The Voice of the Spirit

About a year ago I was watching some Mormon Messages when I came across one call the "Voice of the Spirit" with audio from a talk given by President Faust. It was hands down one of the best quotes that I have heard in a long time. I have actually been trying to memorize it. The text of the audio is below. His descriptions of the different voices and information the can prevent us from listing to the Holy Ghost are spot on. Enjoy!

"How are you possibly going to select what voices you will listen to and believe? You will not be able to travel through life on borrowed light. The Voice you must learn to head is the voice of the spirit. The spirit’s voice is ever present but it is calm. The adversary tries to smother this voice with a multitude of loud persistent, persuasive, appealing voices. Murmuring voices that conjure up perceived injustices. Whining voices that abhor challenge and work. Seductive voices offering sensual enticements. Flattering voices that puff us up with pride. Commercial voices that tempt us to spend money for that which is of no worth and our labor for that which cannot satisfy.

In your generation you will be barraged by a multitude of voices telling you how to live, how to gratify your passions, how to have it all. There will be all sorts of software, satellite receivers, and communication networks that will suffocate you with information. You will be bombarded with evil and wickedness like no other generation. As I contemplate this prospect I am reminded of T.S. Elliot’s words, “Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? where is the knowledge we have lost in information?”

I have suggested a simple solution for selecting the channel which you will attune yourselves too. Listen to and follow the voice of the spirit. This is an ancient solution, even eternal and may not be popular in a society that is always looking for something new. This solution requires patience in a world that demands instant gratification. This solution is quite, peaceful, and subtle. This solution requires you to walk by faith in a world governed by sight. Learn to ponder the things of the spirit and respond to its promptings. Filter out the static generated by Satan. As you become attune to the spirit thine ears shall hear a word behind you saying “This is the way walk ye in it.” Harkening to the voice of the living god will give you peace in this world and eternal life in the life to come. These are the greatest of all the gifts of god."

President James E Faust
“The Voice of the Spirit”
September 5th 1993
BYU Devotional