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.
