The Holy Spirit Will Help You
At this point some may be wondering, “How can I ever be a “member missionary?” It is simply too much for “Little Me.” I don’t know enough.” The Holy Spirit will help you and direct you in this most important work. Just be you. Share your love for others. Show your concern for their well being and happiness. The Holy Spirit will help you. The Holy Spirit will teach, preach, testify of the truth, comfort, guide, and direct you to do the Lord’s work. It is the Holy Spirit that is the converter. It is that Spirit which is the Spirit of Truth by which all are edified and grow together (see D&C 50:17-23). In all of this we need to have the desire to do this work. The Spirit will help you I promise. He has helped me countless times in the missionary effort.
We literally become conduits for the Holy Ghost. All the Lord requires is for us to be willing to try–A willing heart. The Lord loves those with a willing heart. “And again, verily I say unto you, blessed is my servant Hyrum Smith; for I, the Lord, love him because of the integrity of his heart, and because he loveth that which is right before me, saith the Lord” (D&C 124:15 emphasis added). The heart is the center of the soul, the mind of mind, the focus of our affections and the decision making center of our very being. Members that are willing yield their hearts to God. They listen to the enticings of the Holy Ghost. We seek the glory of God. We submit our will to God and our decisions are made according to His will as well. We follow the Son of God with full purpose of heart. It is not the length of time you have been converted or baptized; it is all about having a willing heart.
The Holy Ghost purifies and sanctifies us. We are made pure and holy. The empowerment of the Holy Ghost is of the highest order as Elder Parley P. Pratt explained, “The gift of the Holy Ghost . . . quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands, and purifies all the natural passions and affections, and adapts them by the gift of wisdom to their lawful use. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness, and charity. It develops beauty of person, form, and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation, and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being” (Key to the Science of Theology, 101–2).
The Holy Ghost will lead us to do good, to do justly, to walk humbly and judge righteously, to enlighten our minds, and fill our souls with joy. It will fill us with love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance (see D&C 11:12-13; Gal. 5:22-23). The blessings of the Holy Ghost as mentioned above are innumerable. We must remember the promised blessings of the Holy Spirit because they are so empowering. The Spirit (The Comforter) will testify of Christ (see John 15:26). The Holy Ghost will teach us all things and bring all things to our remembrance (see John 14:26). The Holy Ghost will bring the love of God into our hearts (see Rom. 5:5). And then can we preach, teach, and speak by the power of the Holy Ghost (see 2 Pet. 1:21; D&C 68:3-7).
I like many of you have had these blessings and feelings. Have we not been led to do good, to be honest, to be humbled to the point of gratitude and at almost every turn been inspired to make righteous choices. As parents and as children we have been enlightened to do something or say something. And when you had some joy within your family it too was from the Holy Spirit. We seemly can’t get away from the goodness of God and the power of the Holy Ghost in our lives. We have felt love, joy and peace. We have been comforted and we have borne our testimonies. We have felt the love of God and when we teach we have been inspired by the power of the Holy Ghost. Yes we have had experience with the Holy Ghost in every aspect of our lives. And we should be grateful for these many blessings.
Without the Holy Ghost we are left to ourselves with no empowerment to become, to understand, to be enlighten, and inspired to do the will of God as a missionary of the Lord Jesus Christ. To have its presence in our lives, we must seek the Spirit and pray for it continually to be with us even as a constant companion (see 3 Nephi 19:9). There is a price for this promised blessing. It is true we can receive it, but to enjoy the blessings we must increase in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (see 1 Nephi 10:17), and remember that the Holy Spirit is bestowed upon those who love God and purify themselves before Him (see D&C 76:116), and keep the commandments else we cannot always have His Spirit to be with us (see D&C 20:77, 79).
