SEEK TRUTH IN ITS FULLNESS
D&C 49, 50, 88:118-26; 93:1-6
“What Is Truth?,” President Uchtdorf; “Quick to Observe,” Elder Bednar
Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” In the Doctrine and Covenants we get the answer: “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, as they were, and as they are to come.”
(D&C 93:24)
First: Seek learning by study and also by faith–study and pray for answers to discern truth from error
PEARL: “And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom, yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning, even by study
and also by faith.” D&C C 88:118
Questions are part of the gospel of Jesus Christ and are expected. The Lord wants us to ask if we doubt, wonder, or don’t know. All throughout the scriptures, the Lord
repeatedly tells us to knock, to ask, to seek, to inquire, and to find out for ourselves.
“If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things–that which bringeth joy, that which bringeth eternal life.” D&C 42:61
PEARL: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelations 3:20
“Don’t study philosophy (or any subject) on an empty stomach.” (Truman Madsen when asked why he was studying the scriptures instead of studying for an exam at Harvard).
“There should be no people who have a higher desire to obtain truth, revealed and secular, than Latter-day Saints.” President Spencer Kimball
The Lord said it this way: PEARL: “O that cunning plan of the evil one! O the vainness, and the frailties, and the foolishness of men! When they are learned they think they are wise
and they harken not to the counsel of God, for they set it aside, supposing they know of themselves, wherefore, their wisdom is foolishness and it profiteth them nothing. But
to be learned is good if they harken unto the counsels of God.” 2 Nephi 9:28,29
Second: The Holy Ghost will tell you the truth of all things (“Pure knowledge . . . shall greatly enlarge the soul.” D&C 121:42)
Our Prophet, President Monson is a shining example of following the Holy Ghost. The Lord knows He can use him as an instrument because President Monson feels the spirit, and
immediately obeys the prompting. The Lord uses him to answer the prayers of his children. We can also have the same gift and be on the Lord’s errands if we seek the spirit and obey.
PEARL: “Behold, I will tell you in your mind and in your heart by the Holy Ghost which shall come upon you and shall dwell in your heart.” D&C 8:2
This is the pattern of how the Lord works: through impressions on the mind, and feelings in the heart.
“For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived . . . shall abide the day.” D&C 45:57
“Be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and OIL WITH YOU, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom.” D&C 34:17
“I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you.” “Blessed are they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled (with the Holy Ghost–from the
JS translation).”
Third: Seek truth in its fullness: don’t judge by one element you don’t understand and hold fast to what you do know
“Never in the history of the world have we had easier access to more information–some of it true, some of it false, and much of it partially true. Consequently, never in the
history of the world has it been more important to learn how to correctly discern truth from error.” (Elder Uchdorf, “What is Truth?”)
“It is always good to keep in mind that just because something is printed on paper, appears on the internet, is frequently repeated, or has a powerful group of followers
doesn’t make it true . . . There is such a thing as absolute truth–unassailable, unchangeable truth. The truth is different from belief. Absolute truth is not dependent upon public opinion or popularity. Polls cannot sway it. Not even the inexhaustible authority of celebrity endorsement can change it!” (Elder Uchdorf)
“Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift (of discernment) if he willed to do so. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world . . .
Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least.” (Stephen L Richards)
“Our prophet, President Monson said: “There is no need for you or for me, in this enlightened age when the fullness of the gospel has been restored, to sail uncharted seas or to travel unmarked roads in search of truth. A loving Heavenly Father has plotted our course and provided an unfailing guide–even obedience. A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.” (President Monson, “Obedience Brings Blessings”)
Quotes about seeking truth in its fullness:
“My dear friends–please first doubt your doubt before you doubt your faith. . .” President Uchdorf
“In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited . . . When those moments come and issues surface, the
resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.” (President Jeffrey R. Holland, “Lord, I Believe”)
“Studying the Church . . .through the eyes of its defectors is like interviewing Judas to understand Jesus.” (Neal Maxwell, “All Hell is Moved”)
“We might remind the sincere inquirer that Internet information does not have a ‘truth’ filter. Some information, no matter how convincing, is simply not true” (Neil Andersen,
Joseph Smith).
Remember that the Lord will stand with us and never leave us alone as we search for truth with a sincere heart through study, prayer, and in the right places.
“. . . I would exhort you to ask God, in the name of Christ if these things are not true. And if ye will ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest
the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost, ye may know the truth of all things.” (Moroni 10:3-5)
PEARL: “I will go before you and be your rearward, I will be in your midst, and you shall not be confounded.” (D&C 49:27, 28)
“I am in your midst, and I am the good shepherd, and the stone of Israel. He that buildeth upon this rock shall never fall.” D&C 50:44)