There are three independent principles; the spirit of man, and the spirit of the devil.
Joseph Smith, TPJS P. 189
THE THREE INFLUENCES
The truth contained in the above statement is seldom understood and most people never realize that while in mortality we are influenced from three separate and distinct sources. These sources are:
The Spirit of God, or the Holy Spirit, a divine influence, sent from the presence of God to guide and enlighten man and lead him to salvation and exaltation.
The spirit of man, a worldly influence which is what man relies upon when he does his own thinking or makes his own decisions without the benefit of the Spirit of God. All worldly influences which are the concoctions of men also come under this title.
The spirit of the devil, or the influence which goes forth from Satan, whose purpose is to destroy the works of God and bring mankind into his captivity.
Scattered through Scripture are the indications of these three influences
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved. 2 Nephi 10:24
And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. 2 Nephi 2:28-29
But ye are commanded in all things to ask of God, who giveth liberally; and that which the Spirit testifies unto you even so I would that ye should do in all holiness of heart, walking uprightly before me, considering the end of your salvation, doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. D&C 46:7
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12
But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit which was not of the Lord troubled him. JST 1 Samuel 16:14
From these statements it should be clear that not withstanding the various philosophies of men, there are three –AND ONLY THREE- influences that move upon men while here in mortality. It would seem there is no middle ground. At any given time man is moved upon by one of these three influences, and all that a person does is a consequence of which of these influences he has chosen to follow. Because of the vast eternal consequences that result from following any one of these three influences, it is imperative that we understand how these influences come to us or the channels through which they reach us.
THERE ARE TWO SEPARATE CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH THE THREE INFLUENCES OPERATE
The scriptures clearly make a distinction between two separate minds or channels through which these influences operate within us: The Carnal Mind and the Spirit Mind.
And now I speak unto you concerning the former conversation, by exhortation, that ye put off the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the mind of the Spirit; Can ye be angry, and not sin? Let not the sun go down upon your wrath; let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands for the things which are good,…. JST Ephesians 4:22-28
For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Romans 8:6
And I would not that ye think that I know of myself–not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God. Alma 36:4
And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am–not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. D&C 67:10
THE SPIRIT OF GOD OPERATES THROUGH THE SPIRIT MIND
In receiving the influence of the Spirit of God it is important to know that God does not communicate with us through our carnal mind, but rather communicates with us through our spirit mind.
All things whatsoever God in his infinite wisdom has seen fit and proper to reveal to us, while we are dwelling in mortality, in regard to our mortal bodies, are revealed to us in the abstract, and independent of affinity of this mortal tabernacle, but are revealed to our spirits precisely as though we had no bodies at all; and those revelations which will save our spirits will save our bodies. God reveals them to us in view of no eternal dissolution of the body, or tabernacle. TPJS, (6) 1843–44, p.355
And I would not that ye think that I know of myself–not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God. Alma 36:4
And again, verily I say unto you that it is your privilege, and a promise I give unto you that have been ordained unto this ministry, that inasmuch as you strip yourselves from jealousies and fears, and humble yourselves before me, for ye are not sufficiently humble, the veil shall be rent and you shall see me and know that I am–not with the carnal neither natural mind, but with the spiritual. D&C 67:10
Neither can any natural man abide the presence of God, neither after the carnal mind. D&C 67:12
THE SPIRIT OF MAN OR CARNAL INFLUENCES OPERATE THROUGH THE CARNAL MIND
The carnal mind which is part of the gross element of the mortal body is that which man uses when he does his own thinking or makes his own decisions without being under the influence of the Spirit of God. In that state he is referred to as the natural man. The natural man, using only his own thinking without the influence of the Spirit of God cannot understand the things of God for they are not revealed through the carnal mind.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
And I would not that ye think that I know of myself–not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God. Alma 36:4
The scriptures label the carnal mind and the carnally minded or natural man as an enemy to God and His work.
Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man ………. Mosiah 3:19
And now, I say unto you, my brethren, that after ye have known and have been taught all these things, if ye should transgress and go contrary to that which has been spoken, that ye do withdraw yourselves from the Spirit of the Lord, that it may have no place in you to guide you in wisdom’s paths that ye may be blessed, prospered, and preserved– I say unto you, that the man that doeth this, the same cometh out in open rebellion against God; therefore he listeth to obey the evil spirit, and becometh an enemy to all righteousness; therefore, the Lord has no place in him, for he dwelleth not in unholy temples. Mosiah 2:36-37
This natural/carnally minded man, not influenced by the Spirit of the Lord, is an enemy to God because he is influenced by and his thinking represents the wisdom of the world which the Lord looks upon as foolishness, for the wisdom of the world leads in carnal paths and away from the things of eternal worth.
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. 1 Corinthians 3:19
And the multitude of the earth was gathered together; and I beheld that they were in a large and spacious building, like unto the building which my father saw. And the angel of the Lord spake unto me again, saying: Behold the world and the wisdom thereof; yea, behold the house of Israel hath gathered together to fight against the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 1 Nephi 11:35
And thus the Lamanites began to increase in riches, and began to trade one with another and wax great, and began to be a cunning and a wise people, as to the wisdom of the world, yea, a very cunning people, delighting in all manner of wickedness and plunder, except it were among their own brethren. Mosiah 24:7
Now here is wisdom, and the mind of the Lord–let the house be built, not after the manner of the world, for I give not unto you that ye shall live after the manner of the world.. D&C 95:13
O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. 2 Nephi 9:28
It should be clear by the above scriptures that when we are not functioning under the influence of the Spirit of the Lord and are using our carnal mind we are both foolish and an enemy to God and His work.
THE SPIRIT OF THE DEVIL OR EVIL INFLUENCES OPERATE ON AND THROUGH THE CARNAL MIND
Satan, who has no influence on the Spirit of God, seeks to influence us through our carnal mind. Through the thoughts, emotions, desires, observations and decisions which arise there. Indeed, he uses all the emotions and feelings of the physical body, and all the institutions, organizations, philosophies, traditions, etc. which are “man made” or “man-inspired” in the world, to influence us and lead us astray. Satan operates upon our carnal mind by using carnal (worldly) influences.
Satan puts into the hearts of people – the majority of them – greed, and the desire to dominate and take advantage of those who are weak. Witchcraft, Satanism and other forms of evil would have no power if the carnal man did not seek to put himself above his fellow man. Some descriptions of man’s carnality through which the devil works are contained in the scriptures and the words of the early Prophets which should help us to recognize some of the ways of depicting this carnal-evil relationship.
Furthermore I counsel you to stop and think what you are doing, before you commit any more sins, before you give way to your temper. The temper, or the evil propensities of men, when given way to, are the cause of their sinning so much. The Lord is suffering the devil to work upon and try His people. The selfish will, operated upon by the power of Satan, is the strongest cord that vibrates through the human system. This has been verified a thousand times. Men have sacrificed their money, their health, their good names, their friends, and have broken through every tender tie to gratify their wills. Curb that, bridle the tongue, and then hold the mastery over your feelings, that they submit not to the will of the flesh, but to the will of the Holy Ghost; and decide in your own minds that your will and judgment shall be none other than the will and judgment of the Spirit of God, and you will then go and sin no more… Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.9, Brigham Young
All the religious world is boasting of righteousness; it is the doctrine of the devil to retard the human mind, and hinder our progress, by filling us with self-righteousness. The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs. My talk is intended for all this society; if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another. TPJS, Section Five p.241
But behold, the devil hath deceived me; for he appeared unto me in the form of an angel, and said unto me: Go and reclaim this people, for they have all gone astray after an unknown God. And he said unto me: There is no God; yea, and he taught me that which I should say. And I have taught his words; and I taught them because they were pleasing unto the carnal mind and I taught them, even until I had much success, insomuch that I verily believed that they were true; and for this cause I withstood the truth, even until I have brought this great curse upon me. Alma 30:53
