What is Wisdom?
Filed under: Finding Truth, Recognizing Truth, Uncategorized
One day, while reading the Book of Mormon, I was startled by a description of the prophet Ammon that I had not previously noticed, in Alma, chapter 18, verse 22:
Now Ammon being wise, yet harmless, he said unto Lamoni: Wilt thou hearken unto my words, if I tell thee by what power I do these things? And this is the thing that I desire of thee.
Wise, but harmless. This unexpected combination of words has stayed with me since that time and I’ve often thought 
about what they mean. It could mean the historian recording the event had a sense of humor, but it’s likely there is more to the phrase than might initially be obvious. How can you be wise, but harmless? The key lies in understanding the source of wisdom. When we are truly wise, and our wisdom comes from the proper source, we are harmless to others. When we mistake the source of wisdom, we can do great eternal damage to ourselves and to those we teach. Read more
How Do Mormons Know the Prophet is Telling the Truth?
Mormons teach that God’s prophets today, like those we read of in the Bible, are authorized to speak on God’s behalf for the entire church. Often, people who are not LDS find this concept amazing or even alarming. They wonder how we know if they’re telling us the truth. We are often asked silly questions like, “If your prophet told you to only wear blue, would you?”
Brigham Young had an answer for this question. He’s said to have told people his greatest fear was that people in the church would start to take what he said as the will of God and not take the time to go to God personally to receive confirmation of it.
Although Mormons are taught to honor their prophets and to follow them, it’s not a blind following. Only God can be completely trusted to always tell you the truth, and only God knows the truth of all things. Mormons are taught even before they join the church to pray and ask God if the current prophet really is God’s prophet. Then, afterwards, at any time, th
ey can return to God and ask about specific teachings the prophet has given.
In the case of the hypothetical situations Mormons are always being asked about, a member who reads an article by a church leader will generally follow the following pattern:
Before reading or listening, they pray for the spirit. This will often tell them what is true while they’re receiving the information. Once they received the counsel, they place it in context of other teachings they’ve received. For instance, if the prophet said to store food away so you’ll have enough to eat if you lose your job, a member would say, “Oh, I’ve heard that many times before and already know it’s true.” He wouldn’t likely take time to pray about this, since it’s repeated often.
If it’s new counsel, he might compare it to see if it fits in with previous teachings. For instance, prophets often tell us to store wheat. If this were the first time we’d been told to store wheat, we might think to ourselves, “Well, that’s the first time wheat’s been mentioned, but we’ve often been told to store food in general, so I’ll just add that to it.” It fits into previously given counsel.
However, if a member heard entirely new counsel, and just couldn’t quite feel comfortable with it-maybe because it would require him to stop doing something he loved-he could then take it to God in prayer. Following the established pattern for prayer, he would study the problem in his mind, come to a decision, probably based on what he already knows about God and the gospel, and then come to a conclusion. He’d then kneel in prayer and ask God if he’s made the right choice.
Spencer W. Kimball, a past prophet, spoke on the subject of blind faith. “When men obey commands of a creator, it is not blind obedience….God’s every command is righteous, every directive purposeful, and all for the good of the governed. …
Is it blind obedience when one regards the sign “High Voltage-Keep Away” or is it the obedience of faith in the judgment of experts who know the hazard?
Is it blind obedience when the air traveler fastens his seat belt as that sign flashes or is it confidence in the experience and wisdom of those who know more of hazards and dangers?
Is it blind obedience when the little child gleefully jumps from the table into the strong arms of its smiling father, or is this implicit trust in a loving parent who feels sure of his catch and who loves the child better than life itself? …
Is it then blind obedience when we, with our limited vision, elementary knowledge, selfish desires, ulterior motives, and carnal urges, accept and follow the guidance and obey the commands of our loving Father who … created a world for us, loves us, and has planned a constructive program for us, wholly without ulterior motive, whose greatest joy and glory is to “bring to pass the immortality and eternal life” of all his children? [See Moses 1:39.]
It is not blind obedience, even without total understanding, to follow a Father who has proved himself. (”Chapter 13: Obedience Born of Faith in God,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball, (2006),135-44
In the case of the hot stove, it’s likely a child touched a hot stove against the advice of a parent at some time in his childhood. Having done so, he learned first that stoves can be hot, and secondly, that parents can be trusted. Over time, as his parents continued to be right about physical danger, it’s likely he stopped feeling the need to touch every stove or try out every dangerous thing. Whereas, as a toddler, he might have heard a parent say the stove was hot, but he had to find out for himself. As an eight-year-old, if his parents told him it was too dangerous to go outside in the current weather conditions, he might obey without first testing, having learned his parents were usually right.
