Tasting the Glory Now: Spiritual Blessings for Today's Disciple

Brothers and sisters, if you've ever felt like you're running a race toward a finish line—a glorious, perfect future—you understand the anticipation. We look forward to the day we receive our glorified bodies, the day we stand in the presence of the Lord, and the day we achieve our highest exaltation. It’s a beautiful picture, isn't it?

But sometimes, when we focus too much on that 'later,' we forget the incredible blessings available to us *right now*. It can feel like we have to wait until we’re 'good enough' or 'far enough along' to start experiencing the fullness of the gospel. I was wrestling with that feeling recently, remembering how often we talk about the *goal* without dwelling enough on the *process* of receiving the gifts.

When studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, it really hit me how Paul frames these spiritual gifts. He doesn't just list them; he speaks of them as blessings God has prepared *before* time began, waiting to be lavished upon the faithful Church. It’s a reminder that the covenant path is rich with grace.

The Gift of Now: Experiencing the Future Today

The most profound takeaway for us as disciples, whether we're in the MTC, serving in the field, or right here at home, is this: Paul prays that God would enable them to *begin experiencing* what has to come. He’s not saying they get the full experience—we’re limited by our current, mortal bodies—but he’s saying the *taste* is available now.

Think about it: we have the gift of insight into God's plan, the ability to give and be praised, and the constant companionship of the Spirit. These aren't just abstract concepts for future prophets; they are active, available blessings for us today. These gifts are rooted in our covenant relationship with Christ.

Where Do These Blessings Come From?

It’s easy to get caught up in the mechanics—the baptism, the covenants, the temple work. But the core truth Paul emphasizes is that all these spiritual blessings are only available if we are united to Christ through faith expressed in repentance and baptism. They are *in Him*.

This is such a powerful anchor for us as we serve. When the going gets tough in missionary discussions, or when we feel discouraged after a tough week of comps, we can anchor ourselves not just on our effort, but on the infinite, pre-ordained blessings waiting for us through the Savior. We are connected to the eternal plan.

This passage really drives home that being a disciple isn't just about *getting* to the destination; it's about *living* the journey with an awareness of the destination's glory already touching our lives.

If you want to dig deeper into this amazing teaching, I highly recommend checking out the resources from BibleTalk.tv. It’s a wonderful way to ground ourselves in scripture study.

A Little Challenge for Our Week

As we keep preparing to be Internet missionaries and disciples everywhere, let's focus on *tasting* a blessing this week. I challenge you to identify one spiritual blessing—maybe it’s the gift of patience, or the assurance of the Atonement—and intentionally practice *receiving* it today. Don't just *know* about it; actively *receive* it in a small moment.

If you are looking for more structured study, remember that the HolyPlaces Book Club feature is fantastic for diving deep into passages like this. Or, if you prefer a one-on-one wrestling match with the text, I encourage you to bring your toughest questions to Davee for an AI Investigator session. He’s ready to walk you through those hard questions an investigator might ask!

Stay diligent, keep drawing near, and remember that the glory is already touching you.

Love, A Brother/Sister in the Gospel