It helps us distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice. In chapters 11 through 14 the Holy Ghost assisted Nephi in learning about the nature and meaning of his father’s vision. . ) " Elder Bednar said he knew the illustration might lead to letters in BYU's campus newspaper, the Daily Universe, about the young man being too judgmental or about Elder Bednar focusing on a young woman's mistake instead of a young man's.----- 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. . I know that He lives. Elder David A. Bednar: “I hope you also are learning about and becoming quick to observe. One final example. . David’s mother was an active member of the Church. Even though David’s father was active in the LDS church, he was not baptized into it… . between right and wrong. “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; …. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. Discerning is seeing with spiritual eyes and feeling with the heart—seeing and feeling the falsehood of an idea or the goodness in another person. Interestingly, 13 times in these chapters the Spirit of the Lord directed Nephi to “look” as a fundamental feature of the learning process. They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. . 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. The stake president was 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? 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. Show Timeline. I have long been fascinated by the nature of the interaction between the Spirit of the Lord and Nephi found in chapters 11 through 14 of 1 Nephi. Please consider the significance of this important spiritual gift. I hope on that occasion I was quick to observe a powerful lesson about the dignity and the humility that should always attend our prayers. Por el élder David A. Bednar. In 2005, David A. Bednar gave a talk at Brigham Young University entitled “Quick to Observe.” He pointed out that the word observe has two main meanings: “to notice” and “to obey.” A person who is quick to observe will see what needs to be done and will promptly do it. As you study and ponder, please keep in mind that Nephi would not have seen what he desired to see, he would not have known what he needed to know, and he could not have done what he ultimately needed to do if he had not been quick to observe. Blessed with these spiritual gifts, we will not lose our way; we will not wander off; we will not be lost. Discerning is seeing with spiritual eyes and feeling with the heart—seeing and feeling the falsehood of an idea or the goodness in another person. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. Let me now address the question of why the spiritual gift of being quick to observe is so vital for us in the world in which we do now and will yet live. Prompt to watch and to obey. 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). Speaking during the weekly BYU devotional in Provo, Utah, Elder Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve asked students to think about an "underappreciated spiritual gift — the capacity of being quick to observe." 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 … Gospel Truth: Discourses and Writings of George Q. Cannon, comp. 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 … President Hinckley serves as the chair of that board. I have learned that where there is a prayerful heart, a hungering after righteousness, a forsaking of sins, and obedience to the commandments of God, the Lord pours out more and more light until one finally has power to pierce the heavenly veil and to know more than man knows. A simple gift that blesses us individually and in our families and extends blessings to so many other people. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. 9. 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. So once again Elder Haight worked to stand—and was successful. President David A. Bednar. It often is the case that as soon as the “amen” is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. I shall never forget the spirit I felt as I listened to Elder Haight pray. 11 Oct 2005 Inaugural Luncheon Remarks BYUI Miscellaneous Address. 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. This Bednar character is one of the biggest kiss ass losers in the 12. 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). David A. Bednar was named received the Burlington Northern Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching and twice was honored with the Outstanding Teacher Award in the College of Business Administration at the University of Arkansas. 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 of greater importance, he was not going to sit as he communicated with his Heavenly Father. 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. . 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). Second, and more important, it helps us detect hidden errors and evil in ourselves. . We learn from Elder David A. Bednar that, “Mormon, even in his youth, is described as being ‘quick to observe.’ He was considering and hoping for engagement and marriage. 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, 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. I now seek for and invite the assistance of the Holy Ghost as I speak with you about essential spiritual truths. Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift if he willed to do so. 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. I simply invite you to consider and ponder the power of being quick to observe and what was actually observed in the case I just described. As we integrate the teachings of Presidents Cannon and Richards, we learn that the gift of discernment operates basically in four major ways. Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. I now want to present several examples of the lessons that can be learned when you and I are blessed to be quick to observe. Your future success and happiness will in large measure be determined by this spiritual capacity.” “As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. Quick to Observe. The issue was not earrings! Let me begin by indicating that I wear lots of different hats. 