By Jonathan H. Westover

We live in a complex world where Satan is finding new ways to lead us astray. It is paramount that we gain personal revelation and inspiration from God to fortify ourselves, our families, and those around us, as we strive to magnify our roles as priesthood holders.

The Book of Mormon tells us much about revelation and inspiration. We know the Lord desires to reveal “all things” (2 Nephi 27:11) to His children; and that we learn the ways of God by revelation (Jacob 4:8). We learn that God makes His mysteries known by the spirit of revelation (Alma 5:46); and that things never revealed will be revealed to those who (1) repent, (2) exercise faith, (3) pray, and (4) do good works (Alma 26:22). Finally, we know that we must teach and preach with the spirit of prophecy and revelation (Alma 43:2).

There is knowledge and guidance to be had through revelation, but learning to recognize the promptings of the Spirit can be a difficult task. As we learn, we have been given counsel on how to evaluate promptings. “If you ever receive promptings to do something that makes you feel uneasy, something you know in your mind to be wrong and contrary to the principles of righteousness, do not respond to it,” taught Boyd K. Packer. He continued, “By trial, and some error, [we] will learn to heed [the promptings of the Spirit].” We know that “every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.” (Moroni 7:13).

With the gift of the Holy Ghost and the light of Christ as our companions, every person has the opportunity to receive personal guidance and direction from God. Think of a time when you felt some personal guidance and inspiration in your life. What was the situation and context surrounding the experience? How did you feel? How did you act in response to the inspiration you received? What was the outcome? As we reflect upon experiences we have had in the past, we may be better able to recognize future experiences.

As priesthood holders in God’s church, we must prepare ourselves to receive and follow revelation. This includes learning of God’s will through the scriptures, the words of prophets, and through the spirit, as we study our scriptures, attend the temple, and pray.

We must also strive for personal spiritual development, that we will be better prepared to use the promptings and revelation the Lord gives us to guide and direct our lives.

In our quest for increased spiritual sensitivity, we must continually take the time for self-reflection and self-assessment. We should ask ourselves the question, “Do I feel of the Spirit and receive inspiration/revelation daily?” If we prepare ourselves and are worthy, the answer should be ‘yes.’

If the answer is no, or if we want to work at enhancing the experiences we are having, we must ask ourselves how we can improve. How can I better:

• Seek knowledge and understanding?
• Show a willingness to do God’s will?
• Trust in the Lord and exercise my faith?
• Be obedient?
• Cultivate a heart of thanksgiving towards God?
• Work to serve others?
• Develop a firm faith in Christ?
• Use what the Lord has already given me?
• Declare the word of God?
• Fear not?
• Become selfless?
• Seek God’s will?

Reflecting on these questions and prayerfully seeking answers will prepare us to receive responses by the Spirit and enable us to use personal guidance from God.
With all the challenges of our day, we need not feel discouraged by all that is expected of us. We are blessed with the opportunity to receive personal guidance and strength in all that we do. Indeed, we should follow the admonition of Christ when he said, “Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (D&C 6:36).

We have been told that through revelation and the priesthood we might have “power to do many mighty works in [God’s] name.”(Alma 19:4). This does not just apply to general authorities of the Church, but to all of us in our various priesthood and personal stewardships. If we look to Christ in all that we do and strive to align our will with the will of God, we can accomplish all that the Lord has in store for us.

Jonathon Westover is a member of the Maple Hills Ward, Tooele Utah Valley View Stake.