And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s [son], to betray him.… John 13:2
So devoid of the influence of God and so totally open and vulnerable to the influence of the world and the devil is man when using his carnal mind, that further knowledge of the characteristics of that mind is vital if we desire a clear understanding of the opposition and threat the carnal influence, if gone unrecognized, presents to our eternal exaltation.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CARNAL MIND
THE CARNAL MIND IS LIMITED TO KNOWLEDGE GAINED THROUGH THE PHYSICAL SENSES
How difficult it is to teach the natural man, who comprehends nothing more than that which he sees with the natural eye! How hard it is for him to believe! …. It is difficult, indeed, to remove an opinion or belief into which he has argued himself from the mind of the natural man… Discourses of Brigham Young, p.260
THE CARNAL MIND’S WISDOM IS FOOLISHNESS TO THE LORD
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. 1 Corinthians 3:19
O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise, and they hearken not unto the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them not. And they shall perish. 2 Nephi 9:28
… Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble, speaking after the manner of men, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty; and base things of the world—things which are despised by the world, hath God in his wisdom chosen; yea, and things which are not, to bring to naught things that are, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.321 – p.322
THE CARNAL MIND PRODUCES NO GOOD
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18
Wherefore, all things which are good cometh of God; and that which is evil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do that which is evil continually. Moroni 7:12
Every good and perfect gift cometh from God. Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.18 – p.19
THE CARNAL MIND CANNOT UNDERSTAND THE THINGS OF GOD
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 1 Corinthians 2:11-12
It is difficult, indeed, to remove an opinion or belief into which he has argued himself from the mind of the natural man. Talk to him about angels, heavens, God, immortality, and eternal lives, and it is like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal to his ears;..in the least; to him it is all vanity.. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.260
Unless man is placed under the influence of inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he can know nothing about the things of God. John Taylor, Gospel Kingdom p.35
Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Ephesians 4:18
THE CARNAL MIND IS AN ENEMY TO GOD (OPPOSES THE WILL OF GOD)
Therefore if that man repenteth not, and remaineth and dieth an enemy to God, the demands of divine justice do awaken his immortal soul to a lively sense of his own guilt, … Mosiah 2:38
…all men that are in…. a carnal state,…..have gone contrary to the nature of God;… Alma 41:11
For the natural man is an enemy to God,…..and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man…. Mosiah 3:19
But remember that he that persists in his own carnal nature, and goes on in the ways of sin and rebellion against God, remaineth in his fallen state and the devil hath all power over him. Therefore, he is as though there was no redemption made, being an enemy to God; and also is the devil an enemy to God. Mosiah 16:5
Because the carnal mind [is] enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Romans 8:7
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. Galatians 5:17
THE CARNAL MIND CANNOT RECOGNIZE THE SPIRIT OF THE DEVIL
…the great difficulty lies in the ignorance of the nature of spirits, of the laws by which they are governed, and the signs by which they may be known; if it requires the Spirit of God to know the things of God; and the spirit of the devil can only be unmasked through that medium, then it follows as a natural consequence that unless some person or persons have a communication, or revelation from God, unfolding to them the operation of the spirit, they must eternally remain ignorant of these principles; for I contend that if one man cannot understand these things but by the Spirit of God, ten thousand men cannot; … TPJS, Section Four p.205
… it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night. For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. Moroni 7:15-16
Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ. Moroni 7:19
…doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving, that ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of devils, or the commandments of men; for some are of men, and others of devils. D&C 46:7
THE CARNAL MIND IS THE DOOR TO THE DEVIL
