I took my family on a quick trip to Vernal, UT today. It’s about a 3 hour drive from our home in Utah Valley. We decided to take the quick trip because my adorable niece and nephew were in a play and my kids really wanted to see it.
On the way there, I put in my earbuds and pulled up something to listen to on Audible. I settled on listening to Journey to the Veil. I had previously ended somewhere in the middle of the book. I listened for about an hour as we drove up Provo Canyon to Heber and then toward Strawberry Reservoir. I knew I wouldn’t be able to listen the full trip because we usually lose cell service on part of the trip.
I have really been struggling with something lately. As I listened I felt inspired by one of the messages that was shared. Now, before I talk about this, I want you to know that I don’t believe there are substitutes for the scriptures, prophets, prayer, and the Holy Ghost. But I do believe the words of others can help clarify, and provide insight, and understanding to our souls. Otherwise, why would I even write these gospel messages? I might as well turn off my computer and never write another word. My hope is that these messages will help at least one soul come unto Christ. [There we go, 99+1]
As I listened, John Pontius talked about spiritual peaks and valleys in his own life. He spoke of periods of time when there was overflowing inspiration from the spirit as well as periods when he felt left to his own. He refers to the peaks as times in which he was “born again” or he had a rebirth of the spirit. John’s story led to an undeniable witness from God that he was continually being influenced by the voice of the Holy Ghost even when he didn’t feel it. The story was truly remarkable and very inspirational. I believe the majority of it is in Chapter 43 Grace Like a River.
In a nutshell, it is righteous living through a combination of following the Holy Ghost and trying to live by obedience. Not only obeying the commandments but the word of God and the voice of the Holy Ghost. I would say most importantly the Holy Ghost. John’s messages over and over again refer to heeding and following every prompting from the Holy Ghost.
I would say that John’s passionate expression to do these things tends to exceed what we often clearly hear in church or General Conference. But, in my heart and mind, his explanations completely align with the teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures, and the teachings of the prophets and apostles.
Consider all the council from President Nelson since he’s been president. He pleads for the members to gain spiritual power to protect themselves and their families. There is no other way to do this than through obedience and following the voice of the spirit. Learning to hear the voice of the spirit is another thing President Nelson has asked us to do. This is not just having a spiritual moment. This is having a spiritual impression that influences you thoughts and actions. If you don’t know the voice of the master, you will not hear him and know his voice.
“in coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”
Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives (churchofjesuschrist.org)
When I was on my mission, we had a pyramid of success we followed. One of the core building blocks of the pyramid was Exact Obedience. I know these are grainy images, but that is all I got. Looking back at these, I think they are accurate and inspired. All we do is for God’s Glory. If we desire to serve God we will ebey His commandments. The more we love Him, the more pesonal the obedience will be. Our heart, mind, and stregth will be focused on doing Gods will and doing so for His Glory. As we do His will, He perfects us. This is manifest through increase spiritually, increase faith, and increased hope. Then our actions will reflect those of a believer, we will see miricles, and out hearts will be full of charity because we have become like Him.
ORIGINAL PYRAMID
REVISED PYRAMID
We go through spiritual peaks. These are times we feel the constant guidance and companionship of the Holy Ghost. Everything seems to be working in life. We are more or less on a spiritual plateau. These times are often followed by valleys in which it feels the guiding influence of the Holy Ghost has left us. We feel challenged by life. Things don’t appear to be going well. Our choices are harder because we feel we are not receiving the spiritual guidance of the Holy Ghost.
These valleys are the times we are tested. Will we be faithful, and obedient, and continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Ghost when the path is challenging. I hope we are.
It is often said the real test of someone’s character is what they do when no one is looking. Will we remain obedient to the commandments of God? Will we obey the voice of the spirit when it directs us? Will we be true to the faith.
I hope that we will.