Today I read 3 Nephi 19, where the Savior returns to the Nephites and where the people who had seen Him the previous day return with all those they could find. This chapter confirms what we talked about yesterday about whether or not the gift of the Holy Ghost was given to the Nephites before the Savior came to visit them.
I can understand the Nephites being re-baptized for entrance into the Lord's church, but not having the Holy Ghost given unto them again. I do find it really neat and intriguing that the Nephites prayed before they were baptized that the Holy Ghost would fall upon them. To me that shows great faith. They knew the proper order of things and knew that the Holy Ghost would not fall upon them until they had been baptized. So they prayed for that which they desired most, exercising their faith that it would be as they desired, and then the most important part, they acted on that faith and went and fulfilled the prerequisite of being baptized.
Just like James says in the Bible, faith without works is dead being alone. In order to have true faith we must act. What good would it have done the Nephites to pray for the Holy Ghost to fall upon them if they did not complete the prerequisite of being baptized, which they already knew was a requirement? It would have done no good at all because as we have stated, God has to follow the laws that He is bound to just like we do. Even in our day, the Holy Ghost is a gift and we have to accept it, just like Elder Bednar spoke about in the past October conference. We must act and not be acted upon. We must make the choice to welcome the Holy Ghost into our lives and have Him with us always.
Also, it should tell you something important that the thing the Nephites desired the most, more than any other, was to have the Holy Ghost dwell with them. Why is that do you think? I think it was because they recognized the importance of the Holy Ghost being with them. Something which I think we take too much for granted. I don't think we recognize what a wonderful blessing and opportunity we have as a member of the church to have the companionship of one of the members of the GODHEAD! Think on that for a second. What if you could have Jesus Christ for your best friend, always at your side, ready to help you out when you needed it. Would you squander that opportunity and leave His side for any reason? No, you wouldn't. You would cherish every second you have with Him and would talk with Him and become best friends. So why is it we so often take for granted the Holy Ghost, a man whose mission is to bear witness of the truth and can help us grow and progress?
If the Holy Ghost is our companion and guide, to me it is no different than if the Savior were with us always. We should be taking advantage of having a member of the Godhead with us and using His spirit to influence us for good. Think how good it feels to give service and to do what's right. Isn't it one of the best feelings ever? The Nephites recognized it and have learned what most of us have forgotten. The gift of the Holy Ghost is not an idle gift. If you need to be reminded of it, go read Elder Bednar's talk from October 2010 conference and you will see.
One last fun fact, have you ever noticed how the people and the disciples prayed to Heavenly Father until the Savior arrived in their presence but then once the Savior showed up they started praying to Jesus? Go back and read the chapter and you will see that I am right. I do not know the reason for this but I have read in Answers to Gospel Questions written by Joseph Fielding Smith that the reason they did that is because Jesus was in their presence. It is my understanding that if a member of the Godhead is present in person you pray to that member of the Godhead. As I said before, I do not really understand the doctrine behind it, but it comes from a prophet of God so I believe it, and as you can all see, it is in the scriptures too. I invite each of you to ponder this principle and find your own answer. I know I will. Until tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment