Elder John A. McCune, a general authority seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, delivered a campus devotional at the Marriott Center. Elder McCune testified that God wants to guide and direct each of His children through revelation.
In his address, Elder McCune shared 10 principles about revelation.
1. Revelation is best received when we are acting or moving as agents.
“If you have done all you can to receive an answer and it hasn’t yet come, it is often best to just make the most informed and righteous decision you can, and to just keep your feet moving,” Elder McCune taught.
2. Revelation is received in a variety of ways.
Elder McCune stated, "Our Heavenly Father knows how we each think and how we will best hear and respond to His communications with us. Revelation often comes with feelings of strength, power and reassurance.”
3. Revelation is meant to be efficient communication from God.
Elder McCune shared an experience he had when he was called as a stake president. Elder Richard G. Scott, the presiding authority, told Elder McCune that he had 10 minutes to choose counselors. Elder McCune and his wife immediately knelt in faith and received two names from the Lord. He elaborated that his willingness to be faithful and act on revelation in that moment led to an increase in revelation later on.
4. As revelation from God is given efficiently, it is also delivered in an orderly way.
Elder McCune quoted President Dallin H. Oaks’ talk about the two primary lines of revelation — the personal line and the priesthood or prophetic line. Using both in a balanced way is the best course of action when seeking the Lord’s help.
5. Receiving revelation requires effort and work.
When Elder McCune was a mission president, a tragedy occurred with an elder at the same time as transfer preparation. Elder McCune focused first on supporting the family and other missionaries in their grieving, and then, when it came time to finalize transfers, he was able to complete all of the transfer decisions in only 90 minutes. Because of his willingness to trust God and put forth effort to fulfill his responsibilities, he was able to complete the tasks he was entrusted with.
6. Receiving revelation takes practice.
Elder McCune quoted President Russell M. Nelson when he said, “Pray in the name of Jesus Christ about your concerns, your fears, your weaknesses — yes, the very longings of your heart. And then listen! Write the thoughts that come to your mind. Record your feelings and follow through with actions that you are prompted to take. As you repeat this process day after day, month after month, year after year, you will grow into the principle of revelation.”
7. Worthiness and righteous living will help to precipitate the receiving of revelation.
“Regular spiritual endeavors… [are] ways we can fill our houses with righteousness so that when the adversary comes with temptations that would reduce our ability to receive revelation, he will then find our ‘house’ already full," taught Elder McCune.
8. Correction is a form of revelation.
Elder McCune turned to the story of the Liahona to illustrate this principle. When faith was falling short, the Liahona changed to draw attention to the fact that God was still in control and that changes needed to be made. He reminded the audience to be grateful for moments of chastisement from the Lord because that is where growth can come from.
9. We cannot force revelation.
Elder McCune shared a story from when President Oaks was the president of BYU. He invited the president of the United States to come and speak, telling him that BYU would be willing to accommodate his schedule. President Oaks compared this to revelation, saying “If that’s the way a community of 26,000 people must approach the highest authority of a nation, it should not be surprising that one person — however important — is in no position to put conditions upon or to impose personal timing upon a visit or communication from the Highest Authority in the universe.”
10. Revelation requires focus and attention.
“Our minds must be on spiritual matters to receive the Spirit. ... Righteous music, quiet moments, uplifting conversations, spiritual locations magnify our ability to receive revelation," instructed Elder McCune.
He concluded with a promise that receiving and accepting revelation brings peace and joy in all aspects of life.