Having said all of the above, we can understand and appreciate the following statement by the prophet Wilford Woodruff. “You may have the administration of angels, you may see many miracles; you may see many wonders in the earth; but I claim that the gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift that can be bestowed upon man.” (Wilford Woodruff, Address, March 5, 1889, Deseret News Weekly, Vol. 38: 451, as cited in G. Homer Durham, ed., The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1946), 5.) The prophet Brigham Young has emphasized the blessing of the fullness of the Holy Ghost when he said, “If the Latter-day Saints will walk up to their privileges and exercise faith in the name of Jesus Christ and live in the enjoyment of the fullness of the Holy Ghost constantly day by day, there is nothing on the face of the earth that they could ask for that would not be given to them. The Lord is waiting to be very gracious unto this people and to pour out upon them riches, honor, glory, and power, even that they may possess all things according to the promises He has made through His apostles and prophets.” (Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses 11:114, June, 1865.)
Oh how I yearn for the Holy Ghost in my life. I feel it and am literally transformed. I have a desire to do good for it leads me to do good. When I think of others it seems I have a greater abundance of the Spirit. When I think just of myself, I don’t feel so much of that sweet spirit. To think that God our Father loves us so much that He commissioned a member of the Godhead to function as our prompter for life. Our Comforter and guide in all things. Oh how Father loves us! And if we accept this love, and allow the Spirit into our lives, then indeed our hearts are in the right place and we can share the gospel, no matter our age, knowledge, or length of membership in the Church.
Seek To Be A Conduit For The Holy Ghost
How do we become the voice for the Holy Ghost to speak through? Joseph B. Wirthlin has taught concerning the great gift of the Holy Ghost. “As with all gifts, this gift must be received and accepted to be enjoyed. When priesthood hands were laid upon your head to confirm you a member of the Church, you heard the words, “Receive the Holy Ghost.” This did not mean that the Holy Ghost unconditionally became your constant companion. Scriptures warn us that the Spirit of the Lord will “not always strive with man.” When we are confirmed, we are given the right to the companionship of the Holy Ghost, but it is a right that we must continue to earn through obedience and worthiness. We cannot take this gift for granted.” (“The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign, May 2003, 26.)
We also learn from the prophet Joseph as quoted from President Ezra Taft Benson, “Several years after Joseph Smith was martyred, he appeared to President Brigham Young. His message for the Saints at that time constitutes the theme of this chapter: “Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the still small voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; it will yield the fruits of the kingdom. Tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it.” (Manuscript History of Brigham Young, February 23, 1847.)
What we have just learned from the prophets the importance for us to be a conduit for the Holy Spirit. We have to do something to enjoy the gift and blessings of the Holy Spirit. Here are some of the doctrines and principles that will help us enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost in order to obtain and retain His guidance.
Faith—Faith, the foundation of all righteousness, is key to having the blessing and power of the Holy Ghost in our lives (see 1 Ne. 10:17).
Love—The motive for every righteous act is love (see John 3:16; 2 Ne. 26:24). The blessings and power of the Holy Spirit can come only to those who love God (see D&C 76:116).
Obedience—The Lord has made His doctrine clear through the sacramental prayers. If we keep the commandments we can enjoy the companionship of His Spirit (see D&C 20:77, 79). If not, we lose the blessing (see 2 Ne. 26:11; Morm. 1:14).
Gratitude for Receiving the Holy Ghost— In our gratitude for this wonderful gift, we become humble and more easily entreated by His guidance.
Mighty Prayer—Pray and fast for the blessing of the Holy Ghost (see 3 Ne. 19:9, 21). We must literally plead for the Spirit, for without it we are left to ourselves with no comfort, no guide, no teacher, and no knowledge of truth.
Search the Scriptures—The Holy Ghost is enjoyed as we increase in our faith and faith comes by hearing the word of God (see Rom. 10:17).
Seek the blessings and Fruits of the Spirit—We trust in the Spirit, which leads us to do good, to do justly, to walk humbly, and to judge righteously. Thus our minds are enlightened and we feel joy (see D&C 11:12–13). We also receive the fruits of the Spirit: “Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Gal 5:22–23). This includes the gifts of the Spirit (see D&C 46:10-33).
