Learning to recognize the Spirit can take a lifetime to master. Latter-day Saints “receive the Holy Ghost” after baptism, but it can be a difficult charge to follow. While the Standard Works counsel seeking gifts of the Spirit, church members may feel guilty about not feeling a “burning in the bosom” or wonder whether they’ve done something to prevent the “constant companionship” of the Spirit. In this interview, Latter-day Saint scholar and teacher Robert L. Millet teaches how to receive the Holy Ghost, explains how it differs from the Light of Christ, and offers practical tips for recognizing the Spirit.
This is Part 2 of a two-part series about the Holy Ghost in Latter-day Saint theology. In Part 1, Charles Harrell discusses the Development of the Holy Ghost in Latter-day Saint Theology.
Don’t Miss Our Latest Interviews!
Be part of a growing community exploring topics such as the Keys of the Ministering of Angels and Come Follow Me: Old Testament Resources.
Receiving the Holy Ghost—Conditions and Covenant Companionship
How does someone receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?
The gift of the Holy Ghost is received only by the laying on of hands by those holding the Melchizedek Priesthood. The priesthood holder who confirms the baptized individual says, “Receive the Holy Ghost,” and adds whatever blessing or instruction that may come by inspiration.
“Receive the Holy Ghost” is a charge for the individual being baptized to seek and live for the guidance and direction of that Spirit.
How does conferring the Holy Ghost relate to baptism?
There are two parts to baptism into the Lord’s Church and Kingdom: (1) Baptism by water, and then (2) Baptism by the Holy Spirit.
Joseph Smith taught that you might as well baptize a bag of sand as to baptize someone (by water) without then conferring upon them the gift of the Holy Ghost (confirmation).
Otherwise, it is only half a baptism.
What is the difference between feeling the influence of the Spirit and having the gift of the Holy Ghost?
I have often sensed the difference between the “influence” and the “gift” of the Holy Ghost is set forth in Mosiah 18:10 in the Book of Mormon: people who come into the Lord’s Church through baptism and confirmation receive the Spirit “more abundantly”:
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?
Mosiah 18:10, emphasis added
Roger Keller’s experience with the Holy Spirit before and after baptism
Several years ago, one of my friends gave what feels like a “handbook” reply to this question. His name was Roger Keller, a Presbyterian who pursued and earned a PhD in Theology at Princeton, and later became a Presbyterian minister in Mesa, Arizona—a community that then contained a sizable percentage of Latter-day Saints.
He met many Latter-day Saints, and eventually he and his wife, Flo Beth, and their family joined the restored Church of Jesus Christ.
Some years later, he joined the Religious Education faculty at BYU and taught there for many years, specializing in World Religions. Roger and I worked closely together in interfaith activities during several years at BYU and became good friends.
I feel it now in a more powerful and intense manner.
One day, while chatting with him, I asked: “Roger, did you feel the Holy Spirit as a Presbyterian, and particularly as a Presbyterian minister?”
He said simply, “Of course I did.”
Then I inquired: “Then what’s the difference between what you felt then and what you now feel as a Latter-day Saint?”
His answer was brief but important:
“I felt the Spirit then and had many occasions when I was divinely directed. But today I feel the Spirit more consistently and feel it in a more powerful and intense manner.”
What is the difference between the Light of Christ and the Holy Ghost?
The Light of Christ or Spirit of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the glory of God—a divine influence that fills the immensity of space. It is the means whereby God, a corporeal (physical) Being who can be in only one place at a time, is omnipresent.
By contrast, the Holy Ghost is a distinct member of the Godhead who may dwell with us.
Scriptures About the Light of Christ
Learn more about the Light of Christ (or Spirit of Jesus Christ) in these verses:
- Doctrine and Covenants 88:6-13
- Moroni 7:16
- Moroni 7:18
The Light of Christ has what might be called both natural and redemptive functions.
Natural functions of the Light of Christ
The revelation known as the Olive Leaf (D&C 88) explains that this light is in the sun, moon, and stars, and is the law by which the cosmos is governed.
What we call the laws of nature is the Light of Christ. In many ways, what the various religions call God may well be the Light of Christ.
Redemptive functions of the Light of Christ
Those who strive to follow their conscience and obey the 10 commandments—what we have for many years called the Judeo-Christian ethic—will be led, either in this life or the next, to the higher light found only in the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ (D&C 84:46-48).
