Our spiritual reserves

    During a power outage you reach for a flashlight, flip the switch and watch as a dim beam flickers to life briefly, then goes out — the result of old and not very powerful batteries.
   What could have been a powerful aid during an emergency has become a useless tool, in need of new or recharged batteries.
   Such also is our own spirituality if we ignore it and, like our flashlight, put it aside, unused for long periods of time, allowing our bright light to dim somewhat because of neglect.
   In the parable of the ten virgins, the Savior told of how five foolish virgins took no oil with them while they waited for the bridegroom, and when the time had come for the wedding feast, they were without oil and their lamps were useless. (See Matt. 25:1-13.)
   To ensure we are not like the foolish virgins we need to be ever diligent in replenishing our spiritual reserves so we can assist when the need arises. Such spiritual tools are necessary when we perform a priesthood blessing, prepare a difficult lesson, attend the temple to participate in saving ordinances, offer public prayers or for any calling in which we might serve.
   It is certainly easier — even in times of emergency — to draw upon our spiritual reserves if they are properly maintained than hunt for them worrisomely when forced to do so.
   "We need to build ourselves spiritually," President Gordon B. Hinckley has counseled. "We live in a world of rush and go, of running here and there and in every direction. We are very busy people. We have so much to do. We need to get off by ourselves once in a while and think of the spiritual things and build ourselves spiritually....Think of all the Lord has done for you. How very blessed you are....Meditate and reflect for an hour about yourself and your relationship to your Heavenly Father and your Redeemer. It will do something for you" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 608-9).
   In addition to meditation and prayer, we need to partake weekly of the sacrament, attend our Church meetings and go to the temple as often as possible. We need to seek to put ourselves in a spiritual frame of mind — even if it is only for a short time each day. We can build and nurture our spiritual reserves by scripture study, by contemplating general conference addresses and by sharing our testimony with others both in structured meetings and in casual settings. Our goal should be to be ready, as were the five wise virgins, at the moment we are summoned.
   The scripture reminds us: "Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you...." (Amos 5:14).
   Our frame of mind should be to seek out and keep the Spirit with us as long as possible each day. That warm, comfortable feeling in the chest lets us know that the Holy Ghost is present, testifying that we are doing those things pleasing to the Lord, that we are acting appropriately and that we are able to perform those tasks we are called upon to perform.
   President Hinckley reminds us, "The spirit is as much a part of man as is his body. It too needs nourishment" (Teachings of Gordon B. Hinckley, p. 607).
   May we take those opportunities to recharge the spiritual batteries we are given so we may be of use to those whom we serve and who need us to assist them.

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Section: Church News