Spiritual preparedness is a theme we are all familiar with as members of the Church. We are often reminded that we are the ten virgins in the well-known parable, waiting for the coming of our Lord. But are we among the 50 percent of church members with our lamps full, or will we be out with the other half trying to borrow oil when the Bridegroom comes to let us in?
Former LDS Relief Society General President Sheri Dew said, “The last days are not for the faint of heart or the spiritually out of shape.”
So how do we exercise those spiritual muscles needed to survive the coming tribulation? Well, the primary answers seem to fit: keep the commandments, say our prayers, read our scriptures, attend church, etc.
But exactly how do these things get us in shape spiritually? Well, one of the most important benefits of performing these “gospel basics” is an increase of the Spirit. And an increase of the Spirit will, inevitably, lead us to receive more and more personal revelation which, in turn, provides the all-important oil for our lamps.
Even though the concept may be simple, the how’s and why’s of personal revelation may still leave us wondering how to initiate our “direct line” with the heavens. Whether you have it all figured out or are just beginning to discover how to connect with divine inspiration, here are five amazing quotes from Church leaders that are sure to give you new insights on personal revelation:
L. Lionel Kendrick: How Our Father in Heaven Views Personal Revelation
Heavenly Father…desires to continue to communicate with us and to give us counsel and direction. He does this through personal revelation, which involves preparation, prayer, and promptings. Personal revelation is one of the greatest gifts and blessings we can receive.
L. Lionel Kendrick
Personal Revelation, Ensign, September 1999
Bruce R. McConkie: Exactly Who is Entitled to Revelation?
Revelation is something that should be received by every individual. God is no respecter of persons…any individual who abides the law that entitles him to get revelation…can entertain angels just as well as Joseph Smith entertained them, and can be in tune in full measure with all of the things of the Spirit.
David A. Bednar: What Invites the Spirit of Revelation into Our Lives?
The spirit of revelation… is not restricted to the presiding authorities of the Church; rather, it belongs to and should be operative in the life of every man, woman, and child who reaches the age of accountability and enters into sacred covenants. Sincere desire and worthiness invite the spirit of revelation into our lives.
Richard G. Scott: The Result of Obeying Divine Inspiration
Sometimes we unwisely try to face life by depending on our own experience and capacity. It is much wiser for us to seek through prayer and divine inspiration to know what to do. Our obedience assures that when required, we can qualify for divine power to accomplish an inspired objective.
Julie B. Beck: The Three Key Components of Personal Revelation
The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life.
Joseph B. Wirthlin: When the Storms of Life Come
The Lord counsels us to become skilled in using…spiritual windows so we can seek and receive personal revelation for ourselves and our families. When the storms of life leave us confused, the windows of revelation can guide us safely home to our Heavenly Father.
Bruce R. McConkie: The True Nature of Religion
Religion comes from God by revelation and deals with spiritual things; and unless and until a man has received revelation, he has not received religion, and he is not on the path leading to salvation in our Father’s kingdom.
Exercising our spiritual muscles might not always come easily to us. The Lord teaches us line upon line, revelation upon revelation. But as we seek His divine guidance in our daily lives and then act on that inspiration, we can be sure that our spiritual strength will provide oil in our lamps and a place at His wedding feast when that day finally comes.