In company with parental and societal teachings, the Light of Christ functions as a person’s conscience, the sense of right and wrong, good and bad, important and unimportant.
What does “constant companionship” of the Holy Ghost realistically look like, and what must someone do to obtain it?
My experience is that very few people—even faithful and devoted members of the Church—feel the Spirit in an unusually powerful manner all the time.
We may sit through a moving, spiritually uplifting meeting for an hour and then return home, go about our business, and feel as if we have lost something special. It isn’t generally the case that we have lost the Spirit or that we need to repent or do an intense spiritual assessment to discover what we must have done wrong.
Jesus taught Nicodemus that “The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear the sound it makes; but you don’t know where it came from or where it’s going” (John 3:8).
Stated bluntly, the Spirit of God is not under our control; it cannot be programmed, nor can we dictate to it. Similarly, we cannot decide when and where it will come and reside.
We can certainly seek to be worthy of its influence, and we can strive to prepare ourselves or the place where we will meet. But we cannot presume upon God’s Spirit.
Apostolic teachings about the constant companion of the Holy Ghost
President Joseph F. Smith taught that:
it does not follow that a [person] who has received the presentation or gift of the Holy Ghost shall always receive the recognition and witness and presence of the Holy Ghost himself, or he may receive all these, and yet the Holy Ghost not tarry with him, but visit him from time to time.
Gospel Doctrine, 1971, 61; see also 466; Harold B. Lee, Stand Ye in Holy Places, 1974, 110.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie put it this way:
Those saints who keep the commandments and walk in paths of truth and righteousness after baptism actually receive the promised companionship—not at all times, but from time to time, for no man is perfect; none in mortality walk eternally and unceasingly in the blazing light of heaven.
A New Witness for the Articles of Faith, 371.
What does it mean to “quench not the Spirit”?
I have always assumed that Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 represent a caution not to do anything that would cost us the influence, guidance, direction, or comfort of the Spirit.
Symbolically, I think Paul is warning the Thessalonians (and us, by extension) not to put out the fire, as it were, of the Holy Ghost.
What are the primary roles of the Holy Ghost in daily life?
The Spirit has many functions in our daily lives, including to:
- Caution or warn
- Pompt
- Inspire
- Teach
- Testify
- Help us remember important matters
- Comfort us in difficult times
- Give discernment
- Fill us with divine love
His highest function is to serve as the Holy Spirit of Promise, to certify and seal ordinances (like eternal marriage) and to make them eternally binding.
Recognizing the Spirit—Roles, Patterns, and Discernment
What are “gifts of the Spirit”?
Gifts for the benefit of the Church
Latter-day Saints speak a great deal about the gifts of the Spirit, and we often encourage one another to pray to receive those gifts (D&C 46:7). They must be terribly important, since they are mentioned in three of our four standard works: 1 Corinthians 12, Moroni 10, and Doctrine and Covenants 46.
I may be wrong about this, but my impression upon reading and studying those three chapters through the years leads me to conclude that, for the most part, the “gifts” of the Spirit are given principally for the benefit of the Church.
To use the Apostle Paul’s wonderful metaphor from 1 Corinthians 12, the gifts of the Spirit are to strengthen and build up “the body of Christ,” that is, the Church.
Gifts of the Spirit Resources
Learn more about how gifts of the Spirit are given for the benefit of the Church:
- Spiritual Gifts (Gospel Topics and Questions)
- Gifts of the Spirit for Hard Times (BYU Speeches)
- The Mission of the Holy Ghost: From Believing to Becoming (BYU Religious Studies Center)
Real-world example
As an illustration of gifts of the Spirit being used for the benefit of the Church, let’s think of a particular ward.
In that ward:
- Sister Johnson is an inspiring teacher in the adult Sunday School class.
- Brother Brown has a great rapport with young people and teaches the deacon’s quorum.
- Sister Rafferty has an amazing gift of discernment.
- Bishop King is a gifted administrator and a people-oriented leader of the Church.
What is the “fruit of the Spirit”?
The “fruit of the Spirit,” as mentioned by the Apostle Paul (in Galatians 5), are Christlike qualities and virtues that individuals have been blessed with that clearly manifest that they are becoming more and more Christlike.
These people, and many, many more, come together on Sunday and even during the week, and people are being blessed by and through their dedicated service.
