Spiritual Gifts Are for the Benefit of Those Who Love God and Seek to Keep His Commandments
Doctrine and Covenants 46:9–11
9 For verily I say unto you, they are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep all my commandments, and him that seeketh so to do; that all may be benefited that seek or that ask of me, that ask and not for a sign that they may consume it upon their lusts.
10 And again, verily I say unto you, I would that ye should always remember, and always retain in your minds what those gifts are, that are given unto the church.
11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
President Dallin H. Oaks said:
“The Spirit of Christ is given to all men and women that they may know good from evil, and manifestations of the Holy Ghost are given to lead earnest seekers to repentance and baptism. These are preparatory gifts. What we term spiritual gifts come next.
“Spiritual gifts come to those who have received the gift of the Holy Ghost. As the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, the gifts of the Spirit ‘are obtained through that medium’ [the Holy Ghost] and ‘cannot be enjoyed without the gift of the Holy Ghost.’ . . . (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, comp. Joseph Fielding Smith, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1938, pp. 243, 245; see also Marion G. Romney, in Conference Report, Apr. 1956, p. 72.)”
(“Spiritual Gifts,” Ensign, Sept. 1986, 68.)
