This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday Afternoon Session of the October 2010 Conference.
Elder Bednar's talk on receiving the Holy Ghost is so good and Elder Bednar-ish—clear language, specific invitations, careful repetition to reinforce a point. I always learn so much from his talks! I've been thinking about the Holy Ghost this week and how I can seek His companionship more deliberately. First off, I was struck by the fact that Elder Bednar always refers to the Holy Ghost as "Him." I of course know that the Holy Ghost is a "him," but have often found it easier to use "it" in a sentence—e.g., "I need the Holy Ghost; it helps me daily." But after hearing so many "Him"s in this talk, the "it" sounded almost rude! And it kind of changes how I think about "having the Spirit with me" when I think "having HIM with me"!
Elder Bednar says that we can't coerce the Holy Ghost but must invite Him to be with us, and then elaborates:
Our invitations for the companionship of the Holy Ghost occur in many ways: through the making and keeping of covenants; by praying sincerely as individuals and families; by searching the scriptures diligently; through strengthening appropriate relationships with family members and friends; by seeking after virtuous thoughts, actions, and language; and by worshipping in our homes, in the holy temple, and at church. Conversely, casualness about or the breaking of covenants and commitments, failing to pray and study the scriptures, and inappropriate thoughts, actions, and language cause the Spirit to withdraw from or to avoid us altogether.
I like the idea that just attempting to "strengthen relationships" can invite the Holy Ghost which will then assist us in that strengthening. And I think it's comforting that it's not exactly just sin, or breaking covenants, which causes Him to withdraw, but specifically casualness about breaking those covenants. That gives me hope that when I fall short in how I treat my family or others, I can quickly re-invite the Holy Ghost through being sorry and asking forgiveness.
I also really like the end of this quote by Joseph Smith. I have read the first part many times, but I don't know if I've seen the whole thing before:
A few years after the Prophet Joseph Smith was martyred, he appeared to President Brigham Young and shared this timeless counsel: “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 small still 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. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits. It will whisper peace and joy to their souls, and it will take malice, hatred, envying, strife, and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness, and build up the kingdom of God. Tell the brethren if they will follow the Spirit of the Lord they will go right."
Again if I think "He" here (though Joseph Smith uses "it," so that must not be an incorrect way to speak of the Holy Ghost), it is just nice to think about how this would happen. Just as I often adopt the ideals, mannerisms, vocabulary, etc. of the people I spend the most time with, if I spend time with the Holy Ghost—listening to Him, enjoying His presence, and learning from Him—just like a good friend would, He will "whisper peace and joy to my soul"! And He will help me have that mighty change of heart I want so much, helping me desire only goodness and righteousness. I love that thought.
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