Partakers of the Heavenly Gift

 In our reading assignment for this week  we learn of one of the great blessings that come to all of us by being members of His church. 

The blessing that I am speaking of is the promise of obtaining spiritual gifts; after having taken covenants upon ourselves through baptism.          ( Moroni 10:9 & 1 Corinthians 12:8 )

As we see these people in a great state of peace we learn that they are partakers of the heavenly gift. ( 4 Nephi 1:3 )

That heavenly gift is the Holy Ghost; whom facilitates us receiving gifts of the spirit; gifts that are all necessary and part of achieving the happiness that exists in God's kingdom. 

As we see there were miracles; as the word miracle means "wonder" or "wonderful works" we witness the spiritual gifts being given for the order and strengthening of the church ( D&C 46:10 ), and we get a clear picture of what becoming one with each other means; a phrase used to describe God's kingdom. 

Bruce R. McConkie stated in his book , A New Witness For The Articles of Faith pg.270:

" Indeed every faithful member of Christ's church has the promised blessing of spiritual gifts. These gifts are infinite in number and endless in their manifestations because God Himself is infinite and endless, and because the needs of those who receive them are as numerous, varied and different as there are people in the kingdom."

As each of us, as worthy members of His church, are blessed with our own individual gifts of the spirit; unlike any other persons; together we become whole; not a single one lacking because where one person lacks in any given area; there will be another brother or sister to help fill that void; completing us all. 

We learn this truth as also taught by the Apostle Paul as he taught us in the New Testament in 1 Corinthians 12:13-27:

 12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

 14 For the body is not one member, but many.

 15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

 16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?

 17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?

 18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.

 19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?

 20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.

 21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.

 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:

 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.

 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked:

 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it.

 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

Through this we learn that in the absence of any gift or particular person whom could be blessed with that gift; we are all at a loss as members of His church. When one member suffers; we all suffer; and when one member is honored; we are all honored.

 The body hath need of every member that all may be edified together that they system may be kept perfect. ( D&C 84: 110 )

As there began to be a division among the people, there were " none that were righteous " ( 4 Nephi 1:46 ) and the end result was that the spirit could not longer dwell with this people and thus their spiritual gifts were taken from these people; as we read :

" The work of miracles and healing did cease because of the iniquity of the people, and there were no gifts from the Lord and the Holy Ghost did not come upon any because of their wickedness and unbelief." ( Mormon 1: 13-14 ) 

In my own life I have felt the strength of other church member's spiritual gifts lifting me up numerous times. Through teachers gift to teach; the counsel from a Bishop; the act of charity of a Relief Society Sister: added strength to my testimony as I hear a testimony born; through the sweet spirit of a child that touches my heart with joy; through the gift of music as I hear the choir; and I could go on and on......

My hope is that I will be able to follow the counsel given by Paul in 1 Corinthians 12:31 as he says, " Covet earnestly the best gifts." 

Which means that I need to ask in prayer for spiritual gifts. I hope that I can share the gifts that I have already been given as well; in order to help perfect the saints; as they perfect me. 

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.