LDS Mormonism and a life with the Holy Ghost

 
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The Spirit as Your Constant Companion


Mormon scripture includes this promise and challenge about the Holy Ghost being your constant companion:

holy ghost scripturesD&C 121 45-46:
"Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

2 Nephi 32:5
"For behold, again I say unto you that if ye will enter in by the way, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do."

Back in the late 1970's, my devout Mormon mother took these scriptures to heart, especially after she read this church Ensign article that in part, said:

"As we look at our own relationships with the Holy Ghost, what do we find? A stranger, a visitor—or our constant companion?"

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is not restricted to either men or women; nor is it restricted to the General Authorities. It is available to all of us as long as we obey the commandments of God. With this gift we can experience for ourselves direction, inspiration, comfort, wisdom, strength, and testimony every day. In other words, we can receive revelation. We are told by the Prophet Joseph Smith that “no man can receive the Holy Ghost without receiving revelations. The Holy Ghost is a revelator.” (History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6:58.)"

"We must then listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, the “still small voice” that may come naturally as a thought or impression. The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it, you may find it fulfilled the same day or soon ... ; and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation.” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 151.)"

"When parents are trying to rear a family, each day brings a hundred decisions, large and small. Some of these decisions play a more important role in shaping the lives of our children and naturally concern us more. While the Lord has instructed us to use own wisdom and to search for the answers to our problems, he has not left us alone. He has provided a means whereby we may know if the decisions we come to are the proper ones. Through the guidance of The Holy Ghost: A Stranger, Visitor, or Constant Companion, parents can be directed into the most effective means of working with their children and may receive promptings in their behalf."

"We can be guided, not only in times of crisis, but also on a day-to-day basis. We may receive on-the-spot guidance in little matters such as how to help a three-year-old cope with the frustrations of learning to tie his shoes, or perhaps in resolving conflicts between brothers and sisters. The ideas we receive may often seem so natural that we may not think of them as inspiration, but if we respond, we will see a change take place in our homes."
- Sister Coleen Baird, “The Holy Ghost: A Stranger, Visitor, or Constant Companion?” Ensign, June 1977, 20

This Mormon doctrine changed my mother's life forever. After reading this and prayerful study, she says she consecrated her life over to God. She totally turned her life over to listening and obeying "the Spirit" AT ALL TIMES and believed she received constant revelation, just as the church promises. From 1977 until today, my mother believes she is constantly guided by the "still small voice."

At first, she described feeling "the spirit" guiding her. Then over the years she would describe it as her "radio" and then simply "the voice" telling her what she should do. Every decision she made was because of "the voice." Even for simple things, like if I could go to a movie with my friends, she'd say "I hear a no" or "the voice says no." She would never say "I don't want you to" or "I don't think that is a good idea."

It turned out that the voice was always telling her what to do and what to say - no matter how inconsistent.

Isn't this the life the Mormon church promises?

mormon holy ghost"Nephi taught this: “If ye will ... receive the Holy Ghost, it will show unto you all things what ye should do” (2 Ne. 32:5). What a remarkable privilege and promise! Lorenzo Snow said that it is the “grand privilege of every Latter-day Saint to have the manifestations of the spirit every day of our lives [so] that we may know the light, and not be groveling continually in the dark” (in Conference Report, April 1899, 52). We have been promised the constant companionship of the third member of the Godhead and hence the privilege of receiving revelation for our own lives. We are not alone!"

"Without the presence of the Spirit, it is impossible to comprehend our personal mission or to have the reassurance that our course is right. No mortal comfort can duplicate that of the Comforter. Said President Hinckley, “There is no greater blessing that can come into our lives than ... the companionship of the Holy Spirit” (Boston Massachusetts Regional Conference, 22 Apr. 1995;)."

"Elder Bruce R. McConkie said, “There is no price too high ... no sacrifice too great, if out of it all we ... enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost” (A New Witness for the Articles of Faith [1984], 253). What are we willing to do, what weaknesses and indulgences will we give up, to have as our personal protector and guide the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost? It is a question worth asking, for let us be clear: The adversary delights in separating us, the sisters of this Church, from the Spirit."
- Sister Sheri L. Dew (Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency), “We Are Not Alone,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 94

As you can see, there's overwhelming support from the church to follow the promptings of the spirit in ALL of one's choices and irregardless of the consequences.

