I don't remember exactly how I came across it, but I found a talk by Elder David A. Bednar titled "Becoming a Preach My Gospel Missionary." Obviously this talk is in reference to the Missionaries' teaching manual "Preach My Gospel." It only made sense while I just began my study of this manual that I should read and study this talk. So, I took a short break and did just that. I am so glad that I did because this talk is AMAZING! Yes, it is so good that I had to emphasize in all caps!
It's a relatively long talk and I don't want to get too far into the habit of making overwhelmingly long posts. So, rather than dig into every point of the talk, I will just touch on a few points that really stuck out to me. Keep in mind though that I will not even be scratching the surface at Elder Bednar's points...so read the talk!
It's a relatively long talk and I don't want to get too far into the habit of making overwhelmingly long posts. So, rather than dig into every point of the talk, I will just touch on a few points that really stuck out to me. Keep in mind though that I will not even be scratching the surface at Elder Bednar's points...so read the talk!
The first thing that really hit me was something he stated regarding repentance:
"Within the sound of my voice are elders and sisters who have repented and are continuing to repent and who wonder if they have done all that is necessary to be accepted of the Lord (see D&C 97:8). Please remember, the Lord requires you to be clean but not perfect. The Holy Ghost operating again in your life is the surest indicator of forgiveness by the Lord because “the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” (Helaman 4:24). And recognize that the mandate to “forgive all men” (D&C 64:10) includes forgiving yourself."
This addresses two extremely vital points that have plagued me personally for a long time. I was not always a member of the Church. Before I was baptized and covenanted to follow Christ always, I made some very poor choices...choices I regret making. I did everything I could to repent and make things right and I felt, at the time, that Heavenly Father forgave me. But then doubt and fear enters and I wonder if I truly have done all I am supposed to. This answers that question. I do have the Spirit in my life and am guided daily according to His promptings. So I now know that I truly am forgiven.
The second issue that it addresses is why I feel guilty still. The answer is, I have not forgiven myself. Not to say that I have forgiven myself fully now...but I am putting a lot more focus on forgiving myself. Strange concept and yet so important!
The second issue that it addresses is why I feel guilty still. The answer is, I have not forgiven myself. Not to say that I have forgiven myself fully now...but I am putting a lot more focus on forgiving myself. Strange concept and yet so important!
The second (and fourth) things that hit me were regarding true conversion:
"Persuasion, long-suffering, gentleness and meekness, and love unfeigned (see D&C 121:41) are the Lord’s ways of inviting all to come unto Him."
"Many of us have learned to teach without conscientiously observing, listening, or discerning. We simply talk and tell. Missionaries who talk without observing, listening, and discerning teach neither lessons nor people. Rather, they talk to themselves in front of investigators."
It's one thing to regurgitate information from your head into someone elses...it's another thing to get them to believe it. These points just really hit it on the head! We must teach with love and real intent, being open to accept various opinions and points of view.
He also gives an analogy comparing the truth, or the Spirit that testifies of truth, as being light and that we are strands of fiber optic cable that acts as the medium by which the light flows. We don't teach...the Spirit does and we need to make ourselves an open and clean vessel to allow the Spirit to do just that.
He also gives an analogy comparing the truth, or the Spirit that testifies of truth, as being light and that we are strands of fiber optic cable that acts as the medium by which the light flows. We don't teach...the Spirit does and we need to make ourselves an open and clean vessel to allow the Spirit to do just that.
The third point I want to highlight is with regards to being quick to act:
"Mormon, the principal compiler of the Book of Mormon, is described as being “quick to observe” (Mormon 1:2). Recall that Ammaron counseled the youthful Mormon to both remember and record all of the things he had observed concerning his people (see Mormon 1:1-5). His ability to look, to notice, to respond, and to obey provides an impressive example for us to study and follow."
This goes along with another quote which I have posted on my "Welcome" page. The point I get from this is that we need to be quick to act upon the promptings of the Spirit. When we read and study the scriptures and receive personal revelation, we need to write it down then and there before it goes away. If we feel a prompting elsewhere in our lives, to call or visit someone, to perform some service, then we need to just do it and not wait or second guess ourselves.
I don't do this nearly as much as I should. What really gets me about this is that it starts with me. Sometimes I think of something that I want to do or am prompted to do it by someone else and yet I procrastinate. If I am not quick to obey others or myself, why and how will I be quick to obey the Spirit...one who is audibly silent and unseen? I must be more prompt in all things both temporally and spiritually.
I don't do this nearly as much as I should. What really gets me about this is that it starts with me. Sometimes I think of something that I want to do or am prompted to do it by someone else and yet I procrastinate. If I am not quick to obey others or myself, why and how will I be quick to obey the Spirit...one who is audibly silent and unseen? I must be more prompt in all things both temporally and spiritually.
Well, that's all I have this time. Again, it was a great talk and I encourage you to read it. Otherwise, General Conference is right around the corner. I'm super excited for it and hope to apply some of these things that I learned from Elder Bednar's talk to General Conference. Specifically, I'm going to try to do better and taking notes, not just of what they are saying but what I am hearing and feeling. Hopefully I'll get some answers and direction that I need!