From the Book of Mormon, particularly 3 Nephi, chapters 11 through 26 [3 Ne. 11–26], when the Savior Jesus Christ
showed himself to the people on the American continent, many gifts are
referred to as being very real and most useful. Taken at random, let me
mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that
are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident
but nevertheless real and valuable.
Let
us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the
gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice;
the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the
gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift
of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment;
the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple;
the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the
gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the
gift of receiving the Holy Ghost. We
must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share
them. God’s gifts and powers are available to all of us.
1. The Gift to Ponder
As I study the scriptures, I am challenged and moved by the word ponder used so frequently in the Book of Mormon. Dictionaries say that ponder means to weigh mentally, think deeply about, deliberate, meditate.
When
Jesus Christ came to teach the Nephites, he said, “Therefore, go ye
unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask
of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your
minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again” (3 Ne. 17:3).
Moroni
used this term as he closed his record. “Behold, I would exhort you
that when ye shall read these things, … ye would remember how merciful
the Lord hath been unto the children of men, … and ponder it in your
hearts” (Moro. 10:3). By
pondering, we give the Spirit an opportunity to impress and direct.
Pondering is a powerful link between the heart and the mind. As we read
the scriptures, our hearts and minds are touched. If we use the gift to
ponder, we can take these eternal truths and realize how we can
incorporate them into our daily actions.
How often have we ourselves said or have heard others exclaim in times of crisis or trouble, “I just don’t know where to turn”?If we will just use it, there is a gift available to all of us—the gift of looking to God for direction. Here is an avenue of strength, comfort, and guidance.
“Behold,
I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and
ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal
life” (3 Ne. 15:9).
“Look to God and live.” This is the wonderful promise given so often in the scriptures.
3. The Gift to Hear and Use the Small Voice
Most often, hope, encouragement, and direction come from a soft, piercing voice.
Small
voices are heard only by those who are willing to listen. Soft and
small voice communications with our associates make priceless
friendships possible. I am appreciative of people who find no need to
raise their voices as they try to impress or convince. It seems most
people who argue and shout have ceased listening to what the small voice
could powerfully contribute. We love the small voice of a child saying, “Mommy, Daddy, I love you.” How powerful is a small voice that knows how and when to say, “Thank you.”
Think of the heavenly voice saying, Joseph, this is my beloved son. Hear him (see JS—H 1:17).
It is heartwarming and reassuring to hear the small voice declare, “Be still and know” (D&C 101:16).
Remember
that one of our greatest gifts is the small voice of the Holy Ghost
whispering directions in our lives and making mighty testimonies
possible.
4. The Gift to Calm
Contention
is a tool of the adversary. Peace is a tool of our Savior. What a
wonderful tribute we pay people when we describe them as being gentle,
firm, and calm! Contention stops progress. Love brings eternal progression. Where contention prevails, there can be no united effort in any purposeful direction.
“Cease to contend one with another; cease to speak evil one of another” (D&C 136:23).
Argument and debate must be supplanted by calm discussion, study, listening, and negotiation.
The gospel is one of harmony, unity, and agreement. It must be presented in love, and with glad tidings, by those who are calm. We
should learn to talk together, listen together, pray together, decide
together, and avoid all forms of possible contention. We must learn to
curb anger. Satan knows that when contention begins, orderly progress is
thwarted.
5. The Gift to Care
Recently,
during a twenty-fifth anniversary ward reunion in the Salt Lake Valley,
a “Best Scouter Ever” award was presented. The special evening in the
cultural hall, which included dinner as well as a fine program, drew
many people back to the ward event because of the good feelings created
over the past twenty-five years. The
person acting as master of ceremonies introduced a young man to make
this special award. He looked to be about six feet four inches tall and
well over two hundred pounds. He walked to the microphone and said, “We
would now like to pay tribute to the best Scouter this ward has ever
had.”
Immediately
names and faces of past Scout leaders jumped into the minds of those
attending. Who would it be? There had been many great Scoutmasters in
this ward. How could those in charge decide?
The
tall, handsome young man mentioned many names of past Scout leaders and
then said, “No, it is none of these, though they have all been great
Scouters. Our ward ‘Best Scouter Ever’ award goes to someone who has
worked in the Primary and as a Scout leader teaching boys for forty
years. This individual has received the Silver Beaver Award, one of the
highest awards given in Scouting, and the Silver Beehive Award, the
highest award given by the Church in Scouting.” Then with a voice that
trembled slightly, he said, “Our ‘Best Scouter Ever’ recognition goes to
Sister Jennie Verl Keefer.” There came a hush over the audience, then
knowing voices of approval, then a burst of applause that seemed to go
on forever.
Sister
Keefer was called up to the front. All present intently watched her
quietly make her way. From the back of the room, this gray-haired bundle
of energy hesitatingly came forward, her five-foot frame barely taller
than those who were seated. Once at the microphone, the surprised
recipient expressed a quiet and emotional, yet firm, thanks. She said
between tears of gratitude
it wasn’t quite forty years she had served. It was only thirty-seven
years. And then Sister Keefer proudly added that during all her time of
service, she had never had a bad boy. Then
the presenter asked all those whom Sister Keefer had ever taught and
cared for to come to the stage. Here was the amazing thing. Men and boys
started from the audience and filled the space behind this tiny woman.
Big men, men in suits, doctors, bishops, presidents of companies,
husbands, fathers holding babies, returned missionaries, contractors,
computer workers, dentists, carpenters, and more. All these Scouts had
been boys touched by the service and caring of this one noble and great
woman—the best Scouter ever in the ward’s entire history. She had the
gift of caring, and here were some of the fruits of her labors.
Generations yet to come will bless her name for what she has done. What a
great gift have those who know how to care!
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