gospel doctrine"The gift of the Holy Ghost is a great blessing given to those who have been confirmed members of the Church. If we live worthy of His companionship, He will help us to successfully complete our missions here on earth. He will do this by guiding us, protecting us, comforting us, and otherwise helping us in all areas of our lives. Seek the companionship of the Holy Ghost in your daily life."
- Gospel Principles and Doctrines, Lesson 30: The Gift of the Holy Ghost, page 223

apostle henry eyring"The words of confirmation into the Church are an invitation: “Receive the Holy Ghost.” And that choice must be made not once, but every day, every hour, every minute. Even when the Holy Ghost comes and inspires them what they should do, doing it or not is a choice. Even when they read the scriptures regularly, it takes a choice to “feast upon the words of Christ.” And even the feast is not nourishing without a choice to do what the words of Christ tell them to do. With faith and obedience practiced long enough, the Holy Ghost becomes a constant companion, our natures change, and endurance becomes certain."
- Apostle Henry B. Eyring, “True Friends,” Ensign, May 2002, 26

The church tells its members that the General Authorities have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion and that the members can receive this same constant divine guidance:

l tom perry"I have found in these Brethren seated before you the fulfillment in their lives of the promise given to the Prophet Joseph Smith “...let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion." (D&C 121:45-46.)"

"I have watched them armed with the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, taking on enormous work loads at an age when most men would be confined to rocking chairs, and engaging in strenuous travel schedules with great enthusiasm to be anxiously engaged in building the kingdom of God. Then by observation, the realization has come to me that this great Spirit that blesses them in their activities is not a special gift to them alone, but is available to all mankind if they will but be partakers and earnestly seek it and be humbly guided by it. “The office of the Holy Ghost is to enlighten the mind, to purify and sanctify the soul, to incite to good works, and to reveal the things of God.” (James E. Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 167.)"

"Isn’t this spirit a constant companion you need in your life? “Consider your ways.” Isn’t now the time to follow the Lord’s direction and receive the divine assurance that he is with you, guiding you in the paths that will make your life meaningful, rewarding, and satisfying?"
- Apostle L. Tom Perry, “Consider Your Ways,” Ensign, July 1973, 20

"But there is a companionship of great and eternal significance over which we do have full and complete control. It is a companionship that can be obtained and enjoyed by all, regardless of age or sex. It is a companionship that heals loneliness, motivates to excellence, and gives meaning to life. It is the companionship of one of the members of the Godhead—the Holy Ghost, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, the Revelator, the Sanctifier, the Spirit of the Lord. It is a companionship that will assure us that we’re not alone, and will never be alone."

"Would you like to obtain perfect peace and assurance in all that you do? If so, make the Holy Ghost your companion and you, too, may receive the type of assurance given Nephi and Lehi: “Peace, peace be unto you, because of your faith in my Well Beloved, who was from the foundation of the world.” (Hel. 5:47.)"

carlos asay"Mortal men and women are endowed with marvelous abilities and potential. But however great these mortal powers may be, they are only a shadow of those powers that can be claimed through a linkage with the Holy Spirit. I hope you do not say to yourself that these words about a companionship with the Spirit are for someone else, not you. God is no respecter of persons. His blessings and gifts are not reserved for a precious few. It matters not whether you are an Apostle or a deacon, a Relief Society officer or a Primary teacher. All of us have the promise of gifts of the Spirit if we place ourselves in a position to claim them."
- Elder Carlos E. Asay, “The Companionship of the Holy Ghost,” Ensign, Apr. 1988, 15, also New Era, Aug. 1990, 33

james faust"I testify that as we mature spiritually under the guidance of the Holy Ghost, our sense of personal worth, of belonging, and of identity increases. I further testify that I would rather have every person enjoy the Spirit of the Holy Ghost than any other association, for they will be led by that Spirit to light and truth and pure intelligence, which can carry them back into the presence of God."

