My Runway

If you were the only pilot using a particular airport, presumably you would have the freedom to use any runway you like. But when multiple pilots use the same airport, it’s essential that each uses their assigned runway for takeoff and landing

Elder Dale G. Renlund used that as an analogy for how we receive revelation from God. Here are two “runways” identified by Elder Renlund:

1. “Doctrine, commandments, and revelations for the Church are the prerogative of the living prophet, who receives them from the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the prophet’s runway.”
2. “Personal revelation rightly belongs to individuals. You can receive revelation, for example, about where to live, what career path to follow, or whom to marry. Church leaders may teach doctrine and share inspired counsel, but the responsibility for these decisions rests with you. That is your revelation to receive; that is your runway.”

(“A Framework for Personal Revelation,” General Conference, October 2022)

In the summer of 1830, Hiram Page, one of the Eight Witnesses of the Book of Mormon, claimed to be receiving revelations for the church using a seer stone. Even Oliver Cowdery, the Second Elder of the Church, believed him. In response, the Lord gave Oliver the following instruction through Joseph Smith:

No one shall be appointed to receive commandments and revelations in this church excepting my servant Joseph Smith, Jun., for he receiveth them even as Moses.

Doctrine and Covenants 28:2

The Lord went on to clarify that Oliver would be “led by the Comforter” in his teaching, but that he should not “write by way of commandment, but by wisdom” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:4-5).

Speaking of Hiram Page’s supposed revelations, the Lord said, “These things have not been appointed unto him, neither shall anything be appointed unto any of this church contrary to the church covenants” (Doctrine and Covenants 28:12).

These passages remind me of Alma’s testimony. After expressing his wish that he could be an angel, speaking “with a voice to shake the earth,” he said, “I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it.” He asked, “Why should I desire more than to perform the work to which I have been called?” And then, he added, “I do not joy in my own success alone, but my joy is more full because of the success of my brethren” (Alma 29:1, 6, 9, 14).

Alma understood the importance of using our appointed runway and respecting the runways of other people. Preaching the gospel is a collective effort, and collective efforts only work when people respect one another’s roles and support one another in completing their assigned work.

Today, I will seek revelation within my appointed runway. I will respect the runways of others and be grateful for the revelation they receive within their assigned responsibilities.