Brothers and Sisters Aloha.
I am very humbled to be given this opportunity. I am just as surprised as you are to see me up here. I am usually up in the sound booth with my students and Shawn.
I feel I am no one special. I do not have any accomplishments, for I know I have not achieved anything without Heavenly Father’s help. He has all the accomplishments and at times, has chosen me to help him in His work. For I know, I am only as good as my weakest point and I have many. I also know to man, I am nothing. But, to God, I am the only thing.
I hope, what I present to you this morning will inspire you to look to God and live worthy of His blessings and to set higher goals for this coming year so you can receive all the blessings He has in store for you. Each of you has access to inspiration and revelation. You may leave inspired or bored, it really is your choice. The true teacher here is the Holy Spirit and you have access to it.
I have been praying for you and I this day, for Heavenly Father’s Spirit to be with us as I present to you what I feel He would want me to share. I will be asking for your participation during our presentation.
In May 2005, I was called to be the first Bishop for the Young Single Adults 11th Ward in the Laie Hawaii Stake, back then, area 70 Eric B. Shumway and President Ronald A. Rasband, held a special Young Single Adult Fireside for us. At that fireside, Elder Rasband challenged us, as a Bishopric, to warn every Young Single Adult one thing:
That you, Young Single Adults are the devil’s #1 target. This is because of two reasons, first, as Young Single Adults you are totally responsible for 24 hours of your life and are learning how to be more responsible and accountable for your time. The second reason is very simple. You are the next leaders of the Church.
As warned Young Single Adults, being on the front line of temptation, the devil's number 1 target, Elder Rasband challenged all the Young Single Adults to really raise the bar in obeying God?s commandments by setting higher goals, to avoid temptation and not to resist temptation, for if you are resisting temptation, it is too late. For example, if you’re on a diet, don’t walk into a bakery…it’s too late, now you have to decide whether to get something or not. Avoid the bakery.
Elder Donald L. Staheli said the following, "Each of us can and should do more to meet the Lord’s expectations of us. During your years as young adults, you’ll make choices and form patterns that will have a major impact on who you will become. Your future happiness, personal righteousness, and relationship with the Lord will depend in large part on the habits you embrace and the choices and commitments you make over the next few years."1
Elder Richard G. Scott said this, "I encourage you to discover who you really are. I invite you to look beyond the daily routine of life. I urge you to discern through the Spirit your divinely given capacities."2 President Gordon B. Hinckley also said, "Seek for the real things, not the artificial. Seek for the everlasting truths, not the passing whim. Seek for the eternal things of God, not for that which is here today and gone tomorrow. 'Look to God and live!'"3
In Proverbs 3:5-6 is says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths."4
President James E. Faust once said, "The Lord has a great work for each of us to do. You may wonder how this can be. You may feel that there is nothing special or superior about you or your ability…The Lord can do remarkable miracles with a person of ordinary ability who is humble, faithful, and diligent in serving the Lord and seeks to improve himself. This is because God is the ultimate source of power."5
Elder Boyd K. Packer said, “No one of us can survive in the world of today, much less in what it soon will become, without personal revelation."6
Personal revelation is the way we receive our testimonies of Jesus Christ, His gospel, and the divine calling of Joseph Smith. Personal revelation is the way we learn divine truths. Personal revelation is the way we receive guidance beyond our own limited understanding in answering life’s questions, meeting challenges, and making decisions. Personal revelation is what we all should be striving for on a daily basis, to help us in this challenging world and to recognize important events that will take place before Christ returns. No one can know the true Jesus Christ and God without receiving personal revelation. We need to receive personal revelation by the Holy Ghost to know that He lives and is our Redeemer of this world. No one can be saved without it.
Bruce R. McConkie said, "It is true that you can reason about doctrinal matters, but you do not get religion into your life until it becomes a matter of personal experience—until you feel something in your soul, until there has been a change made in your heart, until you become a new creature of the Holy Ghost."7 He also said, "Revelation is something that should be received by every individual. God is no respecter of persons, and every soul, in the ultimate sense, is just as precious in His sight as the souls of those who are called to positions of leadership."8
We need to recognize that, God is more willing to give… than we are to receive. We learn to understand of things of this world and the world to come by receiving personal revelation. In D&C 42:61 it reads, "If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things—that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth life eternal."9 When you receive personal revelation you will receive a true clear and simple message.