And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? … 2 Nephi 4:27
… I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. 2 Nephi 2:28-29
In the first place the spirit is pure, and under the special control and influence of the Lord, but the body is of the earth, and is subject to the power of the Devil, and is under the mighty influence of that fallen nature that is of the earth.…… Discourses of Brigham Young, p.70
Our spirits were pure and holy when they entered our tabernacles; and if they have been defiled, it has been by the influence of Satan, through the weakness of the flesh. There is a constant warfare, and in the great majority of cases the flesh overcomes the spirit. In the few cases where the spirit overcomes the flesh, it yields obedience to the whisperings of the eternal Spirit of truth, which elevates it above the power of all unholy desires and passions. JD, Vol.8, p.138 – p.139, Brigham Young
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that [it is] good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:14-18
IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CARNAL MIND TO OVERCOME THE SPIRIT
O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish–good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful. Alma 41:13
HAVING therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Corinthians 7:1
The spirit which inhabits these tabernacles naturally loves truth, it naturally loves light and intelligence, it naturally loves virtue, God and godliness; but being so closely united with the flesh their sympathies are blended, and their union being necessary to the possession of a fullness of joy to both, the spirit is indeed subject to be influenced by the sin that is in the mortal body, and to be overcome by it and by the power of the Devil, unless it is constantly enlightened by that spirit which enlighteneth every man that cometh into the world and by the power of the Holy Ghost which is imparted through the Gospel. In this, and this alone, consists the warfare between Christ and the Devil. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.422 – p.423
….Now, I want to tell you that he (THE DEVIL) does not hold any power over man, only so far as the body overcomes the spirit that is in a man, through yielding to the spirit of evil. The spirit that the Lord puts into a tabernacle of flesh, is under the dictation of the Lord Almighty; but the spirit and body are united in order that the spirit may have a tabernacle, and be exalted; and the spirit is influenced by the body, and the body by the spirit. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.69 – p.70
…There is a constant warfare, and in the great majority of cases the flesh overcomes the spirit. In the few cases where the spirit overcomes the flesh, it yields obedience to the whisperings of the eternal Spirit of truth, which elevates it above the power of all unholy desires and passions. JD, Vol.8, p.138 – p.139, Brigham Young
THE CARNAL MIND LEADS TO THE DESTRUCTION OF THE SOUL
And not choose eternal death, according to the will of the flesh and the evil which is therein, which giveth the spirit of the devil power to captivate, to bring you down to hell, that he may reign over you in his own kingdom. 2 Nephi 2:29
O, my beloved brethren, remember the awfulness in transgressing against that Holy God, and also the awfulness of yielding to the enticings of that cunning one. Remember, to be carnally-minded is death, and to be spiritually-minded is life eternal. 2 Nephi 9:39
Every providence and dispensation of God to his earthly children tends directly to life and salvation, while the influences and powers exerted by the enemy upon mankind and every suggestion of our corrupt natures tends to death. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.69 10:221.
And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord; therefore your iniquity provoketh him that he sendeth down his wrath upon you as in the first provocation, yea, according to his word in the last provocation as well as the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls; therefore, according to his word, unto the last death, as well as the first. Alma 12:36
…. If the spirit yields to the body, the Devil then has power to overcome the body and spirit of that man, and he loses both. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.70
For to be carnally minded [is] death; but to be spiritually minded [is] life and peace. Romans 8:6
OVERCOMING THE CARNAL MIND
MAN – HIS SPIRIT AGAINST HIS CARNAL MIND After understanding the uselessness of relying upon the carnal mind and knowing that the person using his carnal mind is a natural man, and that “the natural man is an enemy to God and has been from the fall of Adam and will be forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and putteth off the natural man” (Mosiah 3:19), we come to recognize that the great battle of mortality therefore, is not man directly against the devil, but rather man against his own carnal nature through which the devil enters.
