Baptism by Fire

A year and a half ago, I was baptised and confirmed into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Sister Stratton claimed that I was overdosed on the Spirit. However, I have come to know of the huge importance of baptism by fire. In Matthew 3:11 it says, "I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptise you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire." 

Often, baptism is referred to the cleansing of our spirits. This allows our souls to be worthy vessels of His Spirit. Receiving the Holy Ghost completes the sacred covenant of baptism in my mind. It is our baptism by fire. The fire of the Spirit is often likened unto a refiner's fire. By receiving the sacred gift of His spirit, we are able to be more aptly shaped and guided by His will. His Spirit confirms and testifies of our identity as beautiful sons and daughters of a gracious Heavenly Father. 
When you think about it, however, the refiner's fire is not a comfortable place to be. I mean, it's hot and if you're unfortunate enough to be that hunk of metal they're working on you have a hammer just banging on you repeatedly. Eventually, that hunk of metal is crafted into something beautiful and that's what the Spirit does for us. It prepares us to be ready to meet the Lord. It testifies of the truth which is Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and His gospel. 
Because, let’s be honest, as humans we are not perfect. As the song says “Come Thou Fount”, we are “prone to wander Lord" and "to leave the God [we] love". I have experienced personal apostasy and have felt the Spirit leave me for a time. The world is filled with many temptations. However, I am so grateful for our Heavenly Father because He understands. He knows we are going to sometimes get distracted by the shiny things that may lay off the strait and narrow path. But, thankfully…we have a part of His spirit given to each of us.
According to Elder Russel M. Ballard, the Holy Ghost is “your spiritual GPS. It will tell you where you are and where you are going.” We are so lucky to have the priesthood restored upon the earth where we can receive the Holy Ghost. The Lord has not and will not let His children go through their life without His guidance. My life has been greatly blessed by the guidance of the Spirit. 
Boyd K. Packer has also said “The gift of the Holy Ghost if you consent, will guide and protect you and even correct your actions. It is a spiritual voice that comes into the mind as a thought or a feeling put into your heart…It is not expected that you get through life without making mistakes, but you will not make a major mistake without first being warned by the promptings of the Spirit. This promise applies to all members of the church.” I feel this also applies to all those seeking the Lord. I encourage everyone to always live worthy of the Spirit’s companionship. If you're not a member of the LDS Church and slightly confused, I hope that my words have stirred something within your hearts. The Church has many wonderful resources for those that wish to learn more such as mormon.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has changed my life. 
The Spirit is kind of like that annoying best friend that won’t go away, but if you do something that offends them, they will. As a convert, I know how it feels to go through life without the Holy Ghost as my companion and I much rather living with His spirit always close. In Ether 12:41 it says “ 41 And now, I would commend you to seek this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which beareth record of them, may be and abide in you forever. Amen.”
The Holy Ghost will continue to bring you closer and closer to Him. With the Spirit’s help, all of God’s children may one day return to Heavenly Father.  The Spirit will never testify of untrue things. The Spirit will always encourage Christlike behaviour and lead us in the direction the Lord wants us to go. I have seen the Spirit work within many people and I know without a doubt it is the Lord's Spirit and that He lives. Heavenly Father knows His plan for me, for you, for all of us. I am so grateful to be able to spread His gospel and that the Spirit has been able to reach so many people and bring them home to Christ's church.