19 And when they shall say unto you: Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and mutter—should not a people seek unto their God for the living to hear from the dead?
20 To the law and to the testimony; and if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.
In our world of talk shows and 24/7 news coverage, we are constantly bombarded by advice and opinions, many of which are well-reasoned and delivered with conviction. One of the purposes of scripture is to give us a touchstone to evaluate this constant barrage of information and accurately discern truth from error.
Ezra Taft Benson, who served as president of the Church from 1985 to 1994, provided three tests to avoid being deceived:
- “What do the standard works have to say about it?”
- “What do the latter-day Presidents of the Church have to say about it?”
- “The third and final test is the Holy Ghost–the test of the Spirit.” (General Conference, Oct. 1963, as quoted in the Book of Mormon Study Guide for Home-Study Seminary Students)
By taking the time to immerse ourselves in the scriptures and in the words of modern prophets, we attune ourselves to the truths God has revealed. We are better able to recognize truth and to avoid embracing falsehoods, however persuasively they may be presented.
How has scripture study helped you to distinguish between good and evil?
Thanks for sharing this beautiful and powerful explanation.