REXBURG—Today's BYU-Idaho devotional speaker taught that spiritual discernment is one of the most important things a child of God can develop.
Selena Robins, the curriculum maintenance manager at BYU-Idaho, told students at the BYU-Idaho devotional today that the way they approach spiritual truth is different than typical learning.
“Study and research from good sources can help us learn, but ultimately, we must receive revelation from God. This can be difficult, because spiritual communication often involves what we cannot physically see or hear,” Robins said.
Robins said the process of building a relationship with God takes time and consistent effort. Robins reminded listeners in a BYU-Idaho Radio interview that disciples of Jesus Christ only have to remember Him, it is all He asks each person to do as they partake of the sacrament.
“God will give us steps, little by little, line upon line, things to do to reach our potential. But we have to be the ones to make those choices along with his help,” Robins said.
Robins shared how listening to God helped her when teaching her children. She sometimes felt discouraged as Satan tried to tell her that her efforts were not enough.
“We are not powerless against false messages. We can actively reject thoughts that pull us away from Christ and replace them with truth!” Robins said during her devotional talk.
In a BYU-Idaho Radio interview Robins said when people face discouragement and distractions connecting with God can help them focus on what is important.
“I think it's important to remember that prayer is not confined by space. You can pray anytime, anywhere, and it doesn't even need to be formal,” Robins said.
Robins encourage students to know the gospel for themselves and to choose to know God. She said every person should be critical of their environment and think about the decisions they are making.
In the devotional, Robins encouraged students to personally find answers from God by “not missing the opportunity to hear him directly.” She said reading scriptures and praying can be essential in each person’s journey to come closer to God.
“Spiritual experiences are daily. They're not these grand, rare things that happen,” Robins said in the BYU-Idaho Radio interview.
Robins invited listeners to her BYU-Idaho devotional to write down impressions each day for a week. She said this small action will allow them to recognize and discern the impressions of the spirit.