Holy Ghost

1 Nephi 10

Nephi recounts the things his father has learned through prophecy. He speaks of the Savior, Messiah and Redeemer of the world and that without Him, we would all be lost and fallen (v6). He tells us that we will know him by the power of the Holy Ghost (17). My favorite is a scripture mastery, however, and a verse that son-in-law, Danny, quotes often: “For he is the same yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him (18).”

Why is it so hard to believe that the Lord requires of us certain things? Why is it so difficult to believe that we will be judged according to our works here on earth? Why is it so difficult to equate wickedness to being unclean and therefore unfit to dwell with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ again? Why does the possibility of an afterlife seem even like a story your parents have made up? I believe the answer to that question is found in verse 19. The word diligently means: painstakingly busy, actively, engaged, laborious. In other words, real effort must be given to the task of knowing for oneself. And when we do this, the “mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them (us), by the power of the Holy Ghost.” It is the Holy Ghost that makes the difference. We must make ourselves fit for his influence to teach us. It cannot be a casual effort or be something we are told by others without first seeking diligently on our own.

What does this mean to me? As someone who has received a testimony through the power of the Holy Ghost and as one who has influence to a degree on others, I need to be diligent in bearing my testimony to the truths of the Gospel – both as a mother and grandmother and as a servant of the Lord in my church calling.