Real vs. Not Real (Pt. 2)

When feelings fail us, there are many possible explanations including the possibility that we were deceived by a false spirit or our own desires, that the agency and choices of another person impeded fulfillment of an inspired pathway, or that we may simply be impatient.

Elder Boyd K. Packer observed: “It is good to learn when you are young that spiritual things cannot be forced. Sometimes you may struggle with a problem and not get an answer.  What could be wrong? It may be that you are not doing anything wrong.  It may be that you have not done the right things long enough.  Remember, you cannot force spiritual things. Sometimes we are confused simply because we won’t take no for an answer.  (That All May Be Edified, p. 13.)

Elder Neal A. Maxwell cautioned:  “Great care must be exercised so that, as leaders and members, we do not pass off our personal preferences as the Lord's principles; we must not confuse our religious hobbies with His orthodoxy! There is a difference between a spiritual impression and a personal obsession. (Notwithstanding My Weakness,  p. 110).

The Apostle John encouraged: “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

Paul warned: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritual discerned” (1 Cor.  2:14). 

Joseph Smith told Brigham Young that the Holy Spirit “will whisper peace and joy to their souls; it will take malice, hatred, strife and all evil from their hearts; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God.” 

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: “All true religion is a feeling.”

On one occasion the Lord used the word “signalize” to describe this process.  To Joseph Smith He said that specific revelation would:  “be signalized unto you by the peace and power of my Spirit, that shall flow unto you” (D&C 111:8).

The Prophet counseled: “This is good doctrine. It tastes good. I can taste the principles of eternal life, and so can you. They are given to me by the revelations of Jesus Christ; and I know that when I tell you these words of eternal life as they are given to me, you taste them, and I know that you believe them. You say honey is sweet, and so do I. I can also taste the spirit of eternal life. I know it is good; and when I tell you of these things which were given me by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, you are bound to receive them as sweet, and rejoice more and more.”  (TPJS p. 355.)