What Are Spiritual Gifts, and How Do They Work?

To better understand the relationship between spiritual gifts and the attributes of the Savior, examining the fundamental truths presented in Moroni’s final farewell is most instructive (see Moroni 10). Moroni emphasized five major points:

1. A testimony of the Book of Mormon comes by the power of the Holy Ghost.

2. Gifts of the Spirit are dispensed to the faithful.

3. Spiritual gifts always accompany faith.

4. His [Moroni’s] words speak from the dust.

5. We are to come unto Christ, be perfected in Him, and thereby sanctify our souls.

Please note that spiritual gifts are prerequisites for and essential to our coming unto the Savior, being blessed with His attributes, and becoming like Him.

Spiritual gifts are blessings and capacities given by God to His children through the power of the Holy Ghost. All individuals who by proper priesthood authority and the laying on of hands receive the gift of the Holy Ghost are eligible to receive spiritual gifts. Such gifts are intended to “bless and benefit those who love the Lord and seek to keep His commandments.”

The very name “spiritual gifts” teaches us a vital lesson. All such gifts are given by God according to His will and timing.

The Lord determines if and when we receive all spiritual gifts and Christlike attributes. Nevertheless, we should do all in our power to desire and become eligible for such gifts. We do not earn or develop these gifts and attributes in our own strength.

We always should remember that the work of inviting all to come unto Christ is a spiritual work. Our quest is spiritual transformation—not simply behavioral improvement. All of the worthwhile benefits of personal discipline and goal setting, in and of themselves, are insufficient to help us to receive the gifts of God and the attributes of the Lord Jesus Christ.

We receive spiritual gifts when God can trust us to be what we need to be, to do what we need to do, and to be guided by the Spirit to the right place at the right time so that if a gift or gifts are given, they operate through us to bless other people.

Surely, we as individuals are benefited by the bestowal of spiritual gifts and Christlike attributes. However, our primary desires should be focused upon serving God and His children and not on our own growth and development.

Appropriately seeking for and being blessed to receive spiritual gifts and Christlike attributes requires that we “get out of the way” and look beyond our self-centered desires, concerns, and personal preferences.

We are commanded to look to the Savior in every thought—and to doubt and fear not. Consequently, the focus of our work should be upon Him and not upon us. We should appreciate His precious gifts more than we depend upon our individual capacity. We humbly should acknowledge His tender mercies and blessings more than we rely upon our individual talents. We should strive steadfastly to avoid the blindness that comes by “looking beyond the mark,” even the Lord Jesus Christ. We should always remember, “Father, thy will be done, and the glory be thine forever.”

As Nephi concluded his teaching and testifying about the doctrine of Christ, he emphasized essential principles for receiving the blessings and gifts of the Holy Ghost:

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren, I know that if ye shall follow the Son, with full purpose of heart, acting no hypocrisy and no deception before God, but with real intent, repenting of your sins, witnessing unto the Father that ye are willing to take upon you the name of Christ, by baptism— … behold, then shall ye receive the Holy Ghost.”

In this verse, full purpose of heart suggests to me both a singular focus upon the Redeemer and a willingness to “offer [our] whole souls,” even all of our “heart, might, mind and strength,” as our discipleship grows stronger and we press forward on the covenant path.

Real intent denotes integrity and sincerity in our motives, desires, and actions.

Oliver Cowdery, who acted as the Prophet Joseph Smith’s principal scribe during the translation of the Book of Mormon, learned a valuable lesson about the importance of both commencing and continuing. Oliver desired to have the gift of translation.

Apparently, Oliver delayed or postponed the exercise of the spiritual gift he had received. Therefore, Oliver was admonished concerning his role in the work of translation.

“It is because that you did not continue as you commenced, when you began to translate, that I have taken away this privilege from you.”

The righteous exercise of moral agency to accept spiritual responsibilities and promised blessings requires each of us both to commence and to continue. Commencing is necessary but is not sufficient. Commencing also requires us to continue acting in doctrine and faithfully pressing forward.

Receiving spiritual gifts and Christlike attributes requires both commencing and continuing.

Our spiritual rebirth and progress along the covenant path enable us to become sanctified as new creatures in Christ. Ultimately, then, we are the primary focus of God’s work.

We can in mortality be blessed with and receive essential attributes of a Christlike character. Indeed, it is possible for us as mortals to strive in righteousness to receive the spiritual gifts and characteristics that enable us to reach outward to love, serve, and bless others.

Personal worthiness is the absolute and indispensable key that enables us to have the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost and receive all spiritual gifts and Christlike attributes.

Please note that I used the word worthiness and not perfection. In mortality, we are now and always will be imperfect. It simply is not possible to attain righteous perfection in mortality. But we can and should be worthy, improving, repenting, and becoming.

I joyfully witness that Jesus Christ is the living Son of the living God. He is the giver of all good gifts. And I know that He is risen and that He lives.