The Gift of the Holy Ghost

Here we are on Earth, working and striving every day.  We may not know why, and at times we may feel lost. After all, our Father in Heaven does not come and visit us personally to help us.  Life wouldn't be much of a test if He did.  But doesn't he care about us?  Of course He does.  He has sent a member of the Godhead, the Holy Ghost, to be a compass and map back to Him.

"All are born with the Light of Christ, a guiding influence which permits each person to recognize right from wrong.  What we do with that light and how we respond to those promptings to live righteously is part of the test of mortality" (President Boyd K. Packer, These Things I Know General Conference address Apr. 6, 2013).

Jesus taught that we must be baptised not only of water, but also of the Holy Ghost.  Baptism is incomplete unless we are baptised with water and the Spirit.  Only then can we receive a remission of sins and become reborn as disciples of Jesus Christ.  How is one baptised of the Spirit?  Following one's baptism by water; one or more authorized leaders lays their hands on the recipient's head and confirm the person a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; and they confer the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Through receiving the Holy Ghost and remaining worthy of His companionship, you are blessed with an increased portion of spiritual discernment, strength, and comfort  You are warned of dangers, and receive help as you teach and learn.  It is one of God's great gifts to us and gives a little taste of the eternal joys and a promise of eternal life.

The priesthood authority is required to perform this ordinance, which was lost for centuries after the death of Christ; and was restored again through Joseph Smith.  This ordinance is one thing that makes our church different from all others.  The Lord declared that this church is "the only true and living church upon the face of the whole earth" (D&C 1:30).

The times when I have felt the Holy Ghost prompting me have been turning points in my life.  I have been blessed as I have followed the promptings, and I've suffered when I've ignored it.  Pay attention to the feelings you have that seem to direct you to stay away from a dangerous situation.  The Holy Ghost will instead inspire us to spread goodness and peace.  These feelings are Heavenly Father speaking to you.  If you're not having these feelings, you may just need to rid your mind of worldly distractions for a little while and read scriptures or listen to uplifting music.  Eventually the direction you need will come.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost-A Sure Compass