Spiritual Preparedness is a message the leaders of our church have been teaching us for a very long time; and that would include Bible and Book of Mormon leaders.  We listen well enough, but sometimes that’s as far as it goes.  We don’t internalize the gospel until it means something to us.

While preparing a lesson, it dawned on me what the simplest message for spiritual preparedness is—-  We need to look for opportunities to teach the gospel—- that is the one and only thing that will prepare us.  In teaching, we will understand and know for ourselves.  It finally means something to us.

When was the last time you told someone the story of the First Vision?  Have you recently set your nerves aside to bear a fervent testimony of the Atoning sacrifice you have personally benefitted from?  Do your children, friends, and husband know how you feel about the gospel?
Helaman 11:23  really struck me while I pondered this topic:

23   And in the seventy and ninth year there began to be much strife.  But it came to pass that Nephi and Lehi, and many of their brethren who knew concerning the true points of doctrine, having many revelations daily, therefore they did preach unto the people, insomuch that they did put an end to their strife in that same year.

First of all they needed to know and feel comfortable with the teachings of the gospel.  By having this complete understanding, they naturally were close to the Spirit and received revelations daily.  Just think about that!  Do you have daily revelations?  You probably do, but do you notice them and recognize them for what they are?  So, they go out to preach and their preaching is so effective, everyone believes too.  Wow!  What an environment to live in.  I believe these people were prepared to meet their Lord.  What made the difference was teaching the gospel.
This is something we all have the opportunity to do.  Isn’t it wonderful the church programs allow us to practice on one another?  Aren’t we grateful to be in training?

I’m sure you’re like I am.  When I’m asked to teach, I study like crazy in order to be well prepared.  I love having a teaching calling, because without doubt, I am the one who learns the most, even when I teach the younger children.  I strive to challenge myself with whatever age group I teach.  Some lessons are better than others, but by putting forth that extra effort, I gain the help of the Spirit, who is the true teacher.

Do we give our children opportunities to teach?  Are they preparing their own FHE lessons and Sunday talks?  How well do we listen to their concerns, questions, or discoveries?  Maybe we should step back and let them teach us for a change.  It could change everyone’s life.

As Visiting Teachers, we all have the opportunity to teach.  We can either go through the motions, or with a very little effort on our part, we can stretch ourselves, learn something new about the subject, and share it with the help of the Holy Ghost, who will be our never failing companion.  What we learn may not stick with us unless we turn around and teach it.  In this way we become spiritually prepared.