Member of the First Quorum of the Seventy teaches about spiritual gifts at BYU-Idaho devotional

Elder Paul V. Johnson, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spoke about spiritual gifts at the Brigham Young University-Idaho devotional on Tuesday, June 6.

Elder Johnson referenced scriptures that list gifts given by the Lord to individual members of the Church and to the Church collectively. "There are three passages of scripture that include lists of spiritual gifts," Elder Johnson said. "One is in the New Testament in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. A second is found in the last chapter of Moroni as he closes the Book of Mormon record and the third is in the 46th section of the Doctrine and Covenants."

Elder Johnson warned students of the danger of not recognizing that all gifts come from God. "One of the problems that stems from not realizing the source of our gifts is that we can get a warped sense of our individual worth," Elder Johnson said. "It is wrong to equate our self worth with our particular gifts."

There are countless gifts the Lord has given his children. Some have gifts in academics, others in athletics, and some have natural talents in music or art, Elder Johnson said. He quoted the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 explaining how the distribution of gifts makes it possible for all to be profited.

"This part of Paul's writings helps us see that a whole group can be blessed by the gifts of individual members of that group," Elder Johnson said. Another blessing of this diversity is to learn unity. These same blessings apply to a marriage and a family."

Elder Johnson counseled students to develop their talents and gifts. "As we go through life we should be increasing the talents and gifts we have been given," Elder Johnson said. "You can get a sense for the gifts you have been given by being observant, listening to those you trust, studying your patriarchal blessing, and by praying and listening to the Spirit."

Elder Johnson also encouraged students to use the gifts and talents the Lord gave them for righteous purposes. "There are some extremely gifted people who use their gifts to contribute to evil," Elder Johnson said. "If your efforts invite and entice others to do good and to love God and to serve him you are on the right track (Moroni 7:13)."

Elder Johnson concluded with his testimony of the "greatest gift of all." "The Savior, who possesses all good gifts, offers some gifts to every person," Elder Johnson said. "Each of us has the gift of forgiveness available to us. Each of us will receive the gift of the resurrection and receive an immortal body free from the challenges our mortal bodies face. The greatest gift offered to humans is offered to all."

Next week's devotional speaker will be Elder William D. Ladd, emeritus member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy. Devotionals are held every Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Hart Auditorium with additional seating in the Taylor Chapel. Devotionals are broadcast on KBYI-FM 100.5 at 2 p.m. and rebroadcast Tuesday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 5 p.m.