Have you ever found yourself deep down a rabbit hole trying to figure out exactly where Kolob is located or the exact date of the Second Coming? Reasoning in the gospel is a wonderful practice, but it can sometimes lead us into frustrating loops of speculation. When we focus heavily on unrevealed mysteries, we often miss the simple, beautiful truths right in front of us.
The embedded document below offers a refreshing perspective on this exact topic. It explores the delicate balance between seeking truth and accepting the limits of our current understanding. By applying these principles, your personal scripture study will become much more peaceful, focused, and productive.
The Limits of Reasoning in the Gospel
It is completely natural to wonder about historical details like where Lehi’s ship landed or where the lost ten tribes are currently located. However, spending excessive time debating these questions is often futile and time-wasting. The simple truth is that the answers have not yet been fully revealed by prophetic leaders.
No matter how much deep investigation you do, there are often no verifiable data points to confirm your hypothesis. You can easily get caught in a silly loop of relying on what someone else thought or speculated. We must be willing to remove ourselves from endless debates over unprovable opinions.
The Scriptural Command to Seek Truth
While we should avoid useless speculation, the Lord actively encourages proper reasoning in the gospel. The scriptures are filled with invitations to “reason together” with God. Isaiah powerfully invites us to bring our thoughts to the Lord, and modern revelations in the Doctrine and Covenants echo this exact command.For example, Oliver Cowdery was specifically told to ask if he wanted to know the mysteries of God and translate ancient records. We are repeatedly taught to “ask, and it shall be given” and to “seek and ye shall find.” The Lord absolutely wants to speak to His children and share His divine wisdom.
Conditions for Receiving Heavenly Answers
However, it is vital to understand that receiving answers from heaven is highly conditional. We cannot simply demand explanations for every historical or doctrinal curiosity that pops into our minds. The scriptures teach that our requests must be “right” in the eyes of God and align with His perfect timing.
When reasoning in the gospel, we must ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, and with unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. We must also ensure that we are asking “in the Spirit,” which means our desires align with God’s will. When we meet these sacred conditions, the Lord will manifest the truth to us.
Accepting the Limits of Mortal Knowledge
A crucial part of our spiritual journey is having the humility to admit when we simply do not know the answer. Even the great prophet Nephi admitted, “I do not know the meaning of all things.” It is a fundamental fact of mortal life that our knowledge is currently limited.
Some truths will be revealed through diligent study, while others come through inspired questioning and pondering. Certain facts will only be revealed when the actual event takes place, such as the specifics of the Savior’s return. Trusting in the Lord’s timetable brings immense peace to our anxious minds.
The Incredible Power of Pondering
Instead of debating unprovable theories, we should focus on the spiritually enriching practice of pondering. President Joseph F. Smith received the incredible vision of the spirit world simply because he was quietly pondering the scriptures. Thoughtful pondering creates a powerful link between the heart and the mind.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton taught that pondering gives the Holy Ghost an opportunity to impress and direct our lives. Proper reasoning in the gospel allows us to take eternal truths and actually incorporate them into our daily actions. As President Russell M. Nelson has boldly testified, God truly does want to speak to us today!
Ultimately, the great task of our lives is to learn the will of the Lord and then faithfully do it. Please take a moment to read through the short, embedded document below. It will help you refocus your personal study on the doctrines that matter most.
