The Privileges of Membership

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Hello sisters and brothers,

When Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were baptized in May 1829, they became the first people in this dispensation to make baptismal covenants with God under restored priesthood authority and receive a remission of their sins. Less than a year later, on April 6, 1830, they were baptized again. This time their baptism, not only renewed prior covenants it also gave them official membership in the Church of Jesus Christ…the kingdom of God on the earth which had been organized earlier that day.

In a future email, we will talk more about the covenants of baptism, but today I want to focus on membership in the Church of Jesus Christ.

Many years ago a major credit card company, touting the exclusive advantages of their card, used the advertising slogan “Membership has its privileges”.

I’d like to borrow that idea for just a moment and briefly explore one of the great privileges we are given when we become members of Christ’s church.

When we enter the covenant path through the “gate” of baptism, we begin a journey of faith that leads to a glorious conclusion. (D&C 6:13) Because that journey, takes us through the trials of life and the temptations of Satan, Heavenly Father offers to members of the Church of Jesus Christ the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Gift of the Holy Ghost entitles us to the companionship of the third member of the Godhead as long as we strive to follow the teachings of the Savior.

Our modern society seems to be enthralled with fictional characters who possess superpowers and abilities beyond those of mere mortals. The Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit who really does possess superpowers, that can help us meet and overcome the spiritual and physical dangers of this life.

Comfort

The Holy Ghost can speak peace to our minds and our hearts in moments of weakness or distress. (D&C 6:23). Because he has this mission and power, the Holy Ghost is sometimes referred to as “The Comforter”. Wherever we may be, whatever may be happening, he can bring us the gentle assurance of God to help us through our afflictions. (D&C 121:7-8)

Memory

Another divine power of the Holy Ghost is to “bring all things” to our remembrance. (John 14:26) What a unique power. Inside our minds are all the teachings we have ever received…all the scriptures we have ever read…all the testimonies we have ever heard or spoken. When our faith is challenged or when we are weary from the trials of life, or when we need the answer to a question, the Holy Ghost has the power to “refresh us” with memories that can lift, instruct and guide us.

Testimony

The Holy Ghost’s primary mission is to testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ (Luke 3:22). He is able to speak directly to our spirit. He helps us have faith that Jesus Christ’s teachings will lead us back to our Heavenly Father. He helps us genuinely feel the love of Jesus Christ as expressed through his atoning sacrifice. And he helps us feel close to our Father in Heaven.

Many people have tried to describe what it feels like when the Holy Ghost is speaking to them, but it can be difficult to put into words. I will not attempt to describe what his presence feels like for me, but I testify that we can learn to recognize his influence.

We can have his power in our lives much more frequently when we strive to follow the commandments, focus our lives on being a disciple of Christ, and let God prevail in our lives.

With Moroni, I invite us all to take full advantage of this great privilege of membership…

“...there are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them.” (Moroni 10:8)

I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the Gift of the Holy Ghost in my life.

Membership really does have great privileges!

May we all seek to have the influence and witness of the Holy Ghost in greater measure and more often in our lives. He can bring us great joy in this life and lead us to a wonderful life to come.

If you would like to talk more about how you can increase the influence of the Holy Ghost in your life, I invite you to reach out to your ministering sisters or brothers or a leader in your ward. And of course, you can always reach out to me.

We are blessed as we humbly work together to return to our Father.

With love,

President Gardner