Elder Jose A. Teixeira: Spiritual gifts help navigate life
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Spiritual gifts "help us navigate our lives toward eternal goals," Elder Jose A. Teixeira said, speaking in the Sunday afternoon session.
The ability and power to choose is a gift given to all and "our choices have the undeniable power of transforming our lives," he said. He added, "Choices have consequences attached, which may or may not be manifested immediately after our decisions. Using the spiritual gifts we have been given is paramount in order to remain on the right course."
He spoke of using a GPS (global positioning system). He said, "With this small device, I feel a great sense of security when driving, and trust it will take me with extraordinary precision and accuracy where I want to go."
But one time, when he drove into a parking garage, he said the signal was lost. And even after driving back out of the garage, it took some time for the GPS to recapture its signal.
He said, "We, too, have within us a 'GPS' allowing us to know at all times what is right and what is wrong as well as assisting us in making correct choices."
Members of the Church have the guidance of the gift of the Holy Ghost, he said. Then he warned, "If we become desensitized from the things of God in our lives; we too lose reception of the signal needed to guide us. Keeping the commandments is our best assurance to maintain a 'strong signal' with the Divine."
"The capacity to believe the words of those who testify of Jesus Christ" is another gift that helps in navigating through life, he said.
"Through prophets in every age, including our own, God has revealed His plan of happiness for individuals and families," he said. "Those who follow the prophets receive the blessings God has promised.
"We can always trust the living prophets; their teachings reflect the word and will of the Lord."
