As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we spend a lot of time in meetings.
Part of sitting through those meetings means discussing topics that range from basic principles of the gospel to the deeper doctrines of the church. While we try to keep our discussions on topic, we might find ourselves delving into topics that may be too deep for a formal class. In our eagerness to share our own experiences, sometimes we share too much.
We all realize that the topic of Kolob would be inappropriate in a gospel principles class. What about sacred experiences shared in a deep discussion of gospel doctrine? There is a time to have sacred discussions. So how do we know how much to say and when is the right time?
Given a gift
Let’s address the how first. D&C 6: 10-12 says:
“Behold thou hast a gift, and blessed art thou because of thy gift. Remember it is sacred and cometh from above— And if thou wilt inquire, thou shalt know mysteries which are great and marvelous; therefore, thou shalt exercise thy gift, that thou mayest find out mysteries, that thou mayest bring many to the knowledge of the truth, yea, convince them of the error of their ways. Make not thy gift known unto any save it be those who are of thy faith. Trifle not with sacred things.”
In this verse, the Lord tells us we should seek to know the mysteries of the kingdom for the purpose of helping others grow in the gospel, but it comes with a caution. According to Dictionary.com, to trifle means to deal with lightly or without due seriousness or respect. When the Lord reminds us that something is sacred, it means when we are moved to speak about it, we do so with reverence. We don’t advertise our knowledge for the world to see nor do we boast of what the Lord has taught us. In the same verse, the Lord reminds us that all these things “come from above”.
Speaking of sacred things
When do we speak of sacred things? I believe that any time in which the Holy Ghost inspires you to speak, that is the time. There have been times when the Holy Ghost has moved me to say something and I hesitated. I was concerned about if the listeners would be ready for what I was asked to share but the Spirit always knows best. I also have had the experience of sharing something at the wrong time. I’m afraid I sounded like a bit of a lunatic. When the Spirit directs, do share. He has a purpose for asking you to speak up.
Elder Paul B. Pieper gave a talk about sacred things. He said, “The sacred cannot be selectively surrendered. Those who choose to abandon even one sacred thing will have their minds darkened, and unless they repent, the light they have shall be taken from them. Unanchored by the sacred, they will find themselves morally adrift on a secular sea. In contrast, those who hold sacred things sacred receive promises: “That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day”. 1
As we hold sacred all that heaven sends us, we will be blessed with more light. As we share that light with those whom the Spirit directs us to share, we will be edified together.
- “To Hold Sacred,” Elder Paul B. Pieper of the Seventy, General Conference, April 2012
Muchas gracias. ?Como puedo iniciar sesion?