Their love for people is obvious. They might have many outstanding talents and gifts, but what sets them apart is the depth of their love for their brothers and sisters in the ward and beyond.
Above and beyond all others, charity—the pure love of Christ.
The fruit of the Spirit would include such qualities as:
- Patience
- Long-suffering
- Gentleness
- Meekness
- Kindness
- Compassion
- Empathy
- Sensitivity
Above and beyond all others, charity—the pure love of Christ.
A person might be a gifted leader in terms of getting the job done, but he tends to hurt people’s feelings regularly.
In my mind, the “fruit of the Spirit” are the qualities that manifest how Christlike an individual is, how regularly they “think celestial” when meeting a need or solving a problem.
What is the burning in the bosom mentioned in D&C 9:9?
As a university teacher for 34 years, I have had many students visit me and ask this very question. Their question goes something like this:
“Brother Millet, I don’t think I have ever had a burning in the bosom. Is something wrong with me? Maybe I’m not worthy to receive an answer to my prayer.”
“Burning in the bosom”
To me, a “burning in the bosom” might be, for some people, a feeling of emotional and spiritual “warmth” when they have been trying their best to go left or to go right in making a decision.
But that warmth has little to do with bodily temperature. It may be manifest in a feeling of peace, like that which Oliver Cowdery received (D&C 6:22-23). It may come in the form of mental clarity or a settled conviction of a particular course to pursue.
“Stupor of thought”
Just as difficult as “burning in the bosom” is to understand for many people, so is the “stupor of thought” mentioned in that same verse 9.
My own experience with this idea has worked as follows:
Let’s suppose my wife and I have decided to purchase a new home and, narrowing down to two possibilities, we pray for divine direction.
As the days go by, we find ourselves discussing option A quite often while option B gradually fades from our thoughts or conversations. It seems to appeal to us less and less.
How can members discern between their own thoughts and the promptings of the Spirit?
I have heard some of our Church leaders teach a simple principle that has fascinating implications. If the promptings are to do something good and noble, kind or considerate, do it!
Wasn’t it Sister Camilla Kimball who counseled someone to never ignore or squelch a prompting to do good? I’m in total agreement with that.
I presume that the same principles that should guide us in determining whether a revelation or a teaching is from God or the devil or from my own mind hold here.
Questions to ask
For example, is the prompting:
- Consistent with the doctrine and standards of the Church?
- In harmony with the standard works?
- In harmony with the law of the land?
- Something that has the dignity or propriety that a revelation from God should have (from Joseph Smith’s Times and Seasons article, “Try the Spirits”)
- Something that edifies or inspires?
What if no answer comes?
As far as approaching God on a matter for an extended period of time and receiving no answer, President Brigham Young taught that if we are unsure about the will of our Heavenly Father and what He requires of us in a given situation, after we have sought earnestly and consistently to know, then we should make a decision on the basis of our best judgment.
I believe, however, there is more to President Young’s counsel than meets the eye.
It is certainly true that we should pray with all our hearts for direction and then make the wisest decision we can.
It is my conviction, however, that even on those occasions when we feel so very alone—when we wonder if God is listening—if we are trusting in the Savior and striving to carry out His will, the Lord is in fact directing our paths, for He has so promised us.
Eternal perspective
No doubt there are certain seasons of our life where we are called upon to proceed without the clear recognition of the Spirit. This does not mean that we are all alone.
I believe that one day, when we are allowed to review the scenes of mortality from a grander perspective, we will be astounded at how closely and carefully the Lord directed our paths, orchestrated the events of life, and, in general, led us by that kindly light we know as the Holy Ghost.
Maybe we will learn that our own wisdom was just not our own.
Perhaps it is the case that, over the years, the Spirit of the Lord works quietly yet consistently to educate our consciences, broaden our perspective, and polish our wisdom and judgment.
It may be that one day we will look back on those times when we were required to make decisions, seemingly on our own, only to discover that the Lord had been, through the honing and refining processes in our souls, leading us along in paths of His choosing.
That is, maybe we will learn that our own wisdom and judgment were not just our own.
Practical Tips for When You Don’t Feel the Spirit
How would you counsel Latter-day Saints who try hard but struggle to feel or recognize the Spirit?
Having the influence or gift of the Holy Ghost is not necessarily the same as feeling it. We read in the Book of Mormon about people who were baptized by fire, “but they knew it not” (3 Nephi 9:20).
