Teachings of Our Time
“Two Lines of Communication”
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Sister Runnels
The Personal Line
In the personal line of communication we pray directly to our Heavenly Father and He answers through his Holy Spirit. The personal line is important in making personal decisions and to guide the family. Some seek to have their priesthood leaders make personal decisions for them, decisions they should make for themselves by inspiration through their personal line. Communication with our Heavenly Father is based on worthiness. When we renew our covenants by partaking of the sacrament each Sabbath day we qualify for the promise that we may always have His Spirit to be with us, to guide us.
The Priesthood Line
Unlike the personal line, in which our Heavenly Father communicates with us directly through the Holy Ghost, through the priesthood line God communicates through the scriptures and teachings and counsels of inspired leaders. This is the way we receive required ordinances and receive callings to serve in His Church. Like the personal line, the priesthood line cannot function fully and properly in our behalf unless we are worthy and obedient. The priesthood line does not supersede the need for the personal line and vise versa.
The Need for Both Lines
We cannot rely entirely on one line or the other. If we rely too heavily on the personal line, we may go our own way and not support the teachings of the prophets or leaders. If we rely only on a priesthood leader or teacher and not develop our own testimony through the personal line, we will be dependent on that mortal and their actions as a mediator between us and our Heavenly Father. We must use both the personal line and the priesthood line in proper balance to achieve the growth that is the purpose of mortal life and achieve eternal life.
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