Personal Revelation

As the discussion of all of the upcoming changes in our ward and new stake is abounding throughout the neighborhood, I am reminded of a lesson once taught to me in a Doctrine & Covenants class at BYU. We were discussing the powers and possibilities of personal revelation, and the professor asked, “Is it possible for any of you to receive revelation about who the next Bishop or Stake President should be?”

Since I was sure I knew the answer, I quickly raised my hand and answered that we only get revelation concerning those things for which we have stewardship. For example, I can receive revelation for myself, my family, and my calling. In other words, my answer to the professor’s question was, “No.”
My reasoning was that it’s the job of a general authority to receive such revelations, not mine. Such personal claims would undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets.

As I was sure the professor would agree with my answer and then essentially explain my thought process to the rest of the class, I was instead surprised at his silence. He looked at me, offered a partial nod of the head, and then searched the room for another answer. No-one attempted. He then smiled and said, “you most certainly can and SHOULD receive such revelation.”

I was rather stunned by his answer. I didn’t know what to think? How was he going to explain that answer? For a split-second I actually thought, “he’s about to undermine the line of authority and divine inspiration of the Prophets!”

What he did teach was a powerful lesson in personal revelation. We CAN know things like who the next Bishop will be so that when we raise our hands to sustain that brother in his new calling, that its not just a good-will gesture. It is an opportunity to have the Holy Ghost provide a “personal witness” to us an individuals, so that we can truly cast that sustaining vote. He pointed out that we are NOT choosing this person, but sharing in the divine inspiration.

Needless to say, I have that a lot about that experience this week. I have also been pondering and preparing myself to be apart of this process that is going on here in our ward. Not the process of extending callings (obviously), but rather, taking part in the divine inspiration that will be available to me and for me.

As I was thinking about all of this today, I was reminded of a talk by Elder Bruce R. McConkie entitled, “How To Receive Personal Revelation.” It was given at a BYU devotional many years ago. It’s not only appropriate for these next few days / weeks, but for our ALL of our days. I encourage all who read this blog to give it a listen. (I’ve provided a link for download below)http://download.yousendit.com/FD4D0B4D6219B4ED

---Tom