it is given to have faith to heal.

And again, to some is given the working of miracles;

And to others it is given to prophesy;

And to others the discerning of spirits.

And again, it is given to some to speak with tongues;

And to another is given the interpretation of tongues.

And all these gifts come from God, for the benefit of the children of God.

The Holy Ghost can make us more effective teachers, helping us “reach the one” instead of resorting to an instructional scattergun that reaches no one.

The Holy Ghost can make us more effective parents—calming us when our children act like, well, like children; offering counsel when we’re confused or frustrated by the fine line between discipline and punishment, filling our hearts with love and gratitude as we glimpse the eternal possibilities of the human family.

The Holy Ghost can make us more effective leaders—holding our tongues as we encourage the slothful, quickening our minds as we teach and preach, opening our ears and hearts to the unspoken needs of those whom we serve.

Personal Revelation

It’s through the power of the Holy Ghost that we receive personal revelation.

In a 1981 address, Dallin H. Oaks discussed revelation by identifying and expounding on eight different purposes served by communication from God:

Here we touch on a ninth purpose served by personal revelation: to clarify.

In our various roles in life, how often do we feel that somehow we’ve been slighted, that the economy of heaven has short-changed us?

Let us recall a story.

The year was 1970. The two authors served together as stake officers in one of the Brigham Young University stakes. One of our student wards was blessed to have an excellent bishop—let’s call him Bishop Brown—who, in turn, was blessed with a lovely, supporting wife. The members of this particular ward were all single, and they dearly loved this good bishop and his wife—regarding them as their away-from-home parents.

Naturally, the ward members were thrilled when it was announced that Sister Brown was expecting a baby.

The Browns already had five children—the youngest was about 10—and this baby was a surprise bonus. For nine months the excitement grew among the ward members.  A new baby is always a big event in a ward—but it’s especially so in a ward where only one woman is married!

When the long-awaited day finally came, it turned out to be a soul-wrenching, faith-testing event. The Browns’ little baby boy was born with a severe physical handicap that was sure to make his life very difficult.

Ten days later, at the ward’s fast and testimony meeting, Sister Brown was the first one to the microphone. There was stone silence in the congregation.  Nobody moved.  Two hundred sets of eyes were riveted on this sweet woman’s face.

“Why?” she asked rhetorically. “Why me? Why did the Lord decide to bless me with this little spirit who has such special needs? Why did the Lord deem me worthy to assume this responsibility? I feel so honored and so humble,” she said, “that the Lord has confidence that I can measure up to the challenge of raising a child who has such a difficult road ahead.  But I’m determined to prove myself worthy of this blessing. I’m determined to be worthy of the love and faith and trust that will emanate from our little boy.”¹

Many of us might have perceived that experience differently. But through the power of the Holy Ghost, this good sister had received a personal revelation—a revelation that clarified the meaning of her circumstance.

Lemon or Lemonade

As our dear friend Elaine Cannon taught, it’s often a matter of the lemon and the lemonade:

In adversity we can complain bitterly, ‘Why me? Why now?’ and wallow in self-pity, thus denouncing God.  Or we can find our way by asking that all-important question: ‘Which of my Heavenly Father’s principles will help me now?’ And when we find that appropriate principle, the next step is to live that law ‘irrevocably degreed’ upon which the particular blessing is predicated.²

We testify that our loving Father—through the influence of the Holy Ghost—can teach and comfort us by clarifying the real meaning of our circumstance.

If we are worthy.

Endnotes

¹ Personal journal of Rodger Dean Duncan

² Elaine Cannon, “Reach for Joy,” Women’s Conference, March 27, 1982. See also D&C 130:21

Quotes Worth Remembering

We must nourish the gifts of the spirit on the same daily basis as we feed our physical bodies. – Russell M. Nelson

Everyone who earnestly seeks the Holy Ghost can be lifted and guided. As Elder James E. Talmage taught, "The special office of the Holy Ghost is to enlighten and ennoble the mind, to purify and sanctify the soul, to incite to good works, and to reveal the things of God." – L. Tom Perry

Men and women should pray in the same way. They both have the same privilege of receiving answers to their prayers and thereby obtaining personal revelation for their own spiritual benefit. – M. Russell Ballard

Answers to prayers come in a quiet way. The scriptures describe that voice of inspiration as a still small voice. – Boyd K. Packer

Does God help those who seek him? Yes, but all blessings are predicated upon obedience to law. Man must therefore live up to divine principles to claim the blessings of God. Only those who seek him and seek to do his will have claim upon him. – Gordon B. Hinckley

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