The Giver of Gifts

By Anne Maxson

While visiting the temple a few weeks ago, someone mentioned to me, “There are so many blessings that are promised to us as we make covenants in the temple.” Thinking of a loving Heavenly Father who wants to bless his children, reminded me of the talk “Why Not Ask” by Larry R. Lawrence. (This message on the blog, also discusses this talk.) As we attend the temple, we are able to ponder the blessings that we stand in need of. We are also able to consider the ways we are striving to be better, to change, to repent, and, in turn, what Heavenly help and strength can help us to accomplish those things. As we gain insights into those, we can ask for those things that we need.

Elder Lawrence shares this analogy to help us understand the loving generosity of our Heavenly Father. “Imagine for a moment that you are a child again. It's Christmas morning...Your father passes out a special gift to each member in the family. Each gift was carefully selected; each is something very useful. After the presents are received with thankfulness…you notice that there are many unopened gifts left under the Christmas tree. You can tell what's inside, because the gifts are clearly labeled. You realize that you could use some of these valuable gifts yourself. Reluctantly, you approach your father, not wanting to appear greedy. ‘Father,’ you ask, ‘whom are these other presents for?’ He smiles warmly and explains, ‘For whoever wants one.’ That sounds way too good to be true. You think to yourself, ‘There must be a catch.’ Then your father explains, ‘Just ask for what you need. I won't scold you for asking.’”

Throughout the scriptures, we see examples of the importance of asking. Nephi asks where to find ore and additional inspired instructions for building a ship. The Brother of Jared, asks for help with obstacles he encounters while building barges to sail across the ocean. Joseph Smith is a wonderful example of the importance of asking for divine instruction and strength. Aside from bringing about the First Vision, we find in the Doctrine and Covenants that many questions were asked and divinely answered as Joseph worked to restore the Church of God to the earth. These accounts demonstrate the help we can receive as we work through instruction from the Lord.

Elder Lawrence went on say, “After we have asked the Lord ‘What lack I yet?’ and after we have received an answer from the Spirit, then we will know for sure what we need to improve. Then we can come boldly before the throne of God and ask for the gift that would help us overcome our weakness. In this way, our weaknesses will truly become our strengths…God is waiting to hear from you. So why not ask? He still expects you to do your part, but He also wants you to use your heavenly resources.”

In the scriptures, we are invited and promised, “Ask, and ye shall receive.” The Lord stands at the ready, waiting for us to ask for gifts from Him that allow us to continue in the work He would have us do. Consider ways you can prayerfully ponder the gifts you stand in need of as you strive to do the work of the Lord and ask for help to develop those gifts.