It's akin to receiving the Holy Ghost when we're confirmed members. We are given a gift. Just like a Christmas gift that you unwrap and make a part of your life. If you are given a gift, but leave it unopened collecting dust on a shelf, you haven't yet received it. If you are given a GPS, for example, until you unwrap the gift, open it up, plug it in and begin using it, you truly haven't received it.


"...I say unto you, RECEIVE the Holy Ghost."

The Spirit is not a stray that follows you around until you need it. The Spirit is someone you take with you everywhere you go as your guide. You follow the Spirit.

In this context, I was not aware that I was given the gift of my calling and election until I had acknowledged the gift. Likewise, I couldn't receive it until I knew that it had been placed before me. You cannot receive something that isn't first given to you.