Sharing The Gospel By The Power Of The Holy Ghost
As we share the gospel we must realize that the Holy Spirit is the teacher. We teach under His direction. In our casual and normal conversations you will begin to notice how you just are inspired to say the right thing at the right time. “The power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts of the children of men” (2 Nephi 33:1). And this really happens if we are praying for direction. For it is recorded, “And the Spirit shall be given unto you by the prayer of faith; and if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach” (D&C 42:14). Our prayerful preparation is key to being able to share the gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit. Then the Spirit can touch their hearts and they are more likely to receive our invitations.
Sometimes in your conversation with an especially sensitive, spiritual person the conversation can deepen into a true exchange between the spirits; then a door will be opened, a new perspective will follow, the awakening attitudes will suddenly soften into understanding, and a whole life will be affected for good.
The Lord is so good to us and gives us experiences that bring about life changing moments. As always we give credit to God for all that is good in our lives. If we, as member missionaries are not totally convinced of the joy of the gospel, those feelings will be radiated to anyone who hears us. We simply cannot help another come unto Christ without the assistance of the Holy Ghost.
Recognizing The Holy Spirit
Of all the questions asked by investigators and members alike, the seemingly greatest concern has been: “ How and what will I feel when I feel the Holy Spirit?” At the onset most people are looking for too much, even a type of sign if you will, like something visible or a definite physical sensation—this is not the case. First we will discuss how the Holy Spirit is perceived and then what the Holy Spirit can do as taught in the scriptures so you will know what to look for.
We can categorize the presence and feelings of the Holy Ghost into several areas that most of us have felt at sometime in our lives. Recognizing these feelings as the Holy Spirit is the key. All of us have the same right and privilege to receive the blessings of the Holy Ghost in our lives, for God is no respecter of persons and is the same yesterday, today, and forever (see D&C 1:35; 38:16; Acts 10:34; 2 Nephi 27:23; Mormon 9:9; Moroni 10:19).
Expressions of the Holy Ghost will be described in four ways, physical awareness and sensations, spiritual and emotional feelings, distinct expressions to act and thoughts, and ideas given following prayerful pleadings to the Lord.
Physical Awareness and Sensations
There are many ways we can actually feel the Spirit. When we speak of a burning in the breast, we speak of the sensation of warmth that travels in us when we have done good (see D&C 9:7-9). This is the Holy Spirit. Our bodies can been filled with the light and truth of the Holy Ghost as if by fire (see Alma 36:20). Have you ever sat in church and been overcome by the words of a speaker, or the lines of a hymn? Have you felt that burning sensation, from deep within your chest? Your heart swells and you become choked up as the spirit manifests itself within you. A dear sister missionary explains, “When I was in the MTC praying to know that Joseph Smith was the true prophet and one day in class we began to sing praise to the man. My chest burned, my eyes teared up, and my throat could no longer sing, so strong was the spirit inside me telling me that Joseph Smith was truly a prophet of God.
There are times when the Spirit actually directs our words or understanding. Sometimes words come to us as fast as we can speak (see D&C 100:6). We feel power within our souls and not of ourselves (see Alma 26:16). One sister missionary described this sensation when she became a senior companion. She’d had a difficult time learning the foreign language and was certain that when her companion left and she was placed with one who was new to the mission field all the work they had done would fail for though she knew the words to say, she could not understand the people. On the day her new companion arrived, she knew the Spirit was with her. Overnight she went from not understanding anything that was said to her, to being able to hold conversations with perfect ease. It was not her that immediately understood the language, but the Holy Ghost helping her.
Sometimes we can even have a feeling of weakness and loss of strength. Nephi expressed, “Behold, I am full of the Spirit of God, insomuch that my frame has no strength.” His brothers were so angry that they wanted to throw him into the sea, but Nephi warned them: “I command you that ye touch me not, for I am filled with the power of God, even unto the consuming of my flesh; and whoso shall lay his hands upon me shall wither even as a dried reed” (1 Ne. 17:47-48).. Following experiences with the Holy Spirit our bodies are often in a weakened state (see 1 Nephi 19:20). This is personal and to those who experience it, there is no question where the feeling comes from. Joseph had this loss of strength following the First Vision (see JS-H 1:20) and later with Moroni (see JS-H 1:48). Moses had this same experience (see Moses 1:10). Our physical bodies simply cannot take these empowering moments unless we are quickened. “For no man has seen God at any time in the flesh, except quickened by the Spirit of God” (D&C 67:11).
