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"Quick to Observe" Brigham Young University-Idaho Commencement 2004. Please consider the significance of this important spiritual gift. President Hinckley serves as the chair of that board. © Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Nephi repeatedly was counseled to look, and because he was quick to observe, he beheld the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 11:8), the mother of the Savior (see 1 Nephi 11:20), the rod of iron (see 1 Nephi 11:25), and the Lamb of God, the Son of the Eternal Father (see 1 Nephi 11:21). 8. In my present calling I am blessed by Elder Haight’s example and feel a deep sense of gratitude for what I saw and felt and learned that day. This was a valuable piece of information for this young man, and he felt unsettled about her nonresponsiveness to a prophet’s pleading. Jerreld L. Newquist (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1974), 1:198–99]. The young man was quick to observe that the young woman was not quick to observe. David A. Bednar was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 May 2005. “Quick to Observe” Elder David A. Bednar Quorum of the Twelve Apostles This was a devotional address given at Brigham Young University on 10 May 2005. in David A. Bednar , Observe . One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”—as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not” (emphasis added). I have described only a few of the spiritually significant things Nephi saw. He both heard and felt the lesson, and he applied it. Something Remarkable: Testimonies of the Blessings, James E. Faust, Jan Pinborough, and Michael Finlinson Moody, Lessons from the Old Testament: Coming of Age, Lessons from the Old Testament: My Father’s Last Words, Family Home Evening Helps: Homemade Games, Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra Celebrate Christmas in August, Annual First Presidency Christmas Devotional Set, Church Releases Plans for Downtown Salt Lake, Three New Pamphlets Help Teach about Church, “Quick to Observe,” Ensign, Dec. 2006, 30–36. [1 Nephi 8:23]. 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. He will do anything for Gordo, say anything, etc. You may believe the young man was too judgmental or that basing an eternally important decision, even in part, upon such a supposedly minor issue is silly or fanatical. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. In a kind but firm voice, the patriarch reproved the stake president and said, “Don’t you know that this is the only way I have left to show the Lord how much I love Him?”. . 3 Feb 2006 As we integrate the teachings of Presidents Cannon and Richards, we learn that the gift of discernment operates basically in four major ways. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. Are you kidding me? After several attempts to rise to his feet, President Hinckley courteously said, “David, it is all right”—suggesting, I believe, that it was permissible for Elder Haight to remain in his chair and offer the prayer. “And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age … ) and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe; “Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people; …. The specific depiction of this noble prophet to which I would direct our attention is contained in the first five verses of the first chapter of Mormon: And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon. Now one final example. Del Quórum de los Doce Apóstoles. As the stake president entered the home, he found the patriarch dressed in his suit and white shirt and tie, sitting in a recliner in the front room. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. . In October 1987 Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke in general conference about spiritual gifts. Official Facebook page for Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. She and I have been anxiously engaged in university life for more than 30 This morning I want to talk with you about another seemingly simple and perhaps underappreciated spiritual giftthe capacity years, and we love the young people of the of being quick to observe. 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. Now before I continue, I presume that some of you might have difficulty with my last example. 40Go and Bring Them In LARENE PORTER GAUNT AND LINDA DEKKER The rescue of pioneers stranded by the early snows of Home / Sunday Fireside / Alan Maynes- Awake/ Elder David A. Bednar- Quick To Observe November 17, 2020 / Sunday Fireside Alan Maynes- Awake/ Elder David A. Bednar- Quick To Observe I know that He lives. Sister Bednar and I are delighted to be with you. Please note that the root word observe is used three times in these verses. Each of us can and should strive to be worthy of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity of being quick to observe. I frequently have heard President Boyd K. Packer counsel members and priesthood leaders: “If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much.” His observation should help all of us to appropriately desire and seek these spiritual gifts. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. Second, and more important, it helps us detect hidden errors and evil in ourselves. He cared for her very much, and he was desirous of making his relationship with her more serious. . 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). The mists of darkness described in the vision represent the temptations of the devil which blind the eyes of the children of men and lead them into broad roads so that they are lost (see 1 Nephi 12:17). In his message Elder Ashton detailed and described a number of less conspicuous spiritual gifts—attributes and abilities that many of us might not have considered being spiritual gifts. In my study of the Book of Mormon I have been especially impressed with a particular description of Mormon, the principal compiler of the Nephite record. Quick to Observe. Can we recognize how crucial this spiritual gift is in our lives today and how being quick to observe is a powerful invitation for the blessings of discernment? and Ammaron said unto me: I perceive that thou art a sober child, and art quick to observe; Therefore, when ye are about twenty and four years old I would that ye should remember the things that ye have observed concerning this people. 