In the same way, Mormons learn to trust their prophets, and they learn to trust God. A new member is likely to pray about every individual doctrine, but a later member, having learned that when he does so, God always says yes, the prophet is right, no longer needs to do this. He can spend his limited life doing more important things. He saves his confirmation prayers for those situations which leave him uncertain, or which require greater sacrifice to carry out.
Being able to turn to God is one way God protects his children from unscrupulous leadership. They need never take anyone’s word for any part of the gospel, but can always go directly to the source. The prophet delivers God’s message and guides the church, but each member is individually responsible for confirming the truthfulness of what they’re being told.
Someone just learning about the church through Mormon missionaries will be taught how to pray almost immediately. Then, after each lesson, he will be asked to pray about it privately to know for himself it’s true, rather than taking the word of the missionaries. This is a critical step in the member’s progression, because someone who does this is far less likely to fall away from the church in the future. His testimony will be based on a firm foundation-God.
Truth is Absolute
Filed under: Recognizing Truth, Truth Restored
When Joseph Smith was a teenager, he longed to know which church he should join. He found himself confused because each church he looked into had contradictory doctrine. How could they all be right, as some claimed? Rightly so, he sensed that truth was absolute and unchanging.
If God is the source of truth, and God is not a God of confusion, then there can’t be conflicting truths. If baptism is required to enter the kingdom of God, then it’s always required. If children infants shouldn’t be baptized, then they must never be baptized. Saying that baptism both is and is not required can both be true leads to confusion about important issues, and God doesn’t create confusion.
There are those who expect churches to be fashionable and “tolerant.” They feel churches should take no real stand on any issue, even those that affect salvation. There are churches which have done that, have kept up with the times and not worried too much about what the Bible actually says. However, this is not what God has taught us about truth.
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8: 32
John demonstrates the importance of knowing what is true. In order for us to know what’s true, there must be truth to know. Certain things must be so, whether we like them to be or not. We, as mortal beings, do not get to choose truth. Only God can do this. Our job isn’t to intellectualize truth or judge it, but to know it, live it, share it, and love it. The truth can then make us free.
So, when people accuse your church of being out of touch with the “real” world or the modern world, say it’s out of style or old-fashioned, measure your doctrine against God’s. If you find it’s in tune, then take their criticism as praise. It takes moral courage to stay with truth, and not wander off to the demands of fashion and those who are intolerant of God’s truths.
The Book of Mormon records a vision of the prophet Nephi. In this vision, there was a tree. Lehi understood that the tree had a wonderful fruit, which could bring joy to anyone who partook of it. The tree represented God’s love. Lehi naturally wanted his family to join him at the tree and eat the fruit. His wife and two youngest sons did, but his two oldest were rebellious and refused to come. Lehi watched others set out on the road that led to the tree. One group got sidetracked along the way. The next group found the iron rod that ran alongside the road after a while and held onto it so they wouldn’t get lost, even though a heavy mist had arisen. They stayed on the path, got to the tree, ate the fruit…and then made an eternally fatal error.
This group started looking around to check out how the rest of the world was viewing their wonderful accomplishment. To their surprise, the world wasn’t largely cheering them on. Instead, the people who had not entered the road or who hadn’t stayed on it mocked them, told them they were foolish, and called them names. The people who had successfully navigated the path couldn’t seem to tune out the mocking. They wanted to be loved and accepted, and so, humiliated by the mocking, they rushed off the path to join those who were elegantly dressed and very popular, but who were without truth.
There were other groups, but only one group was successful. Those people chose to take the path. They persevered until they reached the iron rod, which represented God’s word, and then held tight, allowing the rod to guide them to the tree. When they partook of the fruit, they enjoyed the blessings that came from it without taking an opinion poll to see what others thought of them. They didn’t care what others thought. They knew what was right and good, and they were content to have that, regardless of the jeers and persecutions of those less wise.
Today, those who choose to stay on the path and partake of God’s truths are jeered at and mocked. It takes real courage to stay firm and tune out the mockers. However, truth is truth. While it might seem temporarily more provident to follow those who have abandoned God, in the eternal scheme of things, those who honor God will have the best outcomes.
Those who truly know and love God do not expect him to alter truth for their convenience. They understand that truth is unchanging, and that it’s worth the hardships.
