My dear brothers and sisters, our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ desire to bless each of us. The question of how to access and obtain those blessings has been the subject of theological debate and discussion for centuries.  Some contend that blessings are completely earned; we receive them only through our works. Others argue that God has already chosen who He will bless and how—and that these determinations are unchangeable. Both positions are fundamentally flawed. Blessings from heaven are neither earned by frenetically accruing “good deed coupons” nor by helplessly waiting to see if we win the blessing lottery. No, the truth is much more nuanced but more appropriate for the relationship between a loving Heavenly Father and His potential heirs—us. Restored truth reveals that blessings are never earned, but faith-inspired actions on our part, both initial and ongoing, are essential.

What distinctions are being drawn here by Elder Renlund?

What are the fundamental flaws in the views that a) blessings are completely earned and b) that God has already chosen who He will bless and how?

What would be the implications for the plan of salvation if either of these views were true?

The principle of activating blessings that flow from God is eternal.

What is the difference between earning a blessing and qualifying for one?

Elder Renlund gives the example of a pile of kindling wood – it contains an enormous amount of fuel and potential. But in order to be lit, a combustion reaction must ignite a flame. An act as small as the striking of a match can provide the needed spark to create a large flame, but only if applied to the fuel properly. In this sense, while blessings from heaven are not earned, “you do have to qualify for [them].”

In a similar way, most blessings that God desires to give us require action on our part—action based on our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in the Savior is a principle of action and of power. First we act in faith; then the power comes—according to God’s will and timing. The sequence is crucial. The required action, though, is always tiny when compared to the blessings we ultimately receive.

“Faith is not only the principle of action, but of power also, in all intelligent beings, whether in heaven or on earth. …

“… It was by faith that the worlds were framed. God spake, chaos heard, and worlds came into order by reason of the faith there was in Him. So with man also; he spake by faith in the name of God, and the sun stood still, the moon obeyed, mountains removed, prisons fell, lions’ mouths were closed, the human heart lost its enmity, fire its violence, armies their power, the sword its terror, and death its dominion; and all this by reason of the faith which was in him” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith).

What lessons did you draw from the story of Michael and Marian Holmes?

Early in the marriage of Michael and Marian Holmes, the couple did not pray and were not attending Church. But after encouragement from their bishop, the couple decided to try simply praying. It wasn’t easy at first, but they kept working regularly at it, and eventually they returned to Church and their family was blessed.

If a desired blessing from God has not been received—yet—you do not need to go crazy, wondering what more you need to do. Instead, heed Joseph Smith’s counsel to “cheerfully do all things that lie in [your] power; and then … stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the … arm [of God] … revealed.” Some blessings are reserved for later, even for the most valiant of God’s children.

Why are some blessings ‘reserved for later’?

Have you experienced this?

‘Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. Of that I personally attest.’ (Elder Jeffrey R Holland, General Conference, October 1999)

I invite you to faithfully activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God. Exercise the faith to strike the match and light the fire. Supply the needed oxygen while you patiently wait on the Lord.

How will you activate heavenly power to receive specific blessings from God?

(Passages in italics are excerpts from Elder Renlund’s address.)