Sometimes the Spirit shares special insights and “mysteries” with us. Generally, these are private and personal. They are sacred. They are gifts for us, and us alone.
Personal Revelation and Individual Mysteries are Sacred and Private
Alma 12:9:
“… it is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless, they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him.” (Alma 12:9)
Such mysteries are not to be shared with the public, or even in church meetings. If the Lord cannot trust us to keep them sacred, He will stop sharing them with us.
The Lord Warned Against Sharing Sacred Personal Experiences with Unreceptive Listeners
The Lord warned that sharing these sacred spiritual experiences with others may backfire. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.” (Matt. 7:6) This occurred when Joseph Smith tried to share his First Vision. “Once burned, twice shy.”
Personal Revelation and Mysteries are Not Official Church Doctrine
Dallin H. Oaks:
“Beyond [the] basics, our canon of scripture contains very little about the spirit world that follows death and precedes the Final Judgment. So what else do we know about the spirit world? Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church….
D. Todd Christofferson:
“It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.” (D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign, May 2012, 88)
Neil L. Andersen:
“In the following conference, Elder Andersen taught this principle: “The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk.” The family proclamation, signed by all 15 prophets, seers, and revelators, is a wonderful illustration of that principle.” (Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign, Nov. 2012, 41.)
We Should “Keep” Revelatory Insights and Mysteries and Ponder Them in Our Hearts.
Mother Mary was no stranger to spiritual experiences. “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2: 19)
What does it mean to “keep” all these things? First, we must recognize them. Second, we must remember them. Third, we must record them for ourselves and our posterity. “The best memory is not as good as faded ink.” 3 R’s: recognize, remember, and record.
Receiving and Understanding “Mysteries” Takes Patience
Finally, we must be patient and “wait on the Lord,” for additional personal revelation and understanding of mysteries. “Now these mysteries are not yet fully made known unto me, therefore I shall forbear.” (Alma 37:11)
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