Seeing the Difference: Discerning Truth in the Wild Harvest

Sometimes, the most profound lessons aren't found in the loudest pronouncements, but in the quiet moments of deep study. I was thinking the other day about how easily our spiritual focus can get blurred. We are called to be disciples everywhere, all the time—internet missionaries, disciples in our own homes, or simply studying scripture with a friend.

It reminded me of a recent thought shared by Jared Halverson while studying the Doctrine and Covenants. He spoke about the necessity of being able to discern what is true and what is not, skills that feel incredibly vital as we navigate the modern world and continue the work.

The Art of Discernment: More Than Just Seeing

The material covered in D&C 85-87—concerning Zion, consecration, and the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares—is packed with doctrine, but the underlying skill being emphasized is discernment. It’s not enough just to *know* the doctrine; we have to be able to *see* the difference between the wheat and the tares, the truth and the error, the Spirit and the adversary’s whisper.

Jared used some wonderful object lessons—comparing gray papers, or separating students by grade level. These aren't just cute stories; they are metaphors for spiritual discipline. Can you tell the difference between two things that look identical at first glance? That's what the Lord is asking of us as disciples.

Staying Grounded in the Spirit

When we are out in the field, whether we are in a mission area or just having a missionary discussion with a friend, we are constantly practicing this discernment. We are learning to trust the quiet promptings of the Spirit over the noise of the world. The scriptures are our guide, and our study groups—whether it's a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces—are our training grounds.

I was particularly struck by the idea that even the most powerful revelations can be brief, yet incredibly potent. Don't let the short length of the revelation fool you into thinking the doctrine isn't deep. These are power-packed lessons designed to steady the ark of our faith.

If you’re looking for a way to strengthen this muscle of discernment, I highly recommend diving into the Iron Rod. There are so many insights on recognizing subtle influences that will help you sharpen your spiritual vision.

A Little Challenge for Our Rogue Disciples

As you review this material, I want to challenge you to practice "spotting the difference" this week. When you read the scriptures, pause. Ask yourself: What is the core principle here? What is the Lord trying to make me *see* that I might otherwise overlook?

For those of us who are preparing for the field, this is mission prep in action. For those of us who are seasoned returned missionaries, this is refreshing our testimony. For all of us, it’s keeping our testimonies deep and strong, like Jacob.

If you feel the Spirit moving you to study this further, check out the "Unshaken Saints" podcast. It’s a wonderful resource for keeping our spirits lifted as we learn together.

If you're ready to dig deeper into these doctrinal concepts, I encourage you to check out the full lesson video:

Let's keep working together, knowing that every member can be an internet missionary, and every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. Keep striving to be Christlike!