We live in a world that is complex and increasingly contentious. The constant availability of social media and a 24-hour news cycle bombard us with relentless messages. If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.
Russell M. Nelson
Discernment is the skill of being able to perceive and comprehend that which is hidden or obscure. Spiritual discernment is the ability to tell truth from error, right from wrong. In a world with so many voices, it is critical that one develop the skill of discernment in order to avoid being deceived and led astray.
Latter-day Saints are expected to emulate the Savior and follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost in our daily lives. It is vital that we learn to clearly distinguish truth from error, light from darkness.
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21-22
Abstain from all appearance of evil.
The apostle Paul advised the Saints in Thessalonika to “prove all things.” This means to deliberately, consciously, and critically examine things before accepting them, or adopting them, or believing them. This is an alert, careful, slightly skeptical form of discipleship rather than a “believe whatever you are told” form of discipleship.
Brigham Young taught this same doctrine to the Saints in Salt Lake City.
I am more afraid that this people have so much confidence in their leaders that they will not inquire for themselves of God whether they are led by Him. I am fearful they settle down in a state of blind self-security, trusting their eternal destiny in the hands of their leaders with a reckless confidence that in itself would thwart the purposes of God in their salvation, and weaken that influence they could give to their leaders, did they know for themselves, by the revelation of Jesus, that they are led in the right way.
Brigham Young
Brother Brigham’s point is that the Saints are often too lazy to think or question, to search and examine, to ponder and pray. We would rather “settle down in a state of blind self-security” and just believe what we hear with “a reckless confidence.” For example, far too many Saints in the United States have a blind, “reckless confidence” in the Republican Party and in Donald J. Trump.
Brigham goes on to say, as has President Nelson, that personal revelation, the “whispering of the Spirit” is the only way to confirm truth. This requires ongoing, individual, effort. It recognizes that Satan continually sets new traps to deceive the Saints and we need to stay alert. The “blind self-security” that Brigham Young warned against is the surest way to set oneself up to being deceived by evil and conspiring men.
Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation.
Doctrine and Covenants 89:4
In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.
Russell M. Nelson
Sources: Neil Steinberg, “Trump v. Jesus: Christians can’t follow both,” Chicago Sun-Times, October 19, 2019.
Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” General Conference, April 2018.
Brigham Young, “Eternal Punishment,” Journal of Discourses, Volume 9, page 150. January 12, 1862.
” For example, far too many Saints in the United States have a blind, “reckless confidence” in the Republican Party and in Donald J. Trump.”
Due in large part to the inability or reluctance of LDS media to render a judgement on Trump. I’m still waiting, waiting, waiting. I read the D-News everyday, waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting…….
Well said.
Hearing whisperings clearly is a life long task which requires constant effort.