Seek Ye Earnestly the Best Gifts

Quantas “gripe sheet” Pilot: Something loose in cockpit. Mechanic: Something tightened in cockpit. P: Dead bugs on windshield. M: Live bugs on back-order. P: Evidence of leak on right main landing gear. M: Evidence removed. P: DME volume unbelievably loud. M: DME volume set to more believable level. P: Suspected crack in windshield. M: Suspect you're right. P: Number 3 engine missing. M: Engine found on right wing after brief search. P: Aircraft handles funny. M: Aircraft warned to straighten up, fly right, and be serious. P: Mouse in cockpit. M: Cat installed.

All inspiration does not come from God. The evil one has the power to tap into those channels of revelation and send conflicting signals which can mislead and confuse us. There are promptings from evil sources which are so carefully counterfeited as to deceive even the very elect. President Boyd K. Packer

Prophet Joseph Smith "In order to have the power to distinguish between truth and error and to interpret properly a dream or vision, one must have a pure heart and a contrite spirit and be living a righteous life. Satan's mission is to deceive, and he can, and does, give revelation to those who permit themselves to fall into his power. Lying spirits are going forth in the earth. There will be great manifestations of spirits, both false and true.

March 1831 Kirtland, Ohio John Whitmer Records: "Some [saints] had visions and knew not what they saw, some would fancy to themselves that they had the sword of Laban, and would wield it as expert as a light dragon [dragoon], some would act like an Indian in the act of scalping, some would slide or scoop on the floor, with the rapidity of a serpent, which they termed sailing in the boat to the Lamanites, preaching the gospel. And many other vain and foolish manoevers that are unseeming and unprofitable to mention....

D&C 46 7 But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart… 1) that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, 2) or doctrines of devils, 3) or the commandments of men… 8 …and that ye may not be deceived seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given; 9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.

Children Of Men Heavenly Father Covenants, Promises Endowment of Spiritual Power...whenever the Holy Ghost takes up its residence in a person, it not only cleanses, sanctifies, and purifies him…, but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others. No one who has been born of the Spirit and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift. (Orson Pratt) but also imparts to him some gift, intended for the benefit of himself and others. No one who has been born of the Spirit and who remains sufficiently faithful, is left destitute of a spiritual gift. (Orson Pratt)

Question “…and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God. (D&C 46:11) Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?

President George Q. Cannon "How many of you, my brethren and sisters, are seeking for these gifts that God has promised to bestow? How many of you, when you bow before your Heavenly Father in your family circle or in your secret places, contend for these gifts to be bestowed upon you? … Or do you go along day by day like a door turning on its hinges, without having any feeling upon the subject, without exercising any faith whatever; content to be baptized and be members of the Church, and to rest there, thinking that your salvation is secure because you have done this? Or do you go along day by day like a door turning on its hinges, without having any feeling upon the subject, without exercising any faith whatever; content to be baptized and be members of the Church, and to rest there, thinking that your salvation is secure because you have done this?

Pres. Cannon Continues "If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, ‘Oh, I cannot help this; it is my nature.’ He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them.“ (Millennial Star, 23 Apr 1894, p260)