Note: You don't see things as they are, you see things as you are…In order to see things as they really are you need to be in tune with Heavenly Father, who sees all things.
Jacob 4:13 reads, "For the Spirit speaketh the truth and lieth not. Wherefore, it speaketh of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be; wherefore, these things are manifested unto us plainly, for the salvation of our souls. But behold, we are not witnesses alone in these things; for God also spake them unto prophets of old."10
Every person should be a prophet for himself and in his own concerns and in his own affairs. We prepare to receive personal revelation as the prophets do, by studying the scriptures, fasting, praying, building faith, by doing all you can, and trusting in God. Let me share a personal experience that I feel is important for all Young Single Adults to know. You might think this is too high of a standard to live by but I challenge you to listen to the Spirit and raise the bar.
Please note: I do not have time to explain everything about this, for this topic is for another talk, and can be expressed in more detail. But, I am just showing you the basic simple personal revelation I received, and you too can receive the same. You too can pray about what I am about to tell you so you can receive personal revelation on this matter.
I want to change things up a bit. I hope it will be ok. I want everyone who has a cellphone to turn to D&C 121. You will also be using your light on your cellphone. If you understand what I am saying, turn on your light as you read with me. For I can only explain it to you, I cannot comprehend it for you. I hope the Spirit will teach you as we read D&C 121. Please turn to D&C 121 Verse 34. WHEN I ASK, “DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT?” That is when you can turn on your light if you understand what I am explaining. Turn off all lights. I will be using this section of scripture, as it was revealed to me, as a Dating Template. I hope this will help you raise the bar while you are dating:
As a Bishop years ago, I discovered that most YSA who came to see me, had a lot of dating-related questions. Questions like…"How do I know who is the right person?", "How do I know if he is worthy?", "What is the right way to date?", and many others.
My question I asked Heavenly Father in prayer was, “How can I help them understand dating better so they can be more responsible daters?”
ALL LIGHTS OFF
As I prayed, fasted, and pondered on this, I found myself reading D&C 121:34, 35, 36 and I heard a voice in my head that said, “Why do we need to date?”
The only two reasons I could think of were, first, for fun and enjoyment (group dating), and secondly, to find your eternal companion (singular dating), which is what this template is about.
Then I read, "34-36 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen? Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers OF heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."11
The voice said, “You need to learn this one lesson.” I felt, this is a calling to be extended to someone who is worthy. As a father, I realized that this is an eternal calling that you, priesthood brethren, will be asking someone, someday: “Will you marry me?” It is important for each of us to know that being a father and mother are eternal callings. It is a calling that we will always have, even in the next life, if we are worthy. The voice said, “You have to be worthy to extend this calling.” That means, you need to be worthy to go on a date because you need to know who, when, and how to extend this calling.
Why? Because, "That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness."
All of this came to me all at once and in an orderly manner. Once I learned this one lesson everything started to fall into place. DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? IS THIS RAISING THE BAR WHILE DATING? ALL LIGHTS OFF.
Then I read the next verse, "37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."12
This is how not to go on a date! The following came to me: “This is what can happen if we are not worthy to go on a date.” Look what happens as your relationship grows in time, when you have been dating for one week, to six months, and even a year or two. LOOK AT THE SIGNS: “...but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men...”13
For example, a person who is not worthy will never announce that he or she is not worthy to go on a date, thus will cover their sins, and as the relationship continues, they will find that someone will be gratifying their pride, either spoiling you in deeds, words, and or in items, or showing off, being boastful, thus gratifying their own pride. This is where the relationship starts turning for the worst. Having a vain ambition, or exercising control or dominion, is noticed when someone gets jealous in a relationship, or even makes you feel that you owe them something for all he or she have done for you. Remember, no one can buy love. We are not items or slave for anyone. When this happens, we become dominating and someone will exercise compulsion upon us. Note what happens if the relationship continues to that point.
“...in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."14 If you are planning to get married to someone like this, please ask yourself, are we worthy to go to the Temple? Will our marriage be sealed through the eternities? "...Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man."
DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? ALL LIGHTS OFF.
As I continued reading I found that verse 41 is the correct way to date. It simply says, "41 No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned."15 This is how we should be going on a date having persuasion, gentleness, meekness, love unfeigned, being pleasant, and having understanding for each other. I believe that if we do not have any of these qualities, we will need to work at it before dating.
