I wrote yesterday that our spirits are naturally equipped to receive spiritual light. Why then do we sometimes fail to detect it?
The Lord lists several inhibitors to receptivity in Doctrine and Covenants 67, most notably fear.
Near the beginning of the revelation, He explains why church leaders were having such a hard time accepting and rallying around a collection of revelations received by Joseph Smith:
Ye endeavored to believe that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive.
Doctrine and Covenants 67:3
Later in the same revelation, He identifies three negative attitudes which these church leaders must set aside to receive greater light:
It is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am—not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual.
Doctrine and Covenants 67:10, emphasis added
As the Lord indicates in this passage, negative emotions like jealousy, fear, and pride can narrow and darken our vision, preventing us from detecting the light which we would otherwise see. Sister Kristen Yee called these emotions “weapons of war,” which we consciously or unconsciously wield, driving away the very blessings God is trying to bestow upon us! (See “The Joy of Our Redemption,” General Conference, October 2024.)
Fear manifests itself in many ways, and we likely often experience it without even being aware. However, when we do recognize it, we can follow the example of Alma’s people, who:
- remembered that God loves them and can deliver them,
- “hushed their fears,” intentionally calming themselves down,
- prayed that the Lord would soften the hearts of their enemies.
(See Mosiah 23:27-28.)
Commenting on this passage, Elder David A. Bednar taught:
Correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord empower us to hush our fears because Jesus Christ is the only source of enduring peace.
“Therefore They Hushed Their Fears,” General Conference, April 2015
Today I will remember that fear and other negative emotions can inhibit my reception of God’s light. I will remember God’s love, intentionally calm my fears, and pray, so that I can more fully receive His light.