The Gift that exceeds all others

Mosiah 8

Ammon teaches the people of Limhi. He learns about the Jaredite records and teaches about seers. The gift of seer exceeds all other gifts.

I have recently been made aware of scriptures.byu.edu, a web site that shows talks given by the brethren from the beginning of the restoration to the current where they have referenced the scripture passages you're reading. It is very interesting for sure. Orson Pratt gave quite a discussion on this chapter.

Joseph Smith only went into the grove of trees to know which church to join. He wasn't asking to become a prophet. Well, we know that is exactly what did happen to him. As a consequence of this one prayer and obedience to all the Lord's commands, he became not only a prophet, but a seer, a revelator – the gift that exceed all others. What exactly can a seer do? The answer is in verses 16 & 17

• Revelator
• Prophet
• Knows things past
• Knows things to come
• All things are revealed to him
• Secret things made known
• Hidden things come to light
• Miracles are worked
• He is a benefit to his people

In spite of this knowledge, the “children of men” (v20) are blind an impenetrable to the ways of God. Why would this be? Do we hold too lightly the things that the prophet says? Perhaps. Do we just not listen intently enough? Do we sleep through his talk? All these things are possibilities and we've seen them in ourselves and our close family members at times. The last item should be the one thing that causes us to sit up and listen – and act! “He is a benefit to his fellow beings.” If we know we can benefit from heeding the words of our prophet today, should that not be enough to know we need to take action?”

I need to listen to the conference talks again. What do I need to change? What warnings have I been given?

I know Pres. Monson is a prophet of God. I take seriously the things he says. I need to know what they are.