In part one, we discussed how sometimes we fall into the category of honoring our Heavenly Father with our lips and not our heart (Matt 15:8). In detail, we talked about how we can honor Him by honoring our stewardship. In part two, we discussed how we can honor our Heavenly Father by honoring the atoning blood of Christ and sharing the message of the atonement with those we have stewardship. In part three, we will discuss how we may honor our Father by heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
When my oldest daughter was a teenager, she would often disregard the counsel my wife and I gave her, and opted to use her free agency to make choices that brought sorrow and pain. My wife and I would just shake our heads in wonder at how such a smart girl would not listen to the advice of her parents who have made similar mistakes and could offer first-hand knowledge as to the consequences of such choices.
I wonder how often our Heavenly Father shakes His head in wonder as He sends the Holy Ghost to guide us, His children, and we choose to disregard the promptings and follow in our own ways.
My worst memory as a home teacher is when I was assigned to an inactive family who was known to be difficult to their home and visiting teachers. My first visit to the door was met by a man who in no uncertain terms was not going to allow us to return to his home. The decision was made by the Bishop to monitor the situation but to make no home teaching visits.
Many months later, I heard a rumor that the husband of this family had moved out of the home and a divorce had followed. I waited the entire month of November to follow-up on this rumor, even though I felt the spirit nudging me to make a visit to the home. Finally, my companion and I made a visit the first week of December. What I found brings tears to my eyes to this day as I recall the pain and guilt I felt as I learned that this family had gone the entire month of November with little or no food.
“…behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost” (D&C 8:2), and the Holy Ghost “manifesteth all things which are expedient unto the children of men” (D&C 18:18).
As a young, inexperienced home teacher, I learned an invaluable lesson that the stewardship given to a home and visiting teacher is real. We have been given an important responsibility by our priesthood leaders and by the Lord Himself to watch over His children and be there when they are in need.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is indeed one of the greatest gifts of all. Honoring this gift by living righteously so that we may have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and, just as importantly, heeding the promptings when they come will show our love and honor to our Heavenly Father.
May we each strive to honor our Heavenly Father by honoring our stewardship as the great King Benjamin, by applying the atoning blood of Christ, and by holding dear the gift of the Holy Ghost. As we do these things, Heavenly father will bless our lives with peace, happiness and eventually eternal life.
Posted by John in Feature Articles