Spiritual And Emotional Feelings
Like many prophets have said in regard to feelings, you will know it when it happens and that it is true. It is hard to describe yet a strong feeling, nevertheless one which is recognizable. The prophet Joseph felt these feelings when reading James 1:5-6. “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart.” The feelings of the fruits of the Spirit are simple, amazing, and when we feel them we should thank the Lord and recognize that it is the Holy Spirit. Feeling the love of God and being in the arms of His love are expressions of the Holy Spirit. Nephi when conversing with the Holy Spirit and an Angel of God (See 1 Nephi 11) speaks of the love of God. Paul taught, “And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us” (Romans 5:5). Love felt for anyone is an expression of the Holy Spirit. “Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently” (1 Peter 1:22).
As we become a saint and yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit we will “becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love” (Mosiah 3:19). Alma expressed this, “But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering” (Alma 13:28).
Feelings of joy are mentioned as a fruit of the Spirit and purpose of the Holy Spirit (see Gal. 5:22; D&C 11:13). The scriptures are replete with examples of the Spirit filling hearts with joy and rejoicing (see Mosiah 4:3, 20; Alma 7:17, 26; 19:13-14; 22:15). Peace was given to Oliver Cowdery when he was struggling. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, if you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you might know concerning the truth of these things. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God? And now, behold, you have received a witness; for if I have told you things which no man knoweth have you not received a witness?” (D&C 6:22-24 emphasis added.) This peace is precious. As you get older you will come to treasure peace. This special manifestation of the Holy Spirit is so dear to me. I plead for peace. The Lord has said, “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (D&C 19:23). Peace comes from the Word of God in the meekness of His Spirit. This is a formula for peace.
Alma experienced this blessing as he learned from the Lord of their deliverance. “Yea, and it came to pass that the Lord our God did visit us with assurances that he would deliver us; yea, insomuch that he did speak peace to our souls, and did grant unto us great faith, and did cause us that we should hope for our deliverance in him” (Alma 58:10-11 emphasis added).
Distinct Impressions To Act
Nephi was led by the Spirit not knowing before hand the things which he should do (see 1 Nephi 4:6). Many times people have told me, “I had a distinct impression that I should….” Isn’t it wonderful that Heavenly Father would give us such a precious gift to guide us throughout our lives? The Lord even used the spindles on the Liahona to point the way they should travel, and also gave instructions written on the ball including the ways of the Lord and it did work according to faith and diligence (see 1 Nephi 16:10, 16, 26-30).
These feelings have dramatic affect on our behavior. “And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually” (Mosiah 5:2 emphasis added). These were the feelings of the Spirit, which had brought the mighty change upon the people.
Isn’t this absolutely magnificent because this is exactly what the scripture says that the Holy Spirit will do? It will lead you to do good (see D&C 11:12). This is exactly what happened to our Beloved Savior following His anointing by God. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him” (Acts 10:38 emphasis added).
President Joseph F. Smith describes the event, which led him to do good when he said, “I speak of the influence and power of the Holy Spirit…The feeling that came upon me was that of pure peace, of love and of light. I felt in my soul that if I had sinned—and surely I was not without sin—that it had been forgiven me; that I was indeed cleansed from sin; my heart was touched, and I felt that I would not injure the smallest insect beneath my feet. I felt as if I wanted to do good everywhere to everybody and to everything. I felt a newness of life, a newness of desire to do that which was right. There was not one particle of desire for evil left in my soul.” (Smith, Joseph F., Gospel Doctrine , S. L. C., Utah, Deseret Book Co., 1963, p. 96.)
This going about doing good is what happens to people when empowered by the Holy Ghost. The Savior, President Joseph F. Smith and many other normal regular people go about doing good. It is what saints do. “We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men.” (Articles of Faith:13) Captain Moroni, the great warrior, was more intent “in doing good, in preserving his people, yea, in keeping the commandments of God, yea, and resisting iniquity.” (Alma 48:16) Doing good is simply nurturing and serving your fellowmen.
