How to Obtain Revelation

This entry is part of my general conference application series.

How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life, by Richard G. Scott
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles



Who doesn't enjoy a laugh every now and again? I know I do!

A colleague and I were discussing some of fun benefits of living in Florida this morning. I mentioned this picture of alligators featuring an interesting sign:

The picture is funny because of how absurd it seems! It depicts a potential situation where caution would definitely be needed. (And I might prefer going against a vehicle instead of a pack of gators!)

Speaking of humor and caution, in his talk on receiving revelation, Elder Scott counseled:

Be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.

My wife visited a dental specialist lately and was amused by one question: Do you have a stressful life?

Her reply: I have four children, what do you think?

This reminds me of a talk by Elder Andersen: link

(NOTE: I wasn't there, so I don't know exactly what her response was, but I think she would have said something like this.)

Returning to Elder Scott's advice: I'm not sure I've ever thought of humor being related to revelation. If it is, I hope I'm not in the "loud, inappropriate laughter" camp!

I guess it makes sense, though. If our lives are full of stress, we may not 1) make time to seek revelation, or 2) be able to hear/feel any guidance over stress-induced high blood pressure. In stressful times, the "escape valve for the pressures of life" that humor provides is appreciated.

I admit that this post isn't shaping up to be a barrel of laughs, so I'm apparently not much help if you're having a stress-filled time right now, so I'll wrap this up so you can seek appropriate humor elsewhere: The next time I'm stressing over a situation where I desire divine guidance, after reading the scriptures, pondering, and praying, I'll think I'll ask my children if they know any good jokes.

After all, I have four children. And if life is sometimes stressful because of them, they are good for a laugh! (Here's a post that has pictures of them being altogether cute: link)