I have been blessed or cursed, depending on your point of view, to be a sensitive person. I can be moved to tears by what many people do and by what they say. Too, just viewing a new born baby in all of its sweetness and innocence will touch me to the point of bringing tears to my eyes. You may ask, how is that an inspirational experience? My inspiration in seeing a newborn baby comes from their sweet innocence and the knowledge that the spirit within that tiny, delicate little body just recently came from where our Father dwells. Sitting in church, listening to a spiritual talk or someone bearing their testimony, often inspires and moves me in an uplifting and spiritual way.
We have been advised to “live your life in a way that you are able to receive inspiration.” I try to do that and believe in my heart that I have often been inspired in my work and in doing my church assignments. We can be inspired by those who say and or do things that are of an uplifting nature. David French told a story that warns of depending on others for our inspiration. The story describes the power of man to influence people even whole congregations while at the same time living an unholy life. The story goes as follows: “I’ll never forget the first time I learned that I couldn’t put faith in Christians. I was in middle school, and our church had hired a new “pulpit minister” (that’s what my church called pastors) —a man widely known for his ability to deliver a sermon. During one of his first weeks at our church, he proudly declared that when he preached, he didn’t want to hit “bunt singles.” He wanted to “belt home runs.” But he didn’t just boast. He delivered. Week after week, his messages moved, taught, and inspired. The church started growing, and even bored young teens (like me) looked forward to Sunday. Then, one day he was gone. He ran off with member’s wife, and we never heard from him or her again. I was crushed. I was angry. I couldn’t comprehend how a man could say one thing with such conviction yet live another way entirely— even to the point of forsaking his wife, his kids, and his church. When I was at my angriest, my dad pulled me aside and said,
“David, our faith is in Christ, not in man.”
A mission President once advised his missionaries to “Take the best and leave the rest.” We may find inspiration in many places, even from person’s we may know or find out later that they are not living worthy of inspiration themselves.
Our inspiration should come from Christ, and it probably does for the most part. Many people have trouble reading and/or understanding the scriptures, so they are dependant on getting the words of Christ second hand from someone else who does enjoy reading them.
I remember many years ago shortly, after I first joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I married, and we had our first son. I was a youth leader at the time, and I took my toddler to a youth outing in the Huntsville area where the Prophet David O. McKay spoke to us. It was an inspiration just to see him. He had flowing white wavy hair and he spoke of spiritual matters with authority. He spoke of the Aaronic priesthood as most of the youth were of that age. He inspired me as have all of the prophets who have followed him. Their very presence inspires.
I believe my primary inspiration will always come from the scriptures. I especially love the following three scriptural books: The Pearl of Great Price, The Book of Mormon and the New Testament.
I often refer to the Old Testament, but it is not one that I will go to for a quick read or uplifting spiritual or inspirational shot to my spirit. “Live your life in a way that you are able to receive inspiration” is good and sound advice.