Photo by Dyu – Ha on Unsplash

By Elder Dale G. Renlund
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Like many of you, I have been greatly influenced by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf over the years. That explains, at least in part, what I am about to say.¹ So, with apologies to him …

Well-trained airplane pilots fly within the capacity of their aircraft and follow directions from air traffic controllers regarding runway use and flight path. Simply stated, pilots operate within a framework. No matter how brilliant or talented they are, only by flying within this framework can pilots safely unleash the enormous potential of an airplane to accomplish its miraculous objectives.

In a similar way, we receive personal revelation within a framework. After baptism, we are given a majestic yet practical gift, the gift of the Holy Ghost.² As we strive to stay on the covenant path,³ it is “the Holy Ghost … [that] will show [us] all things [that we] should do.”⁴ When we are unsure or uneasy, we can ask God for help.⁵ The Savior’s promise could not be clearer: “Ask, and it shall be given you; … for every one that asketh receiveth.”⁶ With the help of the Holy Ghost, we can transform our divine nature into our eternal destiny.⁷

The promise of personal revelation through the Holy Ghost is awe-inspiring, much like an airplane in flight. And like airplane pilots, we need to understand the framework within which the Holy Ghost functions to provide personal revelation. When we operate within the framework, the Holy Ghost can unleash astonishing insight, direction, and comfort. Outside of that framework, no matter our brilliance or talent, we can be deceived and crash and burn.

The scriptures form the first element of this framework for personal revelation.⁸ Feasting on the words of Christ, as found in the scriptures, stimulates personal revelation. Elder Robert D. Hales said: “When we want to speak to God, we pray. And when we want Him to speak to us, we search the scriptures.”⁹

The scriptures also teach us how to receive personal revelation.¹⁰ And we ask for what is right and good¹¹ and not for what is contrary to God’s will.¹² We do not “ask amiss,” with improper motives to promote our own agenda or to fulfill our own pleasure.¹³ Above all, we are to ask Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ,¹⁴ believing that we will receive.¹⁵

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/14renlund?lang=eng