Quick to Observe | David A. Bednar | 2005

We ought to seek out the gift of discernment, which makes us quick to observe right from wrong, the needs of others, and the promptings of the Spirit.
speeches.byu.e...
"In October 1987 Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, spoke in general conference about spiritual gifts. I recall with fondness the impact his message had upon me at that time, and the things he taught then continue to influence me today. In his message Elder Ashton detailed and described a number of less conspicuous spiritual gifts-attributes and abilities that many of us might not have considered being spiritual gifts. For example, Elder Ashton highlighted the gifts of asking; of listening; of hearing and using a still, small voice; of being able to weep; of avoiding contention; of being agreeable; of avoiding vain repetition; of seeking that which is righteous; of looking to God for guidance; of being a disciple; of caring for others; of being able to ponder; of bearing mighty testimony; and of receiving the Holy Ghost.
Please consider the significance of this important spiritual gift. As used in the scriptures, the word observe has two primary uses. One use denotes “to look” or “to see” or “to notice”-as we learn in Isaiah 42:20: “Seeing many things, but thou observest not; opening the ears, but he heareth not."
This morning I want to talk with you about another seemingly simple and perhaps underappreciated spiritual gift-the capacity of being “quick to observe.” I will also attempt to explain why appropriately seeking for this blessing is vitally important for you and for me in the world in which we do now and will yet live.
The second use of the word observe suggests “to obey” or “to keep”-as is evident in the Doctrine and Covenants: “But blessed are they who have kept the covenant and observed the commandment, for they shall obtain mercy” (D&C 54:6; emphasis added).
Thus when we are quick to observe, we promptly look or notice and obey. Both of these fundamental elements-looking and obeying-are essential to being quick to observe. And the prophet Mormon is an impressive example of this gift in action.
Before attending her sacrament meetings, Sister Bednar frequently prays for the spiritual eyes to see those who have a need. Often as she observes the brothers and sisters and children in the congregation, she will feel a spiritual nudge to visit with or make a phone call to a particular person. And when Sister Bednar receives such an impression, she promptly responds and obeys. It often is the case that as soon as the “amen” is spoken in the benediction, she will talk with a teenager or hug a sister or, upon returning home, immediately pick up the phone and make a call. As long as I have known Sister Bednar, people have marveled at her capacity to discern and respond to their needs. Often they will ask her, “How did you know?” The spiritual gift of being quick to observe has enabled her to see and to act promptly and has been a great blessing in the lives of many people.
As we integrate the teachings of Presidents Cannon and Richards, we learn that the gift of discernment operates basically in four major ways.
First, as we “read under the surface,” discernment helps us detect hidden error and evil in others.
Second, and more important, it helps us detect hidden errors and evil in ourselves. Thus the spiritual gift of discernment is not exclusively about discerning other people and situations, but, as President Cannon taught, it is also about discerning things as they really are within us.
Third, it helps us find and bring forth the good that may be concealed in others.
And fourth, it helps us find and bring forth the good that may be concealed in us. Oh, what a blessing and a source of protection and direction is the spiritual gift of discernment!" - Elder Bednar
David A. Bednar was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when this devotional address was given at Brigham Young University on 10 May 2005.
Follow BYU Speeches:
/ byuspeeches
BY...
/ byuspeeches
/ byuspeeches
© Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

[@billjensen51]

"The issue was not earrings" And it rarely is actually "earrings". Well put.

[@dawnawhite896]

I've been promised the gift of discernment, but never really understood it. Thank you so much, Elder Bednar! I needed this talk 💗

[@serenamg]

Awesome! Thank you for sharing. 🙏🏻

[@lilacbunches]

This was such a powerful speech...and it applies even today....2020

[@preceptuponprecept]

And even today….2023

[@mustanggun]

An amazing apostle of God. Thank you for teaching me Elder Bednar.

[@yeslatinicita]

Thank you so much !! wonderful !!“If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much.”

[@DrCouny]

So glad I found this bit of wisdom and counsel. Such a great challenge seeing through the mists of darkness that surround us. I’m grateful for inspired leaders.

[@ofelia829]

Wonderful. Discernment is a gift and as any gift that never comes randomly. Let us make quick observing a habit. 🌱 Thank you.