While I was serving as a stake president of a young single adult stake, I began to slide into a deep depression, something I had never experienced before. Previously, I had had my bad days like everyone else, but I had always been able to pull out of them after a short time. But not this time.
I simply could not feel the Spirit!
It lingered for several months, and there were times when I felt that I was sinking into a bottomless pit. One of the most surprising effects of the depression is that I simply could not feel the Spirit!
Oddly enough, however, on several occasions during those difficult times, members who heard me speak or teach or train came up to me afterwards and expressed to me that the Spirit had touched them deeply.
I remember very well smiling, nodding my head, thanking them, and thinking: “Well, I’m certainly glad that you were spiritually moved, because I wasn’t!”
When the leaders of the Church learned of my condition, they suggested that I turn everything over to my two very capable counselors and let them oversee the work until I was able to jump back in. After about six weeks, the prescribed medication began to take effect, and the gloom of darkness gradually began to pass, to some extent.
So, what’s my point here?
As I suggested earlier, having the Spirit with us and feeling it can often be two different things.
We do our best to keep the commandments, carry out our Church callings and assignments, pray, search the scriptures, and minister in the temple on behalf of persons who have never had the opportunity to enjoy the blessings of the restored gospel in mortality.
My counsel to someone who has difficulty “feeling” the Spirit is to keep on keeping on. Gradually, the feelings that often accompany the gift of the Holy Ghost will come.
Reflections From Robert L. Millet
What do you remember about writing your book on the Holy Ghost?
Writing The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry was one of the greatest learning and stretching experiences of my life.
I thought I knew a good bit about the Spirit, but focusing on scripture and prophetic teachings relative to the Holy Ghost for many months was transformative.
There were many times when I would find myself staring at the computer, wondering where to go and what to write, only for scriptural verses or teachings by Church leaders to come to mind.
Repeatedly, I had confirmed the words that Jesus spoke when He taught that the Comforter can and will bring things (for me, ideas, concepts, scriptural verses) to our remembrance (John 14:26).
At other times, while reading the scriptures, it was as if certain verses stood out, shone brightly, if you will.
In a strange sort of way, once in a while, I seemed to see “new writing” appearing (as Nephi described one of the functions of the Liahona).
What did your interfaith work reveal about how others view Latter-day Saint beliefs about the Spirit?
During the 22 years that we were engaged in what was then called the “Mormon-Evangelical Dialogue,” we covered many doctrinal subjects, including the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and revelation. We didn’t encounter many major differences between us regarding the many functions and roles of the Holy Ghost.
We learned early in our dialogue that when Latter-day Saints and Evangelicals speak of “revelation,” they often mean two different things.
We have no problem, of course, speaking of an individual being entitled to “personal revelation,” while our Evangelical colleagues felt some discomfort with that language.
They were fine with speaking of an individual being inspired, directed, prompted, guided, or warned. They choose to use the word “revelation” when they speak of holy scripture.
We did disagree about who and what the Spirit was, especially as we conversed at length on the Trinity/Godhead. We emphasized that Latter-day Saints believe that the Holy Ghost is a male spirit personage and is a separate person and a separate being from the Father and the Son, which they could not agree with.
We learned that some Evangelicals, and Pentecostal Christians in particular, may occasionally pray to the Holy Spirit. Latter-day Saints do not do so because of what Jesus taught in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon about prayer.
One of our more colorful dialogues came as we met in Kirtland, Ohio, to discuss “spiritual gifts.” We seemed to agree on all that is said in 1 Corinthians 12-14 on these gifts (and, for us, Moroni 10 and D&C 46).
They spoke of the beginnings of Pentecostalism and of what, over the years, has come to be known as the “Azusa Street Revival” in 1906 in Los Angeles. It was in a home on Azusa Street that a group of Christians began speaking in tongues, and that practice continued, especially among Pentecostals.
We mentioned speaking in tongues that took place surrounding the dedication of the Kirtland Temple.
We then described the glorious spiritual outpourings that took place right where we were, in Kirtland, especially surrounding the dedication of the Kirtland Temple in March and April 1836. We read various accounts of the appearance of angels and heavenly beings, and then mentioned speaking in tongues that took place during that period.
One of the Evangelical professors asked: “You’re saying that your people spoke in tongues in Kirtland?”