The Foundation of Correct Decisions
Since truth is the only meaningful foundation upon which we can make wise decisions, how then can one establish what is really true? Increasingly more people are finding that making wise decisions is becoming more and more difficult because of the ultra-interconnected world in which we live. Constantly forced into our consciousness is an incessant barrage of counsel, advice, and promotions. It is done by a bewildering array of media, Internet, and other means. On a given subject we can receive multiple strongly delivered, carefully crafted messages with solutions. But often two of the solutions can be diametrically opposed. No wonder some are confused and are not sure how to make the right decisions. (Richard G. Scott, “Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 90–92)
What is truth? Truth is the state of being the case or, the body of real things, events, and facts. In this case, let’s talk about truth in relation to God and religion.
One: God lives. Jesus Christ, as I have mentioned over and over, is Jehovah of the Old Testament and the Messiah of the New. He was born into this world in humble circumstances. He did suffer for our sins, sorrows and illnesses in the Garden of Gethsemane. He not only suffered, He died. He was crucified and He was resurrected. There were not two or three witnesses of the resurrected Christ, but dozens. Thus, He forever broke the bands of death for Heavenly Father’s children, for you and me.
Two: Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father are two distinct and separate personages of glorified flesh and bone. Along with the Holy Ghost, they comprise the Godhead: God the Father, God the Son and God the Testator.
Three: Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father did appear to Joseph Smith, Jr. early in the spring of 1820. At which time the fullness and truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was restored on the earth.
Four: We are children of God with a divine spark inside each of us that can be fanned into a great flame. We have only to reach for that divine potential, live the commandments of God and seek after His Son, Jesus Christ.
Five: The Holy Bible, as far as it is translated correctly, holds the word of God with the Book of Mormon standing as a second witness of Jesus Christ and a backup to the Holy Bible. Within its pages you will find the plain and precious truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
These are just five basic truths by which worlds revolve around. At the foundation of everything is plain and simple truth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, in its entirety, is logical and based on plain and simple truth.
Elder Richard G. Scott, a living apostle, said,
The best way of finding truth is simply to go to the origin of all truth and ask or respond to inspiration. For success, two ingredients are essential: first, unwavering faith in the source of all truth; second, a willingness to keep God’s commandments to keep open spiritual communication with Him. (Richard G. Scott, “Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 90–92)
In all things and in all matters, God will answer you. And, He will most definitely answer you in your search for truth. I invite you to read the Book of Mormon and come to an understanding of Jesus Christ and His Gospel.
With truth comes peace. With peace comes hope. With hope comes the understanding that there is so much more to life than the small piece we see. The foundation of all correct decisions is truth. That is what you must find.
Truth: A Foundation to Rely On
Elder Richard G. Scott, a living Apostle of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, tell us:
Since truth is the only meaningful foundation upon which we can make wise decisions, how then can one establish what is really true? Increasingly more people are finding that making wise decisions is becoming more and more difficult because of the ultra-interconnected world in which we live. Constantly forced into our consciousness is an incessant barrage of counsel, advice, and promotions. It is done by a bewildering array of media, Internet, and other means. On a given subject we can receive multiple strongly delivered, carefully crafted messages with solutions. But often two of the solutions can be diametrically opposed. No wonder some are confused and are not sure how to make the right decisions.
To further complicate matters, others try to persuade us that our decisions must be socially acceptable and politically correct. Some pondering of that approach will reveal how wrong it is. Since social and political structures differ widely over the world and can dramatically change with time, the folly of using that method to make choices is apparent. (Richard G. Scott, “Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 90–92)
In order to find truth, Elder Scott goes on to tell us that we should go to the source of all truth. He’s right. The source of all truth is Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost’s, the third member of the Godhead, sole job is to testify of truth. All truth.
In order to have access to that truth, we must have faith, an unwavering faith. In addition, we must also have a willingness to keep God’s commandments. Personal faith and worthiness are necessary to open lines of communication between you and Heavenly Father. And those open lines are necessary to know truth.
So what truth is it necessary to know? As Elder Scott mentioned, modern life is so chaotic with so many experts and their conflicting opinions on every subject known to man, including religion. When we boil down to what truth is most important for us to know, it is the truth about Jesus Christ and His gospel.
Jesus Christ, the Son of God and indeed, the God of this world, descended from His heavenly throne and submitted to the will of His Father in being born into the world. In the 33 years He lived on this earth, He restored the truth of our Heavenly Father’s plan of salvation, paid the price for our eternal souls with the Atonement, broke the bands of death with His resurrection, taught the ancient apostles for 40 more days before ascending to heaven in full view of the apostles and two angels.
