As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (Articles of Faith 1:1). On an intellectual level, understanding that there are three individual members of the Godhead has been easy for me. The scriptures are clear.
Striving to know and interact with each of these Divine Beings is a deeper concept. How do I draw near unto each One? How do I try to be like Them?
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland has taught: “We and our missionaries, our members, and our investigators must know for a certainty the character of the members of the Godhead. We must have a correct idea of Their individual perfections and attributes and an admiration for the excellency of Their personal character … We are to know these Divine Beings in every way we can. We are to love Them, draw near to Them, obey Them, and try to be like Them” (“Knowing the Godhead”, Ensign, January 2016).
Connecting with Heavenly Father’s Comfort and Love
I feel the influence, love, and presence of Heavenly Father when I talk with Him daily through prayer. I express gratitude for His many tender mercies. I tell Him my frustrations. He hears me. He knows my heart. I can have the simplest thought of a need or a desire, and the answer comes like a butterfly softly landing. It is surprising and beautiful. I know I am loved.
Prayer increases my bond with our Father. These daily connections help me know Him, have faith in Him, and follow His counsel. They help me build a foundation to face future problems. As I pray, I #HearHim.
President Dallin H. Oaks explains: “God the Father is the Father of our spirits. We are His children. He loves us, and all that He does is for our eternal benefit. He is the author of the plan of salvation, and it is by His power that His plan achieves its purposes for the ultimate glory of His children” (“The Godhead and the Plan of Salvation,” Ensign, May 2017).
Following Jesus Christ’s Example and Voice
Jesus Christ is my exemplar. He is my mentor. I study His ways and strive to follow His footsteps. I know that He lived and died for us and that He is the Living Christ. I have felt the enabling power that emanates from Him because of His great incomprehensible atoning sacrifice. I know that it is through His power, His light, and His love that I am given the strength to endure each day.
Through the ordinance of baptism, we take upon us the name of Jesus Christ. We remember our baptismal covenants when we partake of the sacrament. We testify of gospel truths in the name of Jesus Christ. We act in the name of Jesus Christ as we minister to others. I speak His name when I conclude my prayers with Heavenly Father. Christ is always there and has always been there. He has promised “Mine eyes are upon you. I am in your midst and ye cannot see me” (Doctrine and Covenants 38:7).
As my advocate with Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ is present for every prayer; He hears every word. He feels my every heartache and pain. He is aware of my needs. Each time I speak His name, I #HearHim.
In the Guide to the Scriptures we read: “Jesus Christ is the greatest being to be born on this earth. His life is the perfect example of how all mankind should live. All prayers, blessings, and priesthood ordinances should be done in His name. He is the Lord of lords, King of kings, the Creator, the Savior, and the God of the whole earth” (“Jesus Christ”; scriptures.lds.org).
Feeling the Holy Ghost’s Peace and Guidance
I feel the presence of the Holy Ghost in my life each day. He enlightens my mind and heart. He is real. He fills my soul with peace and leads me to truth. I especially feel His guidance as I seek inspiration in the scriptures.
Every moment I spend in the scriptures invites the Holy Ghost into my life. If I consider just one day, the moments seem so very minimal, but day-by-day the moments add up. As I face adversity, I am able to recognize His voice. I am ready to hear the counsel, feel the comfort, and receive the strength to endure that He most assuredly brings. Through such experiences, I #HearHim.
The Guide to the Scriptures explains: “The Holy Ghost is also a God and is called the Holy Spirit, the Spirit, and the Spirit of God, among other similar names and titles. With the aid of the Holy Ghost, man can know the will of God the Father and know that Jesus is the Christ (1 Corinthians 12:3)” (“God, Godhead, God the Holy Ghost”; scriptures.lds.org).
Drawing Nearer to Them
I find something empowering in the thought that as I feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, then I am also receiving the love, power, comfort, and help from Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. To receive One is to receive Them all.
At times, I have felt that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were far away and inaccessible: mainly because of their perfection and glory. Jesus, however, clearly taught, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” (John 13:20). This scripture presents the truth that if I am feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost, then I am connected to all the members of the Godhead.
When I feel the Spirit, that means that all three of Them are close to me—closer than I ever dreamed possible and more often than I could have ever imagined. The goal, therefore, is to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.
At this time of my life, there are usually brief moments when I feel the influence of the Holy Ghost. Someday, such spiritual experiences may be extended to hours and even days. Then, I will have a changed heart and no more disposition to do evil. I will have overcome the natural man. In the meantime, I strive daily to increase those special spiritual promptings. Moment by moment, drop by drop, it is like the oil taken by the “wise” virgins “in their vessels with their lamps” (Matthew 25:4).
The Lord has promised us, “my people … whom I delight to bless with the greatest of all blessings, ye that hear me” (Doctrine and Covenants 41:1). We receive personal revelation when we feel the love of Heavenly Father, inspired by the example and power of Jesus Christ, and receive the guidance and comfort of the Holy Ghost. Three Gods working as One on our behalf for our immortality and eternal life.