Receive the Holy Ghost

"The simplicity of this ordinance may cause us to overlook its significance."

"These four words—“Receive the Holy Ghost”—are not a passive pronouncement; rather, they constitute a priesthood injunction—an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon."

"The Holy Ghost does not become operative in our lives merely because hands are placed upon our heads and those four important words are spoken. As we receive this ordinance, each of us accepts a sacred and ongoing responsibility to desire, to seek, to work, and to so live that we indeed “receive the Holy Ghost” and its attendant spiritual gifts. “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift?"

These quotes are taken from a conference talk by Elder Bednar, they made me think. I know that we need to be worthy to have the Holy Ghost and use it in our lives, but I never really thought about it the way Elder Bednar stated. I love how he worded this, "an authoritative admonition to act and not simply to be acted upon." Another reminder that it is a gift, our responsibility and privilege to use. Remember He is the third member of the Godhead, this is an incredible power we've been given. If we work to be worthy and use the Holy Ghost how close to God we can become.