"I pray that the promise of the Lord will be fulfilled for each of us, that “the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion, and [our] scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and [our] dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto [us] forever and ever” (D&C 121:46)."
- Apostle James E. Faust, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost—A Sure Compass,” Ensign, Apr. 1996, 2, also Ensign, May 1989, 31

holy ghost"The Holy Ghost speaks with a voice that you feel more than you hear. It is described as a “still small voice” (see D&C 85:6). And while we speak of “listening” to the whisperings of the Spirit, most often one describes a spiritual prompting by saying, “I had a feeling..." The scriptures are full of such expressions as “The veil was taken from our minds, and the eyes of our understanding were opened” (D&C 110:1), “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart” (D&C 8:2), and “Speak the thoughts that I shall put into your hearts” (D&C 100:5). The voice of the Spirit speaks gently, prompting you what to do or what to say, or it may caution or warn you. Ignore or disobey these promptings, and the Spirit will leave you. It is your choice—your agency. I bear witness of the power of the Spirit and thank God that this wonderful gift is given to you, our youth, to guide you as you move forward to a happy life."
- Apostle Boyd K. Packer, “The Gift of the Holy Ghost,” Friend, July 1995, inside front cover

"After we are baptized we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. The Holy Ghost will be our constant companion as long as we live righteously. We can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in different ways. Sometimes we will hear a still, small voice; have a feeling of peace; or have a warm feeling in our heart. The Holy Ghost can help us understand sacred things and will testify of the truth. As we listen to the Holy Ghost, we can tell right from wrong and feel comforted and loved.
- Family Home Evening Manual, 602, http://www.lds.org/hf/art/display/0,16842,4218-1-6-154,00.html

young women holy ghost"Teacher Presentation: Remind the young women that their ability to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost depends on their faithfulness to the Lord’s commandments. If they listen to the Holy Ghost, his promptings can be their greatest source of comfort and guidance, a constant companion. We need never be alone when we are worthy to receive the Holy Ghost. If you prepared cards, ask the young women to take them home, hang them on a wall, and refer to them before praying at night. Challenge class members to actively seek the Holy Ghost to be their constant companion."
- Young Women's Manual 1, Living as a Daughter of God, 4: Seeking the Companionship of the Holy Ghost, Objective 13

"I invite you to ponder individually in a humble and prayerful manner and ask yourself: “Do I have the Spirit in my life? Am I happy? Am I doing anything in my life that is offensive to the Spirit and preventing the Holy Ghost from being my constant companion?” Have the courage to repent, if needed, and again enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost."

"The gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to receive the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, is obtained only upon condition of faith in Christ, repentance, baptism by immersion, and the laying on of hands by authorized servants endowed with the Melchizedek Priesthood. It is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord’s Church."

"We should spend more time at the temple and less time in the pursuit of pleasure. We should lower the noise level in our homes so that the noise of the world will not overpower the still, small voice of the Holy Ghost. One of our greatest goals as parents should be to enjoy the power and influence of the Holy Ghost in our homes. We should pray and study the scriptures. We could sing the hymns of the Restoration to invite the Holy Ghost into our home. Regular family home evening will also help. In these perilous times, we need this unspeakable gift in our lives."
- Apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Unspeakable Gift,” Ensign, May 2003, 26

follow the spirit"Members of the Church may have the blessing of the Holy Ghost, the prompter, as a companion as well, and when the Holy Ghost is really within us, Satan must remain without. Study of the scriptures, prayer, faithful living of the commandments of the Lord, the discharge of church obligations and duties, being a considerate neighbor, and using the heaven-sent program of family home evenings can provide a basis for having the Holy Ghost as a constant companion and protector, which will result in peace and happiness."
- Elder Ray L. Christiansen, “Power Over Satan,” Ensign, Nov. 1974, 22

spirit promptings"In our weekly sacrament meetings, we “partake of bread and [water], in remembrance of the Lord Jesus,” to keep His commandments that we may be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. It is one of the choicest blessings that we can receive. Faith in Christ, repentance, baptism, and confirmation, followed by virtuous living qualify us to receive the guiding companionship of the Spirit of God. It is through the power and influence of the Holy Ghost that the Lord keeps His promise to be with us always and “not leave [us] comfortless.” As a caring touch comforts a frightened child in the night, so the warmth of the Holy Ghost can touch our hearts and calm our fears. As the soothing voice of a loving parent can quiet the crying babe, the whisperings of the Spirit can hush the nagging worries of our lives."
- Apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Valued Companions,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 32

gift of holy ghost"Another personage is the Holy Ghost, whose enduring influence transcends time. Scripture assures that “the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever” (D&C 121:46). Brothers and sisters, these Heavenly Beings love you. Their love is as constant as is the greatest love of earthly parents."
- Apostle Russell M. Nelson, “Constancy amid Change,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 33

The church does nothing but encourage this behavior. Taking this Mormon teaching seriously has ruined my mother's life. The harmful things my mother has done over the years due to following "the spirit" are too painful, embarassing and lengthy to describe here.




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