[@tlove6932]

❣️One of my all time favorite talks! 💪🏼POWERFUL!💪🏼 Heaven Bless you Elder & Sister Bedar🙏🏼💞🕊️ Thank you🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼

[@noemorin2169]

True wisdom from an inspired servant of Christ.

[@natashaaggas6261]

just started listening to elders some things already and has been happening in my life in which they speak about

[@traczebabe]

It's amazing how the Lord makes sure we hear what we need too when we need too. 💜 love your picture. ☺

[@EMonzon]

I want to be quick to observe

[@anitassalon]

This is so enlightening!

[@alpinehs]

Es un mensaje muy importante e inspirador. Ser prontos para observar nos hará la vida más útil.

[@ms_jovou]

Thank you so much for this talk, Elder David A. Bednar. God Bless You! #MyMentor.

[@ildenete3235]

Discernir é um dom à desenvolver desde, ou já desenvolvido desde a Pré- Existência. O elder Bednar explica com as escrituras de maneira excelente ! Eu lembro de discernir o mal, uma vez que estava no centro de São Paulo com uma colega, acho que fomos ao cinema durante o dia mesmo e andando eu vi claramente um homem alto e disse a ela que, aquele homem iria nos seguir. Mas ele não olhara para nós duas, ele estava olhando para atrás de nós, então a minha colega de escola não conseguia ver ninguém perigoso e ficou me perguntando quem era. Passamos por ele e quando olhamos para trás ele estava nos seguindo. Minha amiga ficou muita nervosa, e fugimos para o metrô, ele percebeu que já sabíamos dele e foi embora. Ela me perguntava depois:- como eu sabia? , eu não sabia explicar a ela, mas eu sabia que algo dentro de mim, o dom do discernimento me ajuda a ver o bem e o mal em todos os graus em todas as partes , maravilho me nos dons e dádivas concedidos do Senhor!

[@charlenekaiser482]

A heartfelt prayer for All of our leaders to stand for light truth and Wisdom

[@Try-d7p]

This is one of my most favorite talks.

[@albertowilliamalvesviana5162]

I fell the Spirit guiding my core, quickly, its up to me to not only understand that but to be quick to describe as well. This can be done by sharing good terms with the Spirit, secular terms are not a sin. Sin is not to give means to the Spirit to cooperate more adequately but being implusive.

[@Moore-s5p]

I was there!

[@sarahm1445]

The gift of discernment is great

[@mariselabaker9057]

I love it thank you so much Elder Bedbar

[@EricLovesCHRIST]

Feelings matter once a person gets born again

[@charlenekaiser482]

Im grateful to recognize truth&love for Jesus Christ ❤

[@williamturner6192]

Quick to observe another when it has to do with things of most importance.

[@rodolfoh.carrillo3267]

GREAT SERMON

[@TS-ql3eo]

Simply amazing!

[@charlenekaiser482]

Today and everyday forward.2024/25

[@_RahulRoy]

I am 19th commenter

[@briandm33]

There is nothing more important to LDS Members than to dress apropriately for church. The manner of white clothing stresses the significant love for purity and cleaniness. I agree with this mannerism and what is needed to express love for the Heavenly Father in our lives to dress apropriately for church. Unfortunately I am one that has issues with muscles and health problems that control my comfortability level due to feeling comfortable in church clothing while I sit in church. It's not the desire to not wear church clothing but it's my health issues and muscles inside my body that cause me to feel comfortable in my skin while I sit in church. See I have Dystonia and my muscles freeze after I sit in church for about 40 to 50 minutes. Long story short my muscles have frozen stiff sometimes while sitting in church and the need to move them from stiffening up is the issue I have every week sitting in church. Soo even though I want to sit in church in church clothing the Heavenly Father knows the problems I deal with bc my muscles stiffen up while I sit during church services.

[@charlenekaiser482]

❤❤

[@sarahm1445]

Really good talk

[@EricLovesCHRIST]

Thus Say 8th The Lord - "David A. Bednar is a true prophet of God"

[@colinkirk7301]

#LDS

[@graceskommesa]

I always highlight and circle the “look! And I looked.” I love this example! 🤍