Choosing the Truth

One of the most difficult aspects about living in our day and age is the challenge of choosing truth over the philosophies of men.

How do you decide what is right? How do you define the path you will take? Why do you choose one path over another? Who do you let influence you?

There are many voices pulling at us. We may not notice but they are there. For instance, the Brethren encourage instructors and teachers in the church to use the manuals provided. Some instructors seem to do well with this challenge while others can't help but bring in notions and ideas from other sources. I struggle to keep my eyes off the floor when a talk show host, popular author, or other source is used to introduce or enhance an idea taught in the lesson. More often than not the intent is good, but the principle taught is foreign to the concepts taught in the scriptures. Or the ideas of the popular figure twist the truth in to a partial picture of what the Lord's principles teach. The instructor's true purpose is to ensure truths are taught.

However, getting to a point where you can teach truth or accept truth requires the acceptance of two basic truths. Illustrated in this article from the June 1979 Ensign telling of one convert's story of accepting truth:

"[My friend] Ted referred to and described what he said were two truths contained in scriptures: first, the truth of history, an actual account of the Lord’s dealings with his people; and second, the truth of righteousness, the commandments, the will of God for his children." (1)

With revisionist notions and ideas pushing us to have a lack of faith in the history we've been taught and a culture which accepts any actions as 'ok,' it is as confusing as ever to find the truth. The scriptures are an obvious source from which we can obtain the ideas and concepts which will help us avoid the pitfalls of the world. Do we regularly read the scriptures?

I also think the key to avoiding the pitfalls of our day still centers around the simple principle taught in Primary and by the Missionaries: Follow the Prophet. The leaders of the Church teach us clearly the principles of truth. Is our first source of information the recent words of the Brethren? When we look for clarification through their words rather than that of a world figure on the topic we can be assured we are on the right path.

The world truly is in commotion today. Men's hearts are failing them and they don't know where to turn for guidance and peace. The Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ teaches us the truth. We must have faith that the principles taught are true and seek after the wisdom of God's chosen mouthpiece in these latter days. As we do, the promise is that we will have the peace which comes from fully living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.


(1) Bazyk, Robert J., "Inquiry beyond Reason," Ensign, June 1979. Online.