After my last post I ran across a scripture that goes perfect with what I was saying. It is in the Book of Mormon; Moroni 7:16, "For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God." This goes well with what I was saying about listening to, and with, our hearts.
I was also reminded of the 9th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, verses 7-9. This was given to Oliver Cowdery when he had desired to translate the Book of Mormon and failed. This is good instruction for us all. The Lord said; "Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me. But behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right. But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings,but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me."
A number of years ago I was called to be a Sunday School President. I was in my late twenties at the time and was feeling very inadequate. I was tasked with selecting two counselors to help in the organization. At this time in my life I had never sought inspiration for any one besides myself and my family. I was really struggling with this, so I went to see the bishop who had asked me to do this task. He refused to give me any suggestions as to who we should call. He told me that I had the keys to this inspiration and I had to do it. He did, however, give me some advice, which was basically to read this section of the D&C with me. He told me to get the Ward list and look through it and see if any names made sense to me. He called this doing my "homework." When I had some names in mind I was then to ask The Lord. When I got that confirmation, I had to submit those names to the Bishop. Well I struggled with this for another week or two and kept getting a feeling about one of my best teachers. This man was an excellent youth teacher and I just didn't want to give him up in that position. I actually argued with the spirit for a few days and finally gave in and submitted a couple of names including this man. The bishop questioned my choice because he also knew what a great teacher this brother was. I told the bishop of my experience and the man was called. He turned out to be the best counselor I could have asked for. It was he who suggested another person for his replacement and this turned out to be a great thing for the youth also.
We now have a good box of tools for making choices:
1. Look to the end of the road. Try to see the consequences of the action we are about to take.
2. Listen to, and with, our hearts. Meditate, be still, and get in touch with our inner feelings.
3. Do your Homework. Study the decision. Gather all the information that is available.
4. Ask. There is a Supreme Being. Call him God, Allah, or what you will. My son-in-law is an English Professor and has issues with organized religion, but calls the Supreme Being "The Author". I actually like this. Pray to Him. Ask Him if your decision is right. And again, Listen for the answer. I promise you will feel it in your deepest feelings.
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