Mind and Heart

I believe there is an order specifically given to the process of receiving revelation. It is outlined beautifully in Section 8 of the Doctrine and Covenants where it is explained that we will be told in our mind and in our heart by the Holy Ghost. First our mind is given the impression or the seed of thought then, when planted in our heart, we feel the process of growth as our heart begins to swell or become enlarged.

Even the law of witnesses, which is the testimony of two or more, is fulfilled by this process. The mind is one witness and the heart another.

The reconciliation of these two parts, the mind and heart, is the process of becoming a Zion person. Though this process we have one heart and one mind. The blessing of becoming a Zion person is that of the continual presence of the Lord, or continual revelation.

In my study of our prophetic instruction during General Conference I have found many incidences where we have been instructed on this process of revelation. Elder Boyd K. Packer gave instruction in his talk called, Prayer and Promptings. I have only taken a few of his statements to illustrate the importance of the order of the mind and heart.

Look for all the references he gives to the mind and the heart in the following excerpt of that talk:

The Lord has many ways of pouring knowledge into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to correct us, to warn us. The Lord said, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart” (D&C 8:2).

And Enos recorded, “While I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again” (Enos 1:10).

You can know the things you need to know. Pray that you will learn to receive that inspiration and remain worthy to receive it. Keep that channel—your mind—clean and free from the clutter of the world.

When temptation comes, you can invent a delete key in your mind—perhaps the words from a favorite hymn. Your mind is in charge; your body is the instrument of your mind. When some unworthy thought pushes into your mind, replace it with your delete key. Worthy music is powerful and can help you control your thoughts.

When Oliver Cowdery failed in an attempt to translate, the Lord told him:
“Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings” (D&C 9:7–9).

Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil. And I have learned to conclude all my prayers with “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10; see also Luke 11:2; 3 Nephi 13:10).

The Savior said, “Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (D&C 88:63).

The reconciliation of the Spirit and the Body are done though this process of revelation as the Lord speaks to our mind and heart. I know it in my mind and feel it in my heart.

Have you felt this process for yourself?

My Favorite LDS General Conference Talk

I loved General Conference this past weekend. I think that if I had to pick a favorite talk it would be from the Sunday afternoon session given by Elder David A. Bednar. I can’t wait to get the written copy of it so that I can study it further. Until then, enjoy this talk by him as well.

Perhaps it is because of the affinity I feel for Elder Bednar, but I really don’t think so... his talk just really did it for me.

What did it for you this conference?

Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet

On February 26, 1980 in a Brigham Young University address Ezra Taft Benson, who was then president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a “grand key” of knowledge. It was to “Follow the Prophet”. In reference to the upcoming 85^th birthday, soon to be celebrated by the Prophet Spencer W. Kimball who was prophet at the time, Benson stated that the best way to honor him would be to simply, “Follow the Prophet.” President Benson then gave fourteen fundamentals in following the prophet. Listen carefully as he expounds on each of them in the video below.

I believe that these fourteen fundamentals are still important for us today. Soon we will have the opportunity once again to be instructed directly from our Prophet and other church leaders during General Conference in April. Some of the direction and counsel we will be asked to live may seem hard. Perhaps some of the correction they have to offer may be stinging, or some may even have cause to find offense. I believe that the inspirational message that President Benson gave nearly 30 years ago, is just the counsel we need to hear today, for as he stated, “our salvation depends on them.”

“Not only is the Church growing in number today, it is growing in faithfulness and, even more important, our young generation, as a group, is even more faithful than the older generation. God has reserved you for the eleventh hour—the great and dreadful day of the Lord (D&C 110:16). It will be your responsibility not only to help to carry the kingdom to a triumph but to save your own soul and strive to save those of your family and to honor the principles of the inspired constitution of the United States.” Ezra Taft Benson

“Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet”

• 1. The prophet is the only man who speaks for the Lord in everything.
• 2. The living prophet is more vital to us than the standard works.
• 3. The living prophet is more important to us than a dead prophet.
• 4. The prophet will never lead the church astray.
• 5. The prophet is not required to have any particular earthly training or credentials to speak on any subject or act on any matter at any time.
• 6. The prophet does not have to say “Thus Saith the Lord,” to give us scripture.
• 7. The prophet tells us what we need to know, not always what we want to know.
• 8. The prophet is not limited by men’s reasoning.
• 9. The prophet can receive revelation on any matter, temporal or spiritual.
• 10. The prophet may advise on civic matters.
• 11. The two groups who have the greatest difficulty in following the prophet are the proud who are learned and the proud who are rich.
• 12. The prophet will not necessarily be popular with the world or the worldly.
• 13. The prophet and his counselors make up the First Presidency—the highest quorum in the Church.
• 14. The prophet and the presidency—the living prophet and the First Presidency—follow them and be blessed—reject them and suffer.

Have you ever felt that the counsel given from our leaders was hard to follow? How did you deal with that dilemma?