I've heard it said before (from someone who claimed to be a former member of the Church and a former bishop) that what we call the Holy Ghost is nothing more than an emotional response.
NOT SO!!
Yes, the Holy Ghost does produce a fruit that inspires emotion (see Galatians 5:22), but to feel these emotions and to truly know the Spirit of God are two different things. What great joy the Spirit brings, but even when emotions don't run strong, what a wonderful thing it is to recognize the presence of the Holy Ghost!
Of course, the only way to know the Holy Ghost is to listen to God's word and obey it. As we hear the "whisperings of the Spirit" and disregard them, they become quieter to us, but as we truly listen to them and follow them it becomes easier for us to do the same in the future.
I know that I need the Holy Ghost to guide me. I rely on the Spirit to guide me and give me the "tongue of angels" (2 Nephi 31:14, 32:2-3, 33:1) as I speak to others. I know that I have spoken words that were inspired at the very moment. One of the most interesting things to me is when I'm inspired to not say something, either because the listener wasn't ready or perhaps because what I was going to say was wrong.
I think many people don't realize that, having been baptized and confirmed, they can speak with the tongue of angels. It's a wonderful gift that we truly need in order to serve God.
Last thoughts for now:
The Holy Ghost is real. It is my responsibility to obey the charge given to me when I was confirmed and "receive the Holy Ghost." The Spirit of God testifies of truth, teaches us, comforts us, and guides us. And, as a bonus, it will often bring the best of emotional responses.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
I agree - although, when explaining how it "feels", it's "easy" to say the emotions thing. I know for me, it is often just a thought or feeling, it's when I act on it that I realize what it really was. Did that make sense? For example, I had to speak in church a couple of weeks ago and felt sooo compelled to add something I hadn't planned on, it brought me to tears it was that overpowering. When I came home, I felt compelled again to call and tell my parents what I had added. It just so happened that they were having a crummy day and needed to hear what I was prompted to say, my thoughts brought them to tears. It's truly amazing how the Spirit works, that they were not "just my thoughts" but sometimes we just don't recognize it until later.
Erin
Post a Comment