Dating should be planned with the other person in mind. “The way we communicate in dating and courtship is a key to building a solid marital relationship. Positive communication practiced in dating increases the likelihood of greater commitment, better conflict resolution, and more love between partners in marriage."16 When we focus on finding the right person, we should also focus on becoming the right person for someone. I encourage all who date to raise the bar and have a prayer before and after the date with the person you go with. Having the spirit with you will play a major part on finding your future companion.
DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? ALL LIGHTS OFF
As I read the following, the Spirit told me, this is how I will know whom I should extend the eternal calling to: “Will you marry me?“ We will know…"42 by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without hypocrisy, and without guile."17 This is the feeling I should receive while dating, nothing will be in the way of your decision, and it should be as plain and clear as possible. There should be no other outside influence and you should know, I mean really know whom you will be marrying. You will know their strengths and weaknesses and will be willing deal with it. by kindness, and pure knowledge, which shall greatly enlarge the soul without any deception.
Please note that even if you do not feel that he or she is the right one for you… the main thing is that both of you have learned not only of each other but of who you really are and you can both move forward knowing what you can improve on, so you can be better for the next person you date. Remember, when we focus on finding the right person, we should also focus on becoming the right person for someone else.
DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? ALL LIGHTS OFF.
Since we are all human, remember that you and your date are not perfect, you my need to correct each other at times while dating. It says this in verse 43, "Reproving betimes with sharpness, when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; and then showing forth afterwards an increase of love toward him whom thou hast reproved,…"18 In other words correct each other with sharpness (right away) then showing an increase of love. A young man and a young woman on a date are responsible to help each other maintain their standards and to protect each other's honor and virtue.
DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? ALL LIGHTS OFF.
If you strive as a couple to honor your priesthood and each other, you will not only be happy, but also know in verse, "44 “That he may know that thy faithfulness is stronger than the cords of death.”19 This is a blessing of maintaining your worthiness while you are dating. When you extend this eternal calling. Your marriage will be sealed through the eternities. Not just a worldly marriage but an eternal marriage, stronger than the cords of death.
DO YOU SEE THE LIGHT? ALL LIGHTS OFF.
Mahalo for participating. No more lights at this time.
This revelation has been a blessing in my life as I share it with others. To help them understand their responsibility before and during dating.
Please note: These verses of scripture can be used for the learning of other gospel principles.
Receiving personal revelation comes with a price. You are responsible to share it or to keep it to yourself, keep it sacred. You will also be judged for what you know and what has been revealed. For where much is given much is required.
We also need to remember what Robert D. Hales said; "Revelation comes on the Lord’s timetable, which often means we must move forward in faith, even though we haven’t received all the answers we desire."20
Many years ago, while preparing an Old Testament Sunday school lesson for our Young Single Adults about Noah and the Ark, much studying, prayer and thought went into this lesson. A small sentence stood out to me, this phrase was, "Church leaders have counseled each of us to build a personal ark."21 Let’s look at part of Elder Ladd’s Conference talk that this lesson was based on.
“Build a Personal Ark” I thought about this phrase many times. During the week nothing came to me, but I knew that I like what I heard. I could not stop thinking about the phrase “Build a Personal Ark” and after much study, prayer and pondering of this, it was Sunday and my wife started the lesson and I did not have anything new to share and it was about 20 minutes into the lesson. Then it hit me. “Build a Personal Ark” I stood up and felt inspired to share the following to the class. We all need to build our personal ARK!”
A –is for Attitude. What we choose in this life will depend on our attitude. We all need to learn, to choose right by having a Christ-like attitude. Having a Christ-like attitude is charity, which is the pure love of Christ. In the book of Mormon, we learn that "Charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."22
These are the very things we should be working on to have a Christ-like attitude. Life is 10% of what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it. We need to remember that obtaining a better attitude will control our thoughts. It will also help us to control our emotions and actions. When we learn to control our attitude, disappointment and change will be easy to handle, having a positive attitude can help us develop a Christ-like love, which will help in our Relationship with God. Having a Christ-like attitude will help strengthen us with the next two principles.