Now, brethren, can we fight against and subdue ourselves? That is the greatest difficulty we ever encountered, and the most arduous warfare we ever engaged in. JD, Vol.6, p.315, Brigham Young
The spirits of the human family are pure and holy at the time they enter tabernacles; but the Lord has so ordered that the enemy has great power over our tabernacles,…. Through this plan arises our probationary warfare. Our tabernacles are conceived in sin, and sin conceives in them; and our spirits are striving to bring our bodies into subjection, and to overcome the Devil and the evils in the world. JD, Vol.6, p.315, Brigham Young
This war and striving to overcome that evil power must continue until we triumph. To accomplish this, we must so yield obedience to the Divine influence as to learn the principles of eternal life–to learn to bring the whole man–all the passions, sympathies, and feelings in subjection to the spirit. Our spirits are warring against the flesh, and the flesh against our spirits; and all we have to do is to let the spirits that have come from our Father in heaven reign triumphant, and bring into subjection everything that tends to evil: JD Vol.8, p.118, Brigham Young
For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but [how] to perform that which is good I find not. Romans 7:18
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but [is] earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work. James 3:14-16
THE CARNAL MIND CAN BE OVERCOME THROUGH SUBJECTING OURSELVES TO THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD No one in life needs to remain carnal or be subject to the carnal mind.
Our spirits are warring against the flesh, and the flesh against our spirits;and all we have to do is to let the spirits that have come from our Father in heaven reign triumphant, and bring into subjection everything that tends to evil: then we are Christ’s. Journal of Discourses, Vol.8, p.118, Brigham Young
This war and striving to overcome that evil power must continue until we triumph. To accomplish this, we must so yield obedience to the Divine influence as to learn the principles of eternal life–to learn to bring the whole man–all the passions, sympathies, and feelings in subjection to the spirit. Journal of Discourses, Vol.8, p.118, Brigham Young
A man may learn letters and study all the various branches of scholastic education to the day of his death; but if he does not attain to strict self-discipline, his learning will not amount to much. The catalogue of man’s discipline he must compile himself: he cannot be guided by any rule that others may lay down, but is placed under the necessity of tracing it himself through every avenue of his life. He is obliged to catechise and train himself, for he knows his own disposition the best–its fortified and unfortified parts. He is therefore the most fit to school himself, until every particle of the man is brought into subjection to the law of Christ. Journal of Discourses, Vol.6, p.315, Brigham Young
And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great Mediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; 2 Nephi 2:28
If we seek with all our hearts and observe those things that pertain to righteousness, working diligently in his kingdom, he will feel after us and inspire our hearts with his Holy Spirit; and the influence thereof will rest upon us continually: it will enter into every muscle, sinew, and fibre of the body, in proportion to our fitness to receive it. If we render ourselves susceptible of the nourishment that is imparted by the Spirit of God to the spirits that dwell within these mortal bodies, we shall have sufficient light and power to enable our spirits to dictate our bodies, and lead them unto eternal life. Journal of Discourses, Vol.8, p.327 – p.328, Heber C. Kimball
WE KEEP OURSELVES UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD BY CONSTANTLY KEEPING IN OUR SPIRIT MINDS There is a way provided by the Lord whereby the carnal mind can be tuned out and the spirit mind tuned in. This is a way whereby one can free himself from the influence of the carnal mind (and world) and allow his spirit mind to govern and control. By doing this he puts off the natural man and is reborn to become constantly a spiritual individual before the Lord. This way is simply to be watching constantly for the promptings of the Spirit to your mind and being obedient to them, thus remaining under the influence of the Spirit of God. Listening is more than keeping still. You give thoughtful attention; you tune in. If we want the promptings of the Spirit, we must listen for them
Joseph Smith said to John Taylor, ‘Watch the impressions of the Spirit of God‘ Wilford Woodruff Discourses, p 46
The Spirit of Revelation is in connection with these blessings. A person may profit by noticing the first intimation of the spirit of revelation; for instance, when you feel pure intelligence flowing into you, it may give you sudden strokes of ideas. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838–39, p.151
and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it, you may grow into the principle of revelation, until you become perfect in Christ Jesus. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, Section Three 1838–39, p.151
But behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul. 2 Nephi 32:9
Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing–yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof. D&C 19:38
What I say unto one I say unto all; pray always lest that wicked one have power in you, and remove you out of your place. D&C 93:49
Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things.., and to stand before the Son of man. Luke 21:36
But that ye would humble yourselves before the Lord, and call on his holy name, and watch and pray continually, that ye may not be tempted above that which ye can bear, and thus be led by the Holy Spirit, becoming humble, meek, submissive, patient, full of love and all long-suffering; Alma 13:28
Verily, verily, I say unto you, ye must watch and pray always, lest ye be tempted by the devil, and ye be led away captive by him. 3 Nephi 18:15
.. he spake a parable unto them [to this end], that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Luke 18:1
OUR WATCHING MUST BE FOCUSED ON THE SPIRIT OF GOD, NOT ON TEMPTATION OR EVIL. That which we are looking for is what we will see. If we watch for evil, it will prevent us from hearing the Spirit.
