Truth makes us free for at least two reasons. First, when we don't acknowledge our sins, we are unable to overcome them. Second, increased knowledge brings increased power. God wants to give us more knowledge, so that we can be more free.
Knowing and Doing
Some things we can learn by observation, but others are learned only by personal experience. Jesus taught, "If any man will do [God's] will, he shall know of the doctrine." Discipleship requires practice. We learn by doing.
Where It Listeth
Nicodemus was tentative and cautious. Jesus taught him that people who are born of the Spirit exercise faith. They don't have to know everything before they are willing to do something. Like Nephi, they embrace uncertainty and move forward.
“The Just Shall Live by Faith”
We’re not supposed to know everything. Not knowing is uncomfortable, so uncomfortable that we work hard to avoid acknowledging it. We look for evidence that our opinions are right. We ignore evidence that they are not. We place ourselves in familiar environments, where we have some expertise. We avoid unfamiliar environments, where other people know... Continue Reading →
He Will Teach Us of His Ways
The following passage appears in the books of both Micah and Isaiah: In the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let... Continue Reading →
The Raven, the Dove, and the Olive Leaf, or How Did Noah Know?
After being confined to the ark for many months, Noah and his family must have been anxious for freedom. About five months after they entered the ark, it rested on a mountaintop (Genesis 8:4). A little more than two months later, the tops of some nearby mountains became visible (Genesis 8:5). Noah now faced a... Continue Reading →
Knowledge
Education is very important. Nephi opens the Book of Mormon by expressing gratitude that he had been "taught somewhat in all the learning of [his] father" (1 Nephi 1:1). Jacob tells us that it is good to be learned, as long as we remain humble and follow the commandments of God (2 Nephi 9:29). Alma... Continue Reading →
In Darkness at Noon-Day
In a revelation received by Joseph Smith in 1833, the Lord laments the state of church members who fail to recognize what they have. He described them as "walking in darkness at noon-day" (Doctrine and Covenants 95:6). This imagery is reminiscent of the following passage in the book of Job: They meet with darkness in... Continue Reading →
“What Is Truth?”
"What is truth?"' asked Pontius Pilate. The Savior had just declared that His purpose was "to bear witness unto the truth" (John 18:37-38). Pilate's rhetorical question suggests a deep cynicism. Can anyone know the truth? Does it even exist? Perhaps he had lived in a political world so long, where powerful people manufacture their own... Continue Reading →
Enlightened
God can not only reveal information to us; He can also help us improve our ability to acquire knowledge and to use it wisely. The prophet Mormon indicated that we already have these abilities: "The Spirit of Christ is given to every man [and woman], that he [or she] may know good from evil" (Moroni... Continue Reading →