February Bishopric Message - The Still Small Voice

The gospel teaches us that every person when born on this earth is given the spirit of truth.  Children are very sensitive to this spirit and respond very quickly to its promptings and it seems as we get older we desensitize ourselves to its promptings.  The children have a song in Primary which goes as follows:

Through a still small voice, the Spirit speaks to me
To guide me, to save me from the evil I may see.
If I try to do what's right, he will lead me thru the night,
Direct me, protect me, and give my soul his light.
Listen, listen.  The Holy Ghost will whisper.
Listen, listen to the still small voice.

However, it is imperative that each of us come to a point in our lives where the spirit is again awakened and we become sensitive to this still small voice.  The process is not difficult but requires in us a willing heart.  As we tune ourselves to this spirit, things begin to happen in our lives and in the lives of our friends and neighbors.  Whether we are young or old the steps are faith, repentance, and then baptism which lead to the marvelous gift which is given to us of the Holy Ghost.

Although the Apostles had not yet received the Holy Ghost while they were yet with Christ, he told them that they would receive another Comforter.  "But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you."  John 14:26

As we become more and more attuned to the Still Small Voice, we can have great things take place in our lives as Elder Richard Edgley of the Presiding Bishopric suggested, "It is a still small voice and a throbbing heart that motivates millions of members to emulate the life of Jesus in word, deed and service.  It is a still small voice and a throbbing heart that motivates thousands of retired couples to serve missions, usually for 18 months or longer.  They put aside the comforts of life to go into the world, serving others at their own expense and at what some would consider substantial sacrifice, often serving in remote parts of the world where a hot shower and a comfortable bed are luxuries that linger only in their memories."  Ensign May 2005

May our lives be so blessed that we have the promptings of the still small voice to help us in all that we do so that we can enjoy the full fellowship of the saints and the household of God.

Bro. Roy Stephen, 2nd Counselor in the Bishopric