R –is for Relationships. We all need to establish good strong relationships with God our families and those around us. If we are in tune with our Father in Heaven will, we can be inspired to mend and strengthen relationships with family members and others. As members, followers of Christ, we should always look to the Savior as our example to love as He has. Christ said to his followers "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."23
What relationships are we building? Please think about this… do we have good or bad habits? Are you building a relationship with God or Satan. For in Luke 16:13 "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon."24 By turning the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers. Temple work is another way we strengthen our eternal relationships. In Mathew 16:19 we read, "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."25
K – is for Knowledge. Aristotle All men by nature desire to know. We need to gain knowledge, both temporal and spiritual knowledge. We learn in the Doctrine and Covenants "Seek learning, even by study and also by faith."26 It also counsels us to learn the gospel and to gain an understanding "of things both in heaven and in the earth, . . that [we] may be prepared in all things."27
As you look to God and live, you will find a whole new way of learning. He has all the knowledge in the world. Being in tune with him will help you prepare for the future. ”Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.”28
ARK - Knowing that our actions during mortality influence our eternal destiny. Attitude, Relationship, and Knowledge, are the only 3 things we will take with us when we leave this earthly life. That is why it is important for us to build our spiritual ark upon each of these sound principles. Where we go we take our personal ARK with us. I believe, this is the standard that Elder Ladd was talking about. As he said; “We all need to build a personal ark, to fortify ourselves against this rising tide of evil, to protect ourselves and our families against the floodwaters of iniquity around us. We need to calmly continue to move ahead and to prepare for what will surely come. For if we are prepared our arks will float on a sea of faith if our works have been steadily and surely preparing for the future.”29
It is my prayer that we all look to God and live a Christ- like Attitude in making righteous choices, so we can build a strong Relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I recognize that personal revelation is a gift from God, who is willing to show us many things, there is much to learn and I have a responsibility for the many personal revelations I have received. That is why I am here with you today. I am aware of God and the many blessings He has and wants to share with all who shows their faith by study and prayer. Everything I know is from Him. He has shown me many, mighty things, and I am excited to see and learn of things to come.
The things I shared with you today are not new, but has been revealed to Prophets of old, it is the same Gospel. If you feel it is new, this is Old Good news, and we have to catch up with it. The Holy Sprit can teach you to see what was already there. For “You don't see things as they are, you see things as you are…In order to see things as they really are you need to be in tune with Heavenly Father, who see all things.”
I am not here to boast of myself, but like Ammon said, I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom; but behold, my joy is full, yea, my heart is brim with joy, and I will rejoice in my God. Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.”30
Remember… “God is more willing to give… than we are to receive and the best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt. My we feel the Holy Ghost in our lives as we raise the bar, LOOK TO GOD and LIVE worthy to receive personal revelation, so we can Learn and Live on earth Everlasting Truths in building our personal ARK’s.
"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors."31
In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
[1]Donald L. Staheli, in Ensign, Feb. 2009
[2]Richard G. Scott, in Conference Report, Oct. 2003, "Realize Your Full Potential"
[3]Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], 494
[4]Proverbs 3:5-6
[5]James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, "Acting for Ourselves and Not Being Acted Upon"
[6]Boyd K. Packer, in Conference Report, Oct. 1991, "Reverence Invites Revelation"
[7]Bruce R. McConkie, “How to Get Personal Revelation,” New Era, Jun 1980, 46
[8]Bruce R. McConkie, “How to Get Personal Revelation,” New Era, Jun 1980, 46
[9]Doctrine and Covenants 42:61
[10]Jacob 4:13
[11]Doctrine and Covenants 121:34-36
[12]Doctrine and Covenants 121:37
[13]Doctrine and Covenants 121:37
[14]Doctrine and Covenants 121:37
[15]Doctrine and Covenants 121:41
[16]Thomas B. Holman, “Choosing and Being the Right Spouse,” Ensign, Sep 2002
[17]Doctrine and Covenants 121:42
[18]Doctrine and Covenants 121:43
[19]Doctrine and Covenants 121:44
[20]Robert D. Hales, in Conference Report, Oct. 2007, "Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets"
[21]W. Don Ladd, in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 36; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, "Make Thee an Ark"
[22]Moroni 7:45
[23]John 13:34
[24]Luke 16:13
[25]Mathew 16:19
[26]Doctrine and Covenants 109:7
[27]Doctrine and Covenants 88:79-80
[28]Doctrine and Covenants 130:18–19
[29]W. Don Ladd, in Conference Report, Oct. 1994, 36; or Ensign, Nov. 1994, "Make Thee an Ark"
[30]Alma 26:11,12
[31]Alma 34:32