Elder Russell M. Nelson: 'Ask, seek, knock' — accessing personal revelation
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More amazing than modern technology is mankind's opportunity "to access information directly from heaven, without hardware, software or monthly service fees," said of the Quorum of the Twelve in his Sunday morning conference address.
"This timeless offer to provide personal revelation is extended to all of His children," Elder Nelson said. "It almost sounds too good to be true. But it is true! I have received and responded to that heavenly help. And I have learned that I always need to be ready to receive it."
Drawing laughter from the congregation, Elder Nelson told of being immersed in the task of preparing a talk for general conference years ago when he was aroused from a sound sleep with an idea impressed strongly upon his mind. He reached for a pencil and paper near his bed and jotted the thought down as rapidly as he could. To his dismay the next morning, he found the writing was totally illegible.
Elder Nelson said that firm faith and a deep desire are necessary to access information from heaven.
"The next requirement is to study the matter diligently," he declared.
Some truths from God are applicable generally, such as the commandments not to steal, not to kill and not to bear false witness, he observed, while others have been given for unique circumstances, such as commandments to Noah, Moses, Lehi and Brigham Young.
"A desire to follow the prophet requires much effort, because the natural man knows very little of God and even less of His prophet," Elder Nelson said, citing scriptures stating that the natural man is an enemy to God unless he becomes submissive and childlike.
He said he recently observed such a change in a man whom he met about 10 years ago on the occasion of the man's son being sustained as a stake president. On that occasion, Elder Nelson told him the time would come when he would want to have the son sealed to him, and that he, Elder Nelson, would be honored to perform the sealing ceremony. In the subsequent decade, the man began to lose his hearing. That awakened him to the fact that his time on earth was limited. He became converted and joined the Church. Responding to his request, Elder Nelson performed the sealing ceremony as promised.
"After such a conversion takes place, even further spiritual refinement can come," Elder Nelson noted. "Personal revelation can be honed to become spiritual discernment."
"Revelation from God is always compatible with His eternal law," he remarked. "It never contradicts His doctrine. It is facilitated by proper reverence for Deity."
He added: "Revelation need not all come at once. It may be incremental. ... Patience and perseverance are part of our eternal progression."
Elder Nelson said prophets have described what they felt while receiving revelation. "Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery reported that 'the veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened.' President Joseph F. Smith wrote: 'As I pondered over these things which are written, the eyes of my understanding were opened, and the Spirit of the Lord rested upon me.'"
