What the changes really mean

[_SuperDell]

Home and visiting teaching changes.
Elders and HP changes.

Want to bet somewhere in all this is a plan to use members who are solid and in law enforcement to check NCIC computers before extending callings to many of those under consideration?

Preventing the call of a known sex abuser or criminal would save the church a fortune in coming years. Some members in law enforcement would be willing to run names for criminal record and fugitive statue or other things that trip law enforcement interest.

Just another CYA move by the Brethren?

[_Water Dog]

That's not how that works. But regardless, rebranding home teaching as ministering and having HP meet with EQ has nothing to do with facilitating background checks.

[_reflexzero]

It does mean that wards can function more like branches with fewer priesthood leadership positions required.

[_grindael]

But... what happened to this?

The gift of spiritual discernment is a supernal gift. It allows members of the Church to see things not visible and to feel things not tangible. Bishops are entitled to that gift as they face the task of seeking out the poor and caring for the needy. With that gift, sisters may view trends in the world and detect those that, however



popular, are shallow or even dangerous. Members can discern between schemes that are flashy and fleeting and those refinements that are uplifting and enduring."

“The words perception and discernment are very similar. Discernment is the ability to comprehend that which might be hidden or obscure. It is a spiritual sense that is a very important element in the whole concept of agency.



The development of our spiritual senses is an important part of our ability to function as a human being. I first became aware of this sense when I was on my first mission some 43 years ago. I recall being interviewed by my mission president. I had the distinct impression that he could look right into my soul. Seventeen years later, while I was serving as a mission president, I came to know that he could. I often had the experience of knowing more about a missionary than he or she ever thought I did."

"Fortunate indeed are they who, through righteous living and the gift of discernment, can clearly distinguish between honesty and dishonesty."

'There is a power of discernment granted 'unto such as God shall appoint … to watch over [His] church.' To discern means 'to see.' President Harold B. Lee told me once of a conversation he had with Elder Charles A. Callis of the Quorum of the Twelve. Brother Callis had remarked that the gift of discernment was an awesome burden to carry. To see clearly what is ahead and yet find members slow to respond or resistant to counsel or even rejecting the witness of the apostles and prophets brings deep sorrow.



Recently President Hinckley reminded the Brethren that, while we are men called from the ordinary pursuits of life, there rests upon us a sacred ministry. And we take comfort in what the Lord said to the original Twelve: 'Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you.'

Each week we meet together in the temple. We open the meeting by kneeling in prayer, and we close with prayer. Every prayer is offered in the spirit of submission and obedience to Him who called us and whose servants and witnesses we are."

We know that we hold the power of the priesthood 'in connection with all those who have received a dispensation at any time from the beginning of the creation.' We think of those who have preceded us in these sacred offices, and at times we feel their presence.

So, what happened to the "gift of discernment" in the Church? Where is it? Where is their awesome power to "see clearly what is ahead"?

[_Fence Sitter]

But... what happened to this?


So, what happened to the "gift of discernment" in the Church? Where is it? Where is their awesome power to "see clearly what is ahead"?

Hey grindael,

I believe the brethren have the gift of discernment and can see clearly what is ahead. What they lack is the "gift of being able to do anything about it".