Right on–we’re on the same page.

In D&C 10:67-68, the Lord defines His Church as those who accept his invitation and come unto Him, nothing more nothing less. In 3rd Nephi, He defines His gospel as ‘drawing all men unto Him.’ In this process, we repent and come unto Him; we are sanctified by the Holy Ghost and allowed to be in His kingdom. The invitation is simple yet profound.

I have found that his sternest rebuke or warning is reserved for those to replace the ‘works of God’ with the ‘works of men’ In 3rd Nephi 27:10-12, the Lord tells us that those who product the works of men will enjoy their fruits for a season but will then be hewn down. The warning is that we cannot have our own agenda but must do His work.

These is no greater blessing than to have our hearts made pure through the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost. The scriptures tell us of the indescribable joy and peace that come from this life changing experience.

The invitation is to come unto Christ and be filled. The warning is to those who harden their hearts and ‘know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil.’(Alma 12:11). The greatest blessing is reserved for those who are defined as his ‘children.’ This is achieved by baptism of water and fire and the covenant to ‘do his will.’ (Mosiah 5:5-7)

You asked: Do those who believe bring that as a gift from the spirit world?

Great question. I like what President Harold B Lee said:

There is no truth more plainly taught in the Gospel than that our condition in the next world will depend upon the kind of lives we live here…Is it not just as reasonable to suppose that the conditions in which we now live have been determined by the kind of lives we lived in the pre-existent world of spirits? (Decisions for Successful Living, pp. 164-65) TLDP:497

As you stated, it is a wonder why some are blessed to believe at an early age and others struggle. I’m grateful beyond words for my testimony, however, I am also aware that where much is given much is required (D&C 82:3). This is a concern to me and I hope and pray I can and will do many things to increase faith among the saints. I’m not trying to be a profitable servant, because that just isn’t possible, but I am anxious to please the Lord and do His bidding when He sees fit to use me.

Thanks for your comments and friendship.

I especially like the invitations to believe and exercise faith. I have been focusing on that aspect of my life lately – believing. I have been wondering why I was so blessed to believe at at early age and others struggle with belief. Do those who believe bring that as a gift from the spirit world?