Baptism, Sacrament, and The Holy Ghost

This week I have been studying some of the ordinances of the Gospel and the sacredness of such. I was impressed that the ordinances all tie back into the Holy Ghost. Sometimes it can seem as we do certain ordinance it feels like we are just "going through the motions". Recently in my life I have felt that with some of the things I do. I have noticed when I do this I am not getting the blessings I need from them and I feel like I would have been just as well off if I hadn't participated in the ordinances.

I have had a big personal challenge that has been weighing me down for as long as I can remember. this is the addiction of pornography. As I have worked on overcoming my addiction I have been able to get a better understanding of the blessings that come from having the Holy Ghost close at all times.

First of all when I partake of the sacrament worthily I am always touched by the Holy Ghost, every time. I sometime receive an answer to a concern I may have through the still small voice, or it may be a prompting to give someone a compliment, or to just say hi to a certain individual. By making an effort to truly repent of my sins so I can draw closer to our savior I am able to recognize the promptings of the spirit. When this happens I am more inclined to steer away from the evil temptations of the adversary.

I want to end with a scripture I read this week that really hit me it is found in 3 Nephi 18:29 it reads; "For whoso eateth and drinketh my flesh and blood unworthily eateth and drinketh damnation to his soul...."

Brothers and Sister, the ordinance of partaking of the sacrament is a very sacred ordinance where we can renew our baptismal covenants with the Lord if we partake worthily. My challenge to each and everyone of you is to make yourself right with the Lord if needed by taking the necessary steps of repenting of your sins. Go see your Bishop if needed and he can help you on your recovery.

I can testify to you based on my experiences that as you strive to be cleansed of your sins and draw closer to Jesus Christ you will be able to recognize and hear the prompting of the Holy Ghost in your life. He will lead you away from wrongdoings and harm if you only heed his promptings. Let's not partake of the sacrament unworthily because like the scripture above says we will be eating and drinking "damnation to his soul". You do not need to be perfect to partake of the sacrament you do have to be making steps in the right direction and your Bishop can help you decide if you are worthy for the sacrament.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.