These basic, and yet critical truths, are under greater fire from every corner of the world than ever before, calling into question our very God. Why? Because it is easier to dismiss than to dedicate ones self to learning the truth.
Profound faith is the very key to believing that if you kneel and ask God truth, He will answer you.
Faith is a gift from heaven. It grows from faith the size of a mustard seed, and if you can get it to that size, then as you study the scriptures, pray with humility and sincerity and really believe, truth will be revealed to you, it will.
Have you prayed to know if Jesus Christ is indeed the Son of God?
Have you prayed to know if Jesus Christ was indeed born into the world in the prophesied manner?
Have you prayed to know if He restored the full truth and power of the Kingdom of God during the meridian of time?
Have you prayed to know if He did Atone for our sins, sorrow, pain and illness in the Garden of Gethsemane?
Have you prayed to know if He did indeed die on that cross on Golgotha?
Have you prayed to know if He broke the bands of death and insured the resurrection of every one of Heavenly Father’s children through His own resurrection?
Have you prayed to know if He and His Father did indeed appear to Joseph Smith, Jr. early in the spring of 1820?
Have you read and prayed about the Book of Mormon to accept with full understanding that it is a second witness of Jesus Christ and contains within its pages the full Gospel of Jesus Christ?
These are just a few truths for which I did kneel and pray. I did ask my Heavenly Father each one of these questions and believe, with whole faith and heart, that I have received an answer to each of these questions. These are questions which I believe the whole world should ask of our Father in Heaven.
The answers which hold these truths can come in a variety of ways. As we pray a conversation with a friend may be prompted, without knowing, with the answer. The answer may also come as you study the scriptures or writings of trusted theologians. The answer may also come in what Joseph Smith, Jr. called “pure strokes of revelation”, in which the answer comes completely into your mind. The answer may come as you sit in church and the speaker conveys the answer to your question.
In whatever way the answer does come, and there are a myriad of ways, the Holy Ghost will testify to you of that truth:
Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.
But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.
But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me. (D&C 9:7-9)
Elder Scott tells us:
The process of identifying truth sometimes necessitates enormous effort coupled with profound faith in our Father and His glorified Son. God intended that it be so to forge your character. Worthy character will strengthen your capacity to respond obediently to the direction of the Spirit as you make vital decisions. Righteous character is what you are becoming. It is more important than what you own, what you have learned, or what goals you have accomplished. It allows you to be trusted. Righteous character provides the foundation of spiritual strength. It enables you in times of trial and testing to make difficult, extremely important decisions correctly even when they seem overpowering.
I testify that neither Satan nor any other power can weaken or destroy your growing character. Only you can do that through disobedience.
Understand and apply this vital principle to your life: Your exercise of faith builds character. Fortified character expands your capacity to exercise greater faith. Thus, your confidence in making correct decisions is enhanced. And the strengthening cycle continues. The more your character is fortified, the more enabled you are to exercise the power of faith for yet stronger character. (Ibid)
Take these words into your heart and begin your journey. You, as a child of God, have the right to know the truth, to understand your role in the eternities and to recognize your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ who love you beyond all comprehension. Let no one stand in your path, for at the end of that path They await. Begin your search now and I testify to you that your answers will come.
Today’s Missionary Moment
I work in a small office and the staff members are friends who have a good time together. Everyone there knows I’m a member of the LDS Church, otherwise known as Mormons. I respect the agency and opinions of the others regarding their faith, and they do the same for me. So, when I get a moment to mention something relating to the LDS Church, I take it!
Recently, in the office, someone was disturbed about a documentary they had seen the night before about unexplained “ghost sightings”. We all talked about it. I thought personally that there are so many mysteries we’re not meant to understand – we probably need to worry more about how to balance our lives WITHOUT the daily intrusive influence of confusing worldly practices such as ghost hunting.
On many occasions I have talked about Mormon Doctrine or explained Church programs to curious co-workers, but I had never been motivated to speak with such clarity about the Plan of Salvation to them before. I smiled and spoke to the little group who looked at me encouragingly,
“I AM pretty serious about being a Mormon and this is what I believe about spirits… “ I paused, nobody objected so I continued.
