Learning by the Spirit:
During our first mission we attended a mission conference. Elder Ballard of the Quorum of the 12 apostles taught us a very important principle. As the meeting started, President Ballard directed us to observe a few moments of silence. He instructed us to maintain the silence and prayerfully meditate and select two questions we would like to have answered. One question should be about our personal life and one about our calling.
He promised us that during the conference we would reserve the answers to our questions. He explained that we might receive our answer through one of the talks, however it might be in a conversation we overhead or participated in or it might be an idea that was put into our mind by the Holy Ghost.
I testify that every time I have followed this counsel, I have received my answers.
I believe that his counsel is especially important before the General Conference (which is coming next Sunday).
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught “All things whatsoever God in His infinite wisdom has seen fit and proper to reveal to us… are revealed to our spirits precisely as though we had no bodies at all, and those revelations which will save our spirits will save our bodies.”
In the D & C 50:21-22 the Lord further emphasizes His divine pattern for teaching and learning: “Why is it that ye cannot understand and know, that he that receiveth the word by the Spirit of truth receiveth it as it is preached by the Spirit of truth. “Wherefore, he that preacheth and he that receiveth, understand one another, and both are edified and rejoice together”.
Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasized the blessings of following this pattern by explaining what it means to understand and be edified: “The verb understand refers to that which is heard. It is the same message to all. Edified concerns that which is communicated by the Holy Ghost. The message can be different and tailored by the Spirit to the needs of each individual (“To Understand and Live Truth” an evening with Elder Richard G. Scott, Feb. 4 2005 lds.org).
In 2 Nephi 33:1, Nephi reminds us of another aspect of learning by the Spirit: “When a man speaketh by the power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men.” This is a powerful promise. Yet it is fulfilled only if we invite the Savior into our lives.
We can do this through our classes, through our scripture studies and through prayer.
To be able to study diligently we need to attend our meetings and classes where we have the opportunity to learn, including Institute during the week. Do not forget the instructions we can receive in our classes after Sacrament Meeting.
In the February 2007 worldwide leadership training meeting on teaching and learning, President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles provided specific counsel on how we can invite such diligent learning.
In the September 20008 Liahona there was an article by Elder Jay Jensen about “Learning by the Spirit.” He included many wonderful ideas and he summarized some the things he learned from President Packer on this theme.
“First, being diligent means that we want to learn. We show this desire when we are teachable and when we can be taught without resenting it. When we resent instruction and correction, we offend the Spirit and limit our opportunities for growth and progress.
“Second, we need to pray—particularly in specifics. Pray formally and informally for yourself and for the teacher. The teacher may not say something quite right. He or she may be weak and feeble in words and expression. But the Holy Ghost is not, and each of us can pray for ourselves and for the teacher: “Oh, Father, the teacher does not know the load and burden that I currently carry. Help him or her to teach me directly.” When you start doing that as a learner, you start getting answers.
Third, and this is so significant: listen. In particular… listen to those who are experienced”. There are many members in the branch with experience. Also, listen to those who have a calling over you—the Branch President, the Relief Society President and others.
Elder Jensen continued: “Listen not only to what is said but also to what is not said: the unspoken promptings of the Holy Ghost. Each is important. Hopefully, you are always sensitive to what is not said by the teacher. If you are, the Holy Ghost will tailor the message to your needs.
“Fourth, as you listen, it is important to organize what you learn. Take what you have heard, and then make it yours by writing it down and expanding it. If you really want to ensure that you’ve got it, find somebody to whom you may teach it. Generally speaking, until you can articulate what you’ve learned, you haven’t really learned it. Make the effort to organize what you learn; it will be worth it.”
When I was a child, on Sunday afternoon, my parents always asked each of us to share what we had learned that morning. If we didn’t have an answer, they knew that we hadn’t listened or hadn’t paid attention. It was a motivation to listen when you knew you would have to report. During our Sunday dinner we would discuss our lessons with one another. I continued this tradition with my children. This is a marvelous technique for learning and teaching.
“In addition to what we do in class, we can do many things to invite diligent learning even before we come to class… Be punctual to your meetings, particularly sacrament meeting, one of the most spiritual meetings in the Church. As you come, be reverent, leave yourself open to revelation. Come and listen to the prelude music.”
I would add: Come seeking answers to your questions.
Elder Jensen said: “We can make a commitment to accept the responsibility for learning no matter how well the teacher or speaker can teach. Several years ago President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985) remarked: “testimony meetings are some of the best meetings in the [Church] in the whole month, if you have the spirit. If you are bored at a testimony, there is something the matter with you, and not the other people. You can get up and bear your testimony and you think it is the best meeting in the month…”
It is my desire and prayer that we will make the most of our many opportunities to learn. Listen not only to what is said but also to what is not said: the unspoken promptings of the Holy Ghost. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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