Spiritual Guidance by Michael Meldrum

I really liked this talk I found but there was not a direct link so I thought I'd share it with you. I found it at www.sugardoodle.info/Holy Ghost.

Spiritual Guidance
By Michael Meldrum

Shortly before we left for our recent trip to Canada, we bought a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit. We found it to be very useful in helping us track where we were along our pre-determined route. We used it to see how many miles we had driven, how many hours we’d been on the road, how long our stops were, and how many more miles were left to our destination, and a few other things. We found it especially useful on our return trip home. Our plan was to leave southern Alberta at about 3:00 and spend the night in Butte, Montana and then drive the rest of the way the next day. Just before we left my grandmother’s home she called Colton over to her and placed a folded $10 bill in his hand and told him that when we stopped for gas he was to buy each of us a drink. Well, you can probably picture a 3-year old kid getting some money and thinking that he was pretty big stuff. He proudly told us that great grandma had given him some “cash”. Where he learned that paper money is called cash and how to use the word properly I don’t know.

We crossed the U.S. border and made it as far as the fairly small town of Conrad, Montana before we needed to get some gas. The place that we stopped at was a truck stop of sorts. It had a restaurant, small hotel, and of course a convenience store. Colton, of course, hadn’t forgotten his assignment. He took it very seriously. When we went into the store we had to look at every shape of container, type, and color of drink that was available. Valerie and I decided that we would let Colton choose what kind of drink he wanted. Well, that was where we went wrong. Now don’t misunderstand. Colton didn’t choose something that he shouldn’t have, it was just the volume of what he chose that became the problem. When you chose a 24 ounce drink, only have a 4 ounce bladder and nearly down the whole drink there’s trouble to be had. None of this occurred to us at that time though. Those of you who have young kids or are first time parents–don’t follow this example.

After finishing getting the gas and drinks we got back in the car to drive for what we figured would be about 2 ½ to 3 hours to get us to Butte. About an hour into that drive we could see the passenger in the rear seat looking rather uncomfortable and bouncing in his car seat. We asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom and he said yes. Any of you that have been to or through Montana know that there aren’t a lot of towns along I-15 and when there are towns they’re spread apart by long stretches of empty highway. Well this is where the GPS came in handy. One of the features on the unit is that it will show you how far it is until the next exit or rest area. The unit will also show you what businesses are located within 1/4 mile of the exit. Valerie was searching for a good, close stopping spot and I was telling stories to help keep Colton’s mind off of the ever increasing urgency of the situation. We were able to locate a rest area that was only 5 or 6 miles up the road and we took advantage of those facilities. We repeated this performance 3 more times before we finally made it to Butte. Needless to say the trip didn’t take 2 ½ or 3 hours. It was more like 4, but we made it.

We were very grateful to have the GPS unit with us in those circumstances because it provided invaluable information to us at a time when we were desperately in need.

How many times do we find ourselves in desperate need spiritually? We have each been blessed with spiritual GPS units. Do we know how to use them? What buttons do we push to get to the information that we need? There are two manufacturers of spiritual GPS units, but only one of the models will actually get us to our final destination. I would like to provide some instruction on how to make the best use of our spiritual GPS units.

First, we need to know which model of spiritual GPS we’re using. I prefer to use the CTR model as I hope you do too. The manufacturer of this model is our Heavenly Father. The other manufacturer is Satan. His SIN model has several features that mimic the CTR model but most of these features do not function properly when closely examined and will, in fact, keep you from reaching your final destination. President Joseph F. Smith taught that: “Satan is a skillful imitator, and as genuine gospel truth is given the world in ever-increasing abundance, so he spreads the counterfeit coin of false doctrine.” Elder Dallin H. Oaks has stated: “Satan uses every possible device to degrade and enslave every soul. He attempts to distort and corrupt everything created for the good of man, sometimes by diluting that which is good, sometimes by camouflaging that which is evil”.

Once we have established which model we are using we need to know more about the basic operations. Included with the CTR model are four key components:


1. Antennae. An internal antennae that is used to both send and receive information. This antennae is called prayer. In order for the best transmittal of information we need to keep clear of obstacles that may get in our way. These obstacles are called sin.

2. Owner’s Manual. The owner’s manual that currently comes with the CTR unit is a four volume set called the scriptures. The four parts of this owner’s manual are divided into sections known as the Bible, the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. As with any owner’s manual the more you read it the more familiar you become with the product it describes.

3. Operating Software. The operating software that comes with our CTR model is called agency. The software is individualized. You can still operate your spiritual GPS using borrowed software for a short time, but eventually you will need to learn how to use your own software.

4. Mapping Software. The CTR model comes with mapping software that you know as the Plan of Salvation or the Plan of Happiness. It is enhanced by your Patriarchal Blessing, Father’s Blessings, Blessings of comfort and counsel, and other similar blessings. The Savior has provided us the perfect example to follow. He set a perfect example of right living, of kindness and mercy and compassion, in order that all of the rest of mankind might know how to live, know how to improve, and know how to become more godlike. President Howard W. Hunter taught: “Let us follow the Son of God in all ways and in all walks of life. Let us make him our exemplar and our guide. Christ’s supreme sacrifice can find full fruition in our lives only as we accept the invitation to follow him. This call is not irrelevant, unrealistic, or impossible. To follow an individual means to watch him or listen to him closely; to accept his authority, to take him as a leader, and to obey him; to support and advocate his ideas; and to take him as a model. Each of us can accept this challenge. Peter said, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps” (1 Pet. 2:21). Just as teachings that do not conform to Christ’s doctrine are false, so a life that does not conform to Christ’s example is misdirected, and may not achieve its high potential destiny”.