“I believe that before every person came to be born on the Earth – we had a meeting in the Spirit World with someone who pretty much spelled out in detail the trouble we were going to have with our mission to Earth and asked us if we were strong enough and willing to do everything we could to get back to our Father in Heaven.”
As I said those words – I got choked up in that way that surprises you when you talk about the Spirit.
The room felt electric and my one co-worker spoke out almost clarifying what she had heard and said,
“You mean you pick your parents!”
It was like I was someone else’s lightning hitting the target! Even though that idea she expressed wasn’t even exactly what I, personally, meant – I knew that she had a moment of understanding of the Spirit. The moment hung there just a second and then someone brought up the TV show again and everything went back to normal.
I testify that the Holy Spirit was in that room – it was like for a moment the probability of the Restored Gospel was revealed to the people there who never may have considered that idea. They just haven’t labeled it yet. As always, line upon line.
As taught in Chapter 33 of the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, “Faith comes by hearing the word of God, through the testimony of the servants of God; that testimony is always attended by the Spirit of prophecy and revelation.” Just as we struggle every day to avoid sin, we need to seek out every possible daily opportunity to hear and bear testimony – including on the Sabbath during our meetings and worship services, during times with friends who love us no matter what we believe and while interacting with people who we feel are righteous examples for us and our children.
We should also remember to have the courage to let people we meet know who we are right off the bat – especially out in “the world” – so that we can work toward getting ourselves in order, eventually becoming a righteous example for others. 3 Nephi 14:20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
We’re called to be missionaries – and it can be surprising when the opportunities you pray for come about when you least expect it – like at work.
D&C 88:81 Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor. The Lord will give us the words to touch people when the time is right because He said He would. And we can have the faith to expect that even when it seems like we’re never getting through to people – even though we have the fire and zeal to convert the whole room. We ourselves cannot convert anyone – it is only the Spirit who uses us as the lightning.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me: Let’s have faith to fulfill that promise so long ago that we would all testify of Him and accept the work He wants us to do.
Mormon 3:17 Therefore I write unto you, Gentiles, and also unto you, house of Israel, when the work shall commence, that ye shall be about to prepare to return to the land of your inheritance;
Truth in the Spirit of Elijah
Mal. 4: 5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
Let’s talk Family History! The spirit of Elijah just touched my day. Here I am … taking seriously the suggestion to pray about it before I write and as the prayer crosses my mind the phone rings…… interrupting the prayer. Hmmm. Checking Caller ID – it’s a lady from church and I figure I’ll answer it. I’ve invited her to lunch and we need to decide on a time. While on the phone I comment on her interesting accent, ask her about her hometown and inquire as to what brought them to this area in the first place. She tells me that among other reasons, that they were led here to do family history work – she tells me of the amazing breakthroughs and the feelings of the Spirit that come along with family history. Well this is the moment I realize this is the answer to my prayer on what to write about today. I’m getting to know a new friend with a fire about genealogy! What a blessing!
The message about how our redemption will come about in these latter days is in Doctrine and Covenants 138: 46-47 And Malachi, the prophet who testified of the coming of Elijah—of whom also Moroni spake to the Prophet Joseph Smith, declaring that he should come before the ushering in of the great and dreadful day of the Lord—were also there. The Prophet Elijah was to plant in the hearts of the children the promises made to their fathers…
The whole world is turning to genealogy! With the internet at our fingertips, it’s a mouse click away to ask someone in Cork County Ireland about their grandmother’s sister’s husband. As Mormons we’re asked to do work in Temples to seal families together for all time and eternity. What an important duty! This again is the plan of salvation. We can return home with our Heavenly Father. Everyone, every person who has ever lived. If it’s bound on earth then it’s bound in heaven (Matthew 18:18) The spirit of Elijah makes this possible. I believe the spirit of Elijah motivates many people to work on knowing who they are and where they came from. It’s no surprise that with the upgrades in technology over the years, the electronic genealogy movement has taken off.
I have a testimony of genealogy. When I hit a brick wall with finding people in my family who traveled to America, I was prompted to look in their country of origin. I Googled the last name I was looking for, found three personal emails of people who had information about the name and I wrote to all three of them. By the end of the week, one man had sent me the names for all my lost relatives who stayed behind in Germany. Their work is now done. I feel as if I was led to find those names. Everyone will be led back to the promises of our fathers. The tremendous joy I feel when a family has the opportunity to be connected again is a wonderful earthly experience. Imagine what it must be like in the Celestial Kingdom!
The Genealogy section of this website has tremendous information to guide in your family history or genealogical search.