Blessings of Spirit must be received
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When, as a young missionary, Sunday School General President A. Roger Merrill felt a witness that the Book of Mormon is true, he began to understand the importance of receiving the Spirit, he said during the Sunday afternoon session.
"Such receiving is a foundational gospel pattern," he said. "It is set forth in the very ordinance by which we are confirmed members of the Church. In this ordinance, we are instructed to 'receive the Holy Ghost."'
He later stated, "In our Church meetings, in our personal and family scripture study, and even this day as we listen to the Lord's prophets and apostles, some of us will 'receive' more than others. Why? I am learning that those who truly receive do at least three things that others may not do."
He said, "First, they seek," noting that in the current "spectator world," the attitude may be, "'Here I am; now inspire me.' We become spiritually passive.
"When we focus instead on seeking and receiving the Spirit, we become less concerned about a teacher or speaker holding our attention and more concerned about giving our attention to the Spirit."
He continued, "Second, those who receive feel. While revelation comes to the mind and heart, it is most often felt. Until we learn to pay attention to these spiritual feelings, we usually do not even recognize the Spirit."
Then he said, "Third, those who receive by the Spirit intend to act. ... The Spirit teaches when we honestly intend to do something about what we learn."
Brother Merrill concluded by reflecting again on his missionary experience with the Book of Mormon. He said, "As inexperienced as I was, at least on that occasion I was sincerely trying to seek and to feel, and my intent was to act in faith on what I had learned. I know now that such witnesses are available to each of us on a regular basis if we will receive them."