Thoughts And Ideas Given Following Prayerful Pleadings
The prophet Joseph has taught: “The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon; (i.e.) those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation” (TPJS, p. 151, emphasis added).
The Holy Spirit enlightens our minds (see D&C 11:13) and gives to us the words which we should say. “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). It was an angel who delivered the message to King Benjamin that he gave to his people (see Mosiah 3:2).
A key to understanding this principle is found in the doctrine that the spirit of prophecy and revelation is the power of the Holy Ghost. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). Also in the Doctrine and Covenants we read, “To some it is given by the Holy Ghost … to prophesy” (D&C 46:13, 22). Whenever you see those words, you know that the power of the Holy Ghost is functioning. Examples are throughout the scriptures with the Sons of Mosiah (see Alma 17:2-3), Samuel the prophet who was to prophecy the thing that came into his heart (see Hel. 13:3,5), and elsewhere in The Book of Mormon (see Alma 4:20; 5:47; 6:48; 8:24; 9:21; 10:12; 13:26; 16:5; 37:5; 43:2; Hel. 4:12, 23; 3 Nephi 3:19). Each of the expressions of the Holy Spirit in the manners described above are perceived and felt in a variety of ways from immediacy to act (see 1 Nephi 4:6), a still small voice, writing on the Liahona or wall, and even a demonstrative power that is felt by others.
It is interesting the words that are used in the scriptures regarding how the Holy Spirit comes to us, pour or poured My Spirit into or upon you (see Jacob 7:7-8; Mos. 25:24; D&C 19:38). It is as if we are a container or conduit for the Holy Spirit and indeed we are. The Holy Spirit works through us in order that we might feel the power and blessing of His presence and follow the promptings. In other scriptures the words filled with the Holy Ghost are used (see Alma 8:30; 1:36; 36:24; Hel. 5 :45; 3 Nephi 12:6; 19:13; 26:17; 30:2). The above scriptures teach us and we must realize that the Spirit dwells within us for we are a temple of God (see 1 Cor. 3:16). The Holy Spirit will not always strive with us unless we are clean, pure, and free from iniquity (see Mormon 1:14; 1 Cor. 3:17; 1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Nephi 33:2; Mosiah 2;36; Hel. 4:24; D&C 64:16). This does not mean we are perfect. It simply means we are trying to be our best. We care. We want to be good. We want to share the gospel. The Lord knows our hearts and He will bless us with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Indeed we can clearly see the blessing that the Holy Spirit is in our lives and without it we would be left alone, miserable with no direction or power in our lives. Oh the goodness of God. He sent us the Holy Ghost because of His beloved Son. “Father, thou hast given them the Holy Ghost because they believe in me; and thou seest that they believe in me because thou hearest them, and they pray unto me; and they pray unto me because I am with them” (3 Nephi 19:22).
The Holy Ghost Is Needed To Help People Come Unto Christ
As you share the gospel, it is important that you help them recognize the Holy Spirit.. Coming to the knowledge of the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost is part of the process of conversion. The truth is the Lord Jesus Christ. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Coming to the knowledge of the truth is coming to the knowledge of Christ the Lord. This takes time so be patient and understanding.
Teaching By The Spirit
There will be those precious moments when you become the teacher. Don’t doubt your abilities or your power. The Lord will make you adequate for the situation. You can only teach by the Holy Spirit (see D&C 42:14). Pray with them and thus you will teach them how to pray. Study the scriptures together and show them how they have answers to today’s biggest problems and concerns. As you read together you will teach them how to look for eternal truths and how to apply the scriptures to their lives. An ideal thing to do is to get a list of their concerns during the teaching process and then you will teach to those topics which they interest in and hopefully solutions to their lives. Teach them about opposition and temptation and the power of agency. Above all teach them concerning our Savior Jesus Christ and who they can look for redemption. Teach them and help them to make and keep commitments. I testify that you can do these things. I have had experience with each facet we have discussed in this section. The Lord will help you. The Holy Spirit will teach for you as you prepare to be a conduit for the Holy Spirit.