Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Please note that the root word observe is used three times in these verses. Interestingly, 13 times in these chapters the Spirit of the Lord directed Nephi to “look” as a fundamental feature of the learning process. The issue was not earrings! Now one final example. Please consider the significance of this important spiritual gift. I recall with fondness the impact his message had upon me at that time, and the things he taught then continue to influence me today. The gift of discernment opens to us vistas that stretch far beyond what can be seen with natural eyes or heard with natural ears. On Wednesday, Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the 2020 virtual version of the G20 Interfaith Forum. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. . Elder Bednar is known for his extraordinary propensity and ability to be quick to observe. Being quick to look and obey opens the doors to spiritual insight. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. Possessing and exercising this gift they will not allow any evil influence to enter into their hearts or to prompt them in their thoughts, their words or their acts. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. I simply invite you to consider and ponder the power of being quick to observe and what was actually observed in the case I just described. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. The teachings of Presidents Cannon and Richards concerning the power of discernment to detect hidden evil and to identify good that may be concealed become even more important to you and to me in light of a specific element of Lehi’s vision. And behold, ye shall . In the vision various groups of individuals were pressing forward that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree of life. This young man cared for the young woman very much, and he was desirous of making his relationship with her more serious. David Allan Bednar (born June 15, 1952) is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). "Quick to Observe" Brigham Young University-Idaho Commencement 2004. In chapters 11 through 14 the Holy Ghost assisted Nephi in learning about the nature and meaning of his father’s vision. between right and wrong. . The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”—as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added). In these latter days you and I can press forward safely and successfully through the mist of darkness and have a clear sense of spiritual direction. This was a valuable piece of information for this young man, and he felt unsettled about her nonresponsiveness to a prophet’s pleading. An educator by profession, Bednar was president of Brigham Young University–Idaho (BYU–Idaho) from 1997 to 2004.. Bednar was sustained as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve on October 2, 2004, the youngest man named to that body … “And I, Mormon, … remembered the things which Ammaron commanded me” (Mormon 1:1–5; emphasis added). [Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of President George Q. Cannon, comp. When he turns 24, he is to go to the land Antum, into a place called Shim, and there he will find all the records Ammaron has hid up unto the Lord. Perhaps you are bothered because the example focuses upon a young woman who failed to respond to prophetic counsel instead of upon a young man. I have a husband hat. Your future success and happiness will in large measure be determined by this spiritual capacity. Each of us can and should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe. It helps us to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. Please note that the root word observe is used three times in these verses. This Bednar character is one of the biggest kiss ass losers in the 12. I have learned that where there is a prayerful heart, a hungering after righteousness, a forsaking of sins, and obedience to the commandments of God, the Lord pours out more and more light until one finally has power to pierce the heavenly veil and to know more than man knows. For example, Elder Ashton highlighted the gifts of asking; of listening; of hearing and using a still, small voice; of being able to weep; of avoiding contention; of being agreeable; of avoiding vain repetition; of seeking that which is righteous; of looking to God for guidance; of being a disciple; of caring for others; of being able to ponder; of bearing mighty testimony; and of receiving the Holy Ghost (see Marvin J. Ashton, “There Are Many Gifts,” Ensign, November 1987, 20–22). First, as we “read under the surface,” discernment helps us detect hidden error and evil in others. The young man waited patiently over a period of time for the young woman to remove her extra earrings, but she did not take them out. 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