This software allows you to both check and place waypoints or goals along your path. In most cases waypoints or intermediate goals are entered prior to embarking on a trip. They act as check stops and because you have entered them before you left they are known locations. When you arrive at a waypoint, you may gather yourself and take a bearing to ensure that you are following the prescribed path.

Make sure that you have properly entered the coordinates for your goals and ultimate destination. Entering in the wrong coordinates will not get you to your destination. Even a small error in coordinates can lead to spiritual disaster. The wrong coordinates may not seem to be taking you away from your destination at first but eventually the gap between the direct path and your errant path will widen and thus lead you away from your goal. Keep in mind that as you follow the coordinates for the course that you have set you may receive interference with your signal. If this happens follow the first two basic operating steps that I will describe in a moment.

Elder Henry B. Eyring said: “Every time in my life when I have chosen to delay following inspired counsel or have decided that I was an exception, I have come to know that I have put myself in harm’s way. Every time that I have listened to the counsel of prophets, felt it confirmed in prayer, and then followed it, I have found that I have moved toward safety. Along the path, I have found that the way had been prepared for me and the rough places made smooth. God led me to safety along a path which was prepared with loving care.”

In order to use your spiritual GPS unit you must adhere to the following four steps (otherwise known as principles and ordinances):



1. Faith. This will help to initialize your CTR unit. Remember that faith is the ability to not panic. Our Heavenly Father knows you personally and has provided a great customer service department, also known as Church leaders and parents to help you make the best use of your spiritual GPS unit. Additional customer service is available directly from our Heavenly Father 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.

2. Repentance. This will repair a broken spiritual GPS unit. It is important to remember that if your spiritual GPS unit is not functioning properly having a contrite spirit and broken heart will be invaluable in completing this step.

3. Baptism. This registers your product and will also allow you to receive future updates provided semiannually by our Heavenly Father in April and October. These updates are also known as General Conference. Many of us also subscribe to a monthly bulletin that, depending on your age group, is called the Ensign, the New Era, or the Friend. You are encouraged to receive these monthly bulletins to keep the batteries of your CTR unit charged at all times.

4. Gift of the Holy Ghost. This step completes the initialization process and allows you to receive unimpeded information from our Heavenly Father. After completing this step you are entitled to receive personal instruction. Make sure that your CTR unit is set to receive this instruction. Test your reception by using your antennae that I previously described as prayer.

There has been extensive field testing done on the CTR model. These field testers are known as missionaries. Their specific task is to find those that haven’t found their spiritual GPS units. Referrals from current users are always appreciated.

After much testing, it has been found that the best place to receive the strongest spiritual instruction is in Temples. Temples provide us the opportunity to receive many upgrades to our spiritual GPS units. We are also able to receive expert instruction and guidance from those that are authorized so to do. Those that are not yet able to enter the Temple can use fasting and prayer as a means to receive clear reception and personal instruction. Additional assistance can be obtained by both listening to the testimonies of others and bearing our own testimonies of sacred things.

Your CTR model spiritual GPS unit also comes with an unparalleled and non-industry standard, unlimited eternal warranty. Heavenly Father has assured us that our model will function properly if used in accordance with the instructions included in the owner’s manual.

Now that we know all about our spiritual GPS units we can begin to explore, but beware as some paths appear to be headed in the right direction and it is not until we take them that we discover the switchbacks and dead ends. We can use our agency to make choices that will either keep us on our path to our ultimate destination or will take us in a different direction.

It is up to us to keep our CTR unit tuned in to the proper information. We have all heard the parable of the prodigal son found in Luke 15: 11-32 (READ). It took the prodigal son quite a while to figure out that his spiritual GPS unit was not receiving valid information. Once he figured it out he plotted a new waypoint and was able to return to his previously entered coordinates. Once he determined that he had strayed from the course he knew to be right he chose to follow the first two basic operating steps of faith and repentance. This allowed his reception to become clear and focused once again. We too can return to the path that we know to be right by exercising the first two basic operating steps. Like the Liahona of old, our spiritual GPS unit will lead us along the correct path as we give heed with diligence to the directions that we are given.
We would all do well to keep in mind that we should never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark, professionals built the Titanic. Check your spiritual GPS unit and make sure that you have a safe course plotted before you make a choice. If we worry, we probably didn’t pray. If we pray, we probably don’t worry. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. Heavenly Father wants us to be still so that He can untangle the knots for us. We should be more concerned with our character than with our reputations, because our character is what we really are, while our reputation is merely what others think we are.

Think about the words to Hymn 116, “Come Follow Me” and reflect on the message and meaning of the words as I share them with you.

I know that if we will trust in our spiritual GPS units and follow the basic operating instructions that we will once again be able to return to our Father in Heaven. Of this I bear firm testimony. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.