Comforted in Earnest

Everyday we each set our hand to certain tasks, hoping to be successful and to accomplish some desired end. These tasks can be of our own choosing or placed upon us as part of the conditions of life on earth. Regardless of the origin of our circumstances, we approach the events of each day in the hopes of being equal to the things required of us.

As we work to accomplish the outcomes we desire, we often crave some form of feedback to know how we're doing. It means that much more to us when it comes from someone we hold in high regard. I have played the guitar and written music since ninth grade, trying to be like my dad and my older brother. In college I played one of my songs at a concert for a songwriting class. I remember my dad coming up to me after the concert with tears in his eyes. He hugged me and I knew that he was proud of me and that he thought that my song was truly good. That meant the world to me and gave me confidence moving forward.

The need for feedback on how we're doing is especially keen regarding our efforts to follow Jesus in learning eternal life. Most of us feel from time to time some measure of fear or worry as to our standing before God. We feel a degree of anxiety as we wonder whether or not we are measuring up to the rigors of discipleship. Often we compare ourselves to others in a desperate attempt to get a feel for where we are on the road to Righteousness. Such comparisons are done myopically and almost always lead to "hands which hang down" (Heb 12:12). In great mercy, however, our Heavenly Father has prepared for us a powerful and perfect medium of feedback that truly can give "rest unto [our] souls" (Matt 11:29). The key lies in both being able to 1) recognize it and 2) believe it when it comes.

In two of his epistles, one to the saints in Ephesus and one to those in Corinth, Paul teaches of one of the least understood and most unappreciated functions of the Holy Ghost in the lives of the "humble seeker(s) of happiness" (Alma 27:18) who follow Jesus. These people, imperfect as they are, give an honest effort to love others, keep their promises, and lead people to Christ. They love light rather than darkness (John 3:19) and piece their way along, slowly but surely, "from grace to grace" (D&C 93:13). Paul teaches that to these saints a kind Father in Heaven sends something that he refers to as "the earnest of the Spirit in [their] hearts" (2 Cor 1:22).

Earnest money in business and real estate deals is a payment made to show the true intent of the parties involved and the surety of the contract's conditions being met in full. Thus, God sends us the Holy Ghost to testify to our souls that His promises to us are fully intact and that He is bound to keep them (D&C 82:10). That is why the Holy Ghost is referred to as "the Holy Spirit of promise" (Eph 1:13, D&C 76:53), He serves as a witness that God's promise to grant us eternal life is in full force and bound to come to be if we continue on our current course (Eph 1:14, D&C 88:4). Think of that! Never again do you have to guess as to your standing before the Lord! If you feel the Spirit on a regular basis, it means that your covenants with Him are binding and you are on course to obtain that "greatest of all the gifts of God" (D&C 14:7). It means that He is pleased with you and your efforts to do what is right. It is that moment with my father after the concert! This knowledge gives us confidence that if we were to be called home to His presence now, we would be ready (D&C 121:45, 1 John 4:17-18). This is perhaps the greatest reason that the Holy Ghost is known as The Comforter.