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. 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. . The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them. And fourth, it helps us find and bring forth the good that may be concealed in us. I repeat again for emphasis the truth that discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark. [Mormon 1:1–5; emphasis added]. . 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 Time spent with you this morning is a sacred privilege for us. I know that He lives. This young man cared for the young woman very much, and he was desirous of making his relationship with her more serious. Elder Haight responded in a voice that was both firm and appropriate and said, “President, I must stand!”. Much like faith precedes the miracle, much like baptism by water comes before the baptism by fire...so being quick to observe is a prerequisite to and a preparation for the gift of discernment. 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. David A. Bednar, Quick to Observe, Ensign, Dec 2006, 30-36 Ammaron, tells Mormon that for the next 14 years, he is to observe the people and remember all that he observes. Interestingly, 13 times in these chapters the Spirit of the Lord directed Nephi to “look” as a fundamental feature of the learning process. I invoke His blessing upon each of you—that you may desire to be and become quick to observe and truly discerning. It helps us to distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice. 30Quick to Observe ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR Great blessings result from being quick to notice the spiritual significance of influences and events in our lives and quick to obey commandments and spiritual promptings. Third, it helps us find and bring forth the good that may be concealed in others. As Alma taught his son Helaman, “See that ye take care of these sacred things, yea, see that ye look to God and live” (Alma 37:47). Provo, Utah 84602. I have a husband hat. On Wednesday, Elder David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, addressed the 2020 virtual version of the G20 Interfaith Forum. 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 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). . Brothers and sisters, that same truth applies to you and to me! . And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. At the conclusion of the June 2004 board of trustees meeting, President Hinckley called upon Elder David B. Haight to offer the benediction. 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. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action. Both of these fundamental elements—looking and obeying—are essential to being quick to observe. 393,499 likes. I now want to present several examples of the lessons that can be learned when you and I are blessed to be quick to observe. As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. The mist of darkness described in the vision represents the temptations of the devil that blind the eyes of the children of men and lead them into broad roads so that they are lost (see 1 Nephi 12:17). All of us have learned important lessons from the central characters in … . - David A. Bednar, "Quick to Observe," BYU devotional, May 10, 2005 Click here to read the full talk Elder Bednar often gives wonderfully thoughtful and thought-provoking addresses. Reverence for the Sabbath day and the importance of respect and appropriate demeanor and dress took on added importance in the ministry of the stake president. In private life this gift is of great importance to the Latter-day Saints. One Sabbath afternoon this good stake president visited the home of the patriarch to encourage him and check on his well-being. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. 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. I have long been fascinated by the nature of the interaction between the Spirit of the Lord and Nephi found in chapters 11 through 14 of 1 Nephi. The gift of discernment opens to us vistas that stretch far beyond what can be seen with natural eyes or heard with natural ears. 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. 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. However, his father was Catholic. All of us have learned important lessons from the central characters in the Book of Mormon. Please note that the root word observe is used three times in these verses. 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). They are able to detect a false spirit and also to know when the Spirit of God reigns within them. As you study and ponder, please keep in mind that Nephi would not have seen what he desired to see, would not have known what he needed to know, and could not have done what he ultimately needed to do if he had not been quick to observe. Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. En octubre de 1987, el élder Marvin J. Ashton, en aquel entonces miembro del Quórum de los Doce Apóstoles, habló en la conferencia general acerca de los dones espirituales. 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. And now I, Mormon, make a record of the things which I have both seen and heard, and call it the Book of Mormon. This was a valuable piece of information for this young man, and he felt unsettled about her nonresponsiveness to a prophet’s pleading. 1950, 162–63; emphasis added. In Conference Report, Apr. By David A. Bednar (BA ’76) in the Fall 2005 Issue. 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. 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. I believe that this gift when highly developed arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions—spiritual impressions, if you will—to read under the surface as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. engrave on the plates of Nephi all the things that ye have observed concerning this people. 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. 1 Oct 2005 Becoming a Missionary General Conference. 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. I have a dear friend who served as a stake president. Being quick to look and obey opens the doors to spiritual insight. 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