“Yes,” we said, some 70 years before the Azusa Street Revival.
Do you have a favorite verse about the Holy Spirit?
Obviously, there are scores of passages in both ancient and modern scripture that speak of the Spirit and spiritual experiences, all of which have become precious to me.
Doctrine and Covenants 11:12-13
But through it all, one passage has stood out:
12 And now, verily, verily, I say unto you, put your trust in that Spirit which leadeth to do good—yea, to do justly, to walk humbly, to judge righteously; and this is my Spirit.
13 Verily, verily, I say unto you, I will impart unto you of my Spirit, which shall enlighten your mind, which shall fill your soul with joy.
D&C 11:12-13; emphasis added
Very few scriptural passages enumerate the ways in which the Spirit can guide and assist us more than this passage.
What do you wish you had better understood about the Holy Spirit in your early years?
Looking back over my 78 years, I wish I had understood all that the Holy Spirit can do for us.
For example, I wish I had understood in my adolescence how important it is to enjoy the Spirit on a regular basis. I wish I had known more about the peace that can come from the Holy Ghost, especially during the beginning of my difficult college years.
The 1960s were a time of revolution, riots, noise, war, ethical relativism, secularism, and sexual revolution. If I had known more, I believe I would have sought for the Spirit more regularly, more consistently.
Following my mission, I transferred from Louisiana State University to Brigham Young University in the Fall of 1969. I discovered that religion classes were required, which was absolutely fine with me! I had never had the opportunity to attend seminary or institute, since those programs were not available in our branch or ward in Louisiana.
The more I studied, prayed, and pondered, the more regularly and consistently I felt the Holy Spirit.
I was hungry for the things of the Spirit, and the more I studied, prayed, and pondered, the more regularly and consistently I felt the Holy Spirit—not only calming and comforting me but also unveiling significant doctrinal truths.
During those years, I had what I sometimes call a “mind and heart explosion,” in which my mind began to expand and my heart began to open widely to the Savior.
I met and eventually married Shauna Sizemore, and in doing so, I married well over my head spiritually. Now, some 50+ years later, there are few things we as a couple enjoy more than reading, studying, and seeking the Spirit often and consistently—for us, as well as for our children and grandchildren.
I came away from the writing of The Holy Spirit not only with a deep sense of gratitude toward the Father and the Son, but also a love for the Holy Ghost.
Want More Scholar Interviews in Your Inbox?
Stay connected with fresh content and scholarly insights every week.
About the Scholar
Robert L. Millet is professor emeritus of Religious Education at Brigham Young University and a former dean of the college. Holding a PhD in religious studies from Florida State University, he has authored or edited dozens of books on Latter-day Saint doctrine, including The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry—a leading treatment of the Holy Ghost in Restoration theology. Millet has taught courses on scripture and the Spirit for decades, helped pioneer Latter-day Saint–Evangelical dialogue, and is known for his writings on scripture and prophetic teachings.
Further Reading
Latter-day Saints interested in recognizing the Holy Ghost also read these From the Desk articles:
- How Did the Latter-day Saint Doctrine of the Holy Ghost Develop?
- What Did Moroni Teach About the Sacrament?
- How Do I Make Sense of My Patriarchal Blessing?
- Who Was Truman G. Madsen?
- How Did Neal A. Maxwell Become a Disciple?
The Identity, Mission, and Ministry of the Holy Spirit
- The Holy Spirit: His Identity, Mission, and Ministry (Deseret Book)
- Light of Christ (Gospel Topics and Questions)
- The Olive Leaf and the Family of Heaven (BYU Religious Studies Center)
- James E. Talmage and the Doctrine of the Godhead (Religious Educator)
- 4 Things We Know About the Holy Ghost (LDS Living)
How to Recognize the Spirit
Read what top scholars and publishers say about learning to discern the Holy Ghost in your daily life:
- In Tune: The Role of the Spirit in Teaching and Learning (Deseret Book)
- Promptings of the Spirit, by Elder Gary E. Stevenson (October 2023 General Conference)
- How Do I Recognize and Understand the Spirit? (Preach My Gospel)
- Lifelong Conversion, by Elder Dale G. Renlund (BYU Speeches)
- Elder Bednar’s 3 Tips for Having the Holy Ghost As a Constant Companion (Rather Than an Occasional Visitor) (LDS Living)