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). During my years of service at Brigham Young University—Idaho, I also was blessed to participate in monthly board meetings. The counselors in the First Presidency, several members of the Quorum of the Twelve, and other General Authorities and general auxiliary leaders also sit on that board. I presume that some of you might have difficulty with my last example. David A. Bednar November 10, 1998 "Your Whole Soul as an Offering to Him" Omni 1:16 Brothers and sisters, it is a privilege for Sister Bednar and me to be here with you today. Nephi desired to see and hear and know the things his father, Lehi, had seen in the vision of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 8). Quick to Observe | David A. Bednar We ought to seek out the gift of discernment, which makes us quick to observe right from wrong, the needs of others, and the … 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). Quick to observe. President Stephen L Richards, who served as a counselor to President David O. McKay, has provided additional instruction about the nature and blessings of discernment: First, I mention the gift of discernment, embodying the power to discriminate . The gift of discernment opens to us vistas that stretch far beyond what can be seen with natural eyes or heard with natural ears. Often they will ask her, “How did you know?” The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people. Quick to observe. The strait and narrow path came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree (see 1 Nephi 8:20). President George Q. Cannon (1827–1901), who served as a counselor to four Presidents of the Church, taught powerfully about the gift of discernment: “One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits—a gift which is not much thought of by many and probably seldom prayed for; yet it is a gift that is of exceeding value and one that should be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint. …, “Now, the gift of discerning of spirits not only gives men and women who have it the power to discern the spirit with which others may be possessed or influenced, but it gives them the power to discern the spirit which influences themselves. David’s mother was an active member of the Church. Quick to Observe. I shall never forget the spirit I felt as I listened to Elder Haight pray. Now please pay particular attention to verse 23 in 1 Nephi 8, and let us liken this scripture to our day and the challenges we face in an increasingly wicked world: “And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.”. The specific depiction of this noble prophet to which I would direct our attention is contained in the first five verses of the first chapter of Mormon: “And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon. Elder Haight responded in a voice that was both firm and appropriate and said, “President, I must stand!”. The young man was 'quick to observe' that the young woman was not 'quick to observe.' The patriarch in the stake over which he presided had experienced some health challenges and was unable to perform in his calling. President George Q. Cannon, who served as a counselor to four presidents of the Church, taught powerfully about the gift of discernment: One of the gifts of the Gospel which the Lord has promised to those who enter into covenant with Him is the gift of discerning of spirits—a gift which is not much thought of by many and probably seldom prayed for; yet it is a gift that is of exceeding value and one that should be enjoyed by every Latter-day Saint. And we can only hope to obtain the supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction if we are quick to observe. And behold, ye shall . Bednar and Dieter F. Uchtdorf were called to fill the vacancies created by the July 2004 deaths of quorum members David B. Haight and Neal A. Maxwell; As a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, Bednar is accepted by the church as a prophet, seer, and revelator; He … 218 University Press Building . Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. I invoke His blessing upon each of you—that indeed you may desire to be and become quick to observe and truly discerning. Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. I declare my special witness that Jesus is the Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior. . As you study and learn and grow during your time as a university student, I hope you also are learning about and becoming quick to observe. And about the time that Ammaron hid up the records unto the Lord, he came unto me, (I being about ten years of age . As you recall, Nephi desired to see and hear and know the things his father, Lehi, had seen in the vision of the tree of life (see 1 Nephi 8). I know that He lives. 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). And Mormon, even in his youth, is described as being “quick to observe.” As you study and learn and grow, I hope you also are learning about and becoming quick to observe. Observing and discerning also enable us to assist others who are seeking to obtain the path and who desire to press forward with steadfastness in Christ. 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. However, his father was Catholic. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. The spiritual ability to see, hear, remember, and act upon that lesson was a great blessing in his life—and in the lives of many others. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. Much like faith precedes the miracle, much like baptism by water comes before the baptism by fire, much like gospel milk should be digested before gospel meat, much like clean hands can lead to a pure heart, and much like the ordinances of the Aaronic Priesthood are necessary before a person can receive the higher ordinances of the Melchizedek Priesthood, so being quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment. Third, it helps us find and bring forth the good that may be concealed in others. We ought to be grateful every day of our lives for this sense which keeps alive a conscience which constantly alerts us to the dangers inherent in wrongdoers and sin. Now please pay particular attention to verse 23 in 1 Nephi 8, and let us liken this scripture to our day and the challenges we face in an increasingly wicked world: And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost. “Quick to Observe” DAVID A. BEDNAR David A. Bednar was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 May 2005. . All of us have learned important lessons from the central characters in the Book of Mormon. In his message Elder Ashton detailed and described a number of less conspicuous spiritual gifts—attributes and abilities that many of us might not have considered being spiritual gifts. 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. Now this relationship was developing during the time that President Hinckley counseled the Relief Society sisters and young women of the Church to wear only one earring in each ear. We can hope to obtain that supernal gift of discernment and its light of protection and direction only if we are quick to observe—if we both look and obey. . As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Another seemingly simple and perhaps underappreciated spiritual gift—the capacity of being “quick to observe” (Mormon 1:2)—is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live. I have described only a few of the spiritually significant things Nephi saw. In Conference Report, Apr. At the conclusion of the June 2004 board of trustees meeting, President Hinckley called upon Elder David B. Haight to offer the benediction. They will repel it; and if perchance such a spirit should get possession of them, as soon as they witness its effects they will expel it or, in other words, refuse to be led or prompted by it.”1. I now seek for and invite the assistance of the Holy Ghost as I speak with you about essential spiritual truths. The stake president greeted the dear patriarch and, knowing how hard it must have been to dress himself, graciously suggested to the patriarch that it was not necessary for him to get dressed up on the Sabbath or to meet visitors. [Mormon 1:1–5; emphasis added]. 2005 Inaugural Luncheon Remarks BYUI Miscellaneous Address 218 University Press Building Provo, Utah 84602 '. Of his father’s vision example of this significant spiritual gift—even the capacity being... 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