Gospel scholars McConkie and Millet wrote: “It is a remarkable thing how two people can be seated beside one another, hear exactly the same message preached, and come away with two different conclusions regarding the import of the declaration. To one listener the presentation is as the gibberish of alien tongues; to another, as manna from heaven. To one listener the messenger is seen as weak and unpolished, the pronouncement as unimportant and unnecessary; to the second, the messenger seems to be fired with the power of Almighty God and his sermon deep and profound. Indeed, to some it is given to know the mysteries of God and to see the power of God resting upon his servants, simply because they are prepared to so receive, because they are open to truth… .
“What is a mystery to one man may not be a mystery to another; it is simply a matter of preparation, readiness, and receptivity.” 17
Those who are prepared, who have proved themselves obedient and valiant, and who are determined to serve God at all cost may receive sacred knowledge, make holy covenants, and participate in holy ordinances (“the mysteries of godliness” and “the power of godliness”; see D&C 63:23; 84:19–20). They are placed under a strict command not to divulge those most sacred things (see, for example, 3 Nephi 26:16–18; 27:23; 28:13–14, 16; D&C 105:23; compare 4 Nephi 1:27). They do not go around talking about all they know.
“Some experiences are ineffable, so transcendently glorious that they defy human expression or description. Of these things it is not possible for man to speak. Some truths and experiences ‘are not lawful for man to utter’ in the sense that it is not permitted or appropriate to speak of them, except as led and directed by the Holy Spirit. Some special things are to be kept within the household of faith, among those who believe (see Moses 1:42; 4:32). ‘Remember that that which cometh from above is sacred, and must be spoken with care, and by constraint of the Spirit …’ (D&C 63:64).
“Just as it would be unwise and dangerous to feed strong meat to infants, so also it is unwise and dangerous to provide deeper doctrines or sacred ordinances for public display… . Too frequently those who encounter these things prematurely are unable to digest them properly and ultimately turn with bitterness against the very source of truth. In short, it matters a great deal not only what people are taught, but also when they are taught it.” 18