As I studied this weeks' sections of Come, Follow Me, the principle that really stood out to me was in Section 46:2. In answer to the question of "how should we conduct our meetings?", the Lord gives the answer that it should be a combination of using "those things which are written" and "directed and guided by the Holy Spirit."
In the podcast “Book of Mormon Central”, the host cited an analogy of this principle that was given by Elder and Sister Renlund in their book "The Melchizedek Priesthood". In this book they give an analogy of how to administer things in the church. The analogy is this: picture in your mind a playing field (like for soccer or basketball). The boundaries of this playing field represent "those things which are written" (v 2). Those boundaries are the scriptures, words of the living prophets, the church handbook of instruction and direction from your local leaders. Those things that happen in the middle of the playing field are "directed and guided by the Holy Spirit" (v 2).
An example of this process is given within the next few verses of section 46. In verses 3-6 the Lord gives very specific instruction on who can come to public meetings (boundaries), but in verse 7 the Lord also instructs them to "ask of God, who giveth liberally" (playing field). So you end up having a lot of freedom to navigate and find good solutions to your problems by striking a balance between the written words and the guidance of the Spirit.
As we work to implement this pattern, verse 7 also gives us some promised blessings. It says that "ye may not be seduced by evil spirits, or doctrines of the devil, or commandments of men." What a blessing to know that as we strive to obey the written words and be guided by the Holy Ghost that we will be blessed with the gift of discernment to know and follow what comes from God.
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