For assuredly as the Lord liveth they shall see that the terrible one is brought to naught, and the scorner is consumed, and all that watch for iniquity are cut off; And they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught. 2 Nephi 27:31-32
But this much I can tell you, that if ye do not watch yourselves, and your thoughts, and your words, and your deeds, and observe the commandments of God, and continue in the faith of what ye have heard concerning the coming of our Lord, even unto the end of your lives, ye must perish. And now, O man, remember, and perish not. Mosiah 4:30
.. and all that watch for iniquity are cut off, and they that make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of naught. JST Isaiah 29:31
WE MUST OBEY THE PROMPTINGS OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD The simple act of watching and listening for divine guidance shuts off the carnal mind and allows the spirit mind to function. Upon receiving the promptings, we should be obedient to them. If we would diligently strive to receive divine guidance and obey its directions, we would cease to be enemies to God and would become His righteous friends. The importance of obtaining and following the promptings of the Spirit of God cannot be overemphasized, for it is the issue which separates the righteous from the wicked.
For whoso cometh not unto me is under the bondage of sin. And whoso receiveth not my voice is not acquainted with my voice, and is not of me. And by this you may know the righteous from the wicked, and that the whole world groaneth under sin and darkness even now. D&C 84:51-53
For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. Mosiah 3:19
KEEPING IN THE SPIRIT MIND SHUTS OFF THE CARNAL MIND AND THE DOOR TO THE DEVIL IF the carnal mind is overcome through using the spirit mind, then Satan is bound from our lives because he reaches us through the carnal mind. As a man subdues his carnal nature, replacing it with the guidance of the Spirit of God that comes into the Spirit mind, the influence of Satan is cut off. It is eliminated; he is bound. This is a key to binding Satan from our personal lives.
.. stop and think what you are doing, before you commit any more sins, before you give way to your temper. The temper, or the evil propensities of men, when given way to, are the cause of their sinning so much. The Lord is suffering the devil to work upon and try His people. The selfish will, operated upon by the power of Satan, is the strongest cord that vibrates through the human system. This has been verified a thousand times. Men have sacrificed their money, their health, their good names, their friends, and have broken through every tender tie to gratify their wills. Curb that, bridle the tongue, and then hold the mastery over your feelings, that they submit not to the will of the flesh, but to the will of the Holy Ghost; and decide in your own minds that your will and judgment shall be none other than the will and judgment of the Spirit of God, and you will then go and sin no more. Journal of Discourses, Vol.2, p.9, Brigham Young,
But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ [be] in you, the body [is] dead because of sin; but the Spirit [is] life because of righteousness. Romans 8:9-1
So live that the Spirit of the Lord can instruct your minds at all times, and you can then defy the Devil and all his emissaries. If you have nothing from the Lord to present to the people, be as willing to be silent as you would to preach what might be termed a splendid discourse. Discourses of Brigham Young, p.327 – p.328
Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
And this I do that, perhaps, the roots thereof may take strength because of their goodness; and because of the change of the branches, that the good may overcome the evil. Jacob 5:59