There are
two valuable privileges that we have in the Church that go together as well as bacon
and eggs. I speak of the scriptures and revelation. This is my favourite
subject and this is why, they both involve the heart to be understood. I have a
personal testimony of this because I understand the scriptures more emotionally
than intellectually.
I always
thought we are all wired differently so my understanding comes differently to
others but it would seem the operative word in the scriptures and revelation is
‘the heart’, which we all have:
“Revelation
comes as words we FEEL more than HEAR. Nephi told his wayward brothers, who
were visited by an angel, “Ye were past feeling, that ye could not FEEL his
words” (1 Nephi 17:45). The scriptures are full of such expressions as: “I will
tell you in your mind and in your heart” (D&C 8:2), or “Speak the thoughts
that I shall put into your hearts” (D&C 100:5). There are hundreds of
verses which teach thus of revelation.”
(Boyd K. Packer, in CR Oct 1994, p 77, Ensign Nov 1994, p 60)
But this is
not all, something is needed of us who are listening: “Nephi teaches us, “When
a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost, the power of the Holy Ghost
carrieth [the message] unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1).
Please notice how the power of the spirit carries the message UNTO but not
necessarily INTO the heart.
“A teacher can
explain, demonstrate, persuade, and testify, and do so with great spiritual
power and effectiveness. Ultimately, however, the content of a message and the
witness of the Holy Ghost penetrate into the heart only if the receiver allows
them to enter. (Elder David A. Bednar, “Seek Learning by Faith” [An Evening
with Elder David A. Bednar], Feb 3, 2006] www.ldsces.org
It is
obvious from these two quotes that we ultimately receive the most knowledge and
understanding from the scriptures and revelation combined together with our
willingness to receive and incorporate into our lives the truth that is given.
When Jesus taught
the people of Capernaum, He taught them in parables. The Gospel of Mark says: “And
with many such parables spake he the word unto them, as they were able to hear
it.” (Mark 4:33) Joseph Smith changed the word ‘hear’ in the Inspired Version
to “bear’ ( v 33a). To bear something involves the mind and the heart.
What we are
given in the scriptures is meant for all of us. In fact the Lord confirms this
several times in the Doctrine and Covenants by saying: “This is my voice unto
all” (25:16) and “I give unto you a commandment that what I say unto one I say
unto all” (D&C 61:18; 82:5; 92:1; 93:49. The revelation that we receive
though whilst hearing what He tells us adapts the needful application to each
of us as we need it and tells us how we can utilize it. Unless we are open to
the revelation that follows, we are missing out on the real purpose of the
scriptures.
I
see your eternal flame
in
the deepest caverns of my heart.
Your
words are a lamp unto my feet;
The
pillar of fire that keeps me warm
The
beacon of light that will lead me home.
- CATHRYNE ALLEN
(Art: Light of the World by Douglas Bentley)
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