Edify

How do you recognize God’s influence in your life? How can you hear Him amongst the many other voices in the world?

Here’s how Alma described the impact of God’s word:

If ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed…it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

Alma 32:28

King Benjamin described the effect of the Spirit of the Lord on his people in this way:

1. They were filled with joy.
2. They felt God’s love.
3. They received a remission of their sins.
4. They grew in knowledge.

(See Mosiah 4:11-12.)

God is a builder. When we activate His influence in our lives, He strengthens, elevates, and empowers us. In contrast, Satan tries to drag us down, to discourage us, and to weaken us.

In 1831, the Lord gave the following guidance to church members

who were confused about how to recognize His Spirit:

That which doth not edify is not of God, and is darkness.

Doctrine and Covenants 50:23

To edify is to build, to improve, and to strengthen. We can recognize God’s influence because it makes us better: stronger, wiser, and more capable. And we can participate in His work by edifying other people. “Ye shall instruct and edify each other,” He said (Doctrine and Covenants 43:8). As we teach one another by His Spirit, both the teacher and the learner “are edified and rejoice together” (Doctrine and Covenants 50:22).

Today, I will watch for God’s edifying influence in my life. I will be grateful for the ways He is strengthening and uplifting me, and I will strive to follow His example by edifying others.