Taking It All In: Discernment in the Flood of Information

Brothers and sisters, as we continue to journey in our discipleship, we are constantly being fed a stream of information—from General Conference talks, from historical documents, from personal counsel, and yes, even from videos circulating online. It can feel like standing at a massive crossroads where every sign points in a different direction. It can be overwhelming.

Lately, I’ve been spending time reviewing some of these teachings, and it brought me face-to-face with a crucial principle that I feel the Spirit needs to whisper to every disciple, especially those of us who are out in the field, preparing for our mission calls, or just trying to deepen our understanding of the Plan of Salvation. It’s about discernment.

When we study anything profound—whether it’s the timing of the Second Coming, or the nuances of doctrinal statements—we can’t afford to be selective. We can’t just collect the quotes that make us feel the most comfortable, or the ones that fit the narrative we’ve already built for ourselves. We have to take it all in.

The Art of Discernment: Listening to the Whole Symphony

I was reminded of this when reviewing a recent talk, and the speaker himself cautioned against cherry-picking. He pointed out that just because a leader speaks on a single occasion, it doesn't automatically become binding doctrine for the entire Church. Conversely, he also reminded us that true doctrine is taught by the collective body of the First Presidency.

This isn't meant to cause confusion; it's meant to build us up! It’s a call to intellectual honesty and spiritual maturity. As we become more seasoned disciples, we realize that our understanding of the gospel isn't built on a single, perfect source, but on the cumulative, Spirit-guided teachings of the entire body of the Saints. We are learning to hear the whole symphony, not just the notes we like best.

A Bite-Sized Mission Prep Skill

Here’s a little skill I want to leave you with this week, something that helps with discernment in both scripture study and missionary discussions. When you encounter a challenging question or a seemingly contradictory statement while studying—whether it’s in the Book of Mormon, in a Book Club discussion, or even from a potential investigator—don't react immediately. Instead, pause. Ask yourself: "What is the *principle* at the heart of this teaching, and how does the Spirit guide me to apply that principle consistently?" This slows down the reaction and invites the Spirit to guide the *understanding*, not just the agreement.

Remember, the goal of our study, whether it's in a Bible Study Group or just in quiet reflection, is to become more Christlike in our thought process. We are learning to be better listeners, better students, and better disciples.

Where to Deepen This Study

If this topic of careful study and discernment resonates with you, I highly recommend diving into the deeper waters of scripture study. Have you looked into the Social Scripture Study layer inside LivingBook? It’s a wonderful way to see how others are highlighting passages and connecting related insights across different members. It’s a living example of how the gospel is taught by all!

For those of us who are feeling the call to deepen our foundational knowledge, I encourage you to check out the Iron Rod authors. Their writings are packed with wisdom on how to process complex gospel truths. If you’re looking for a deep dive into how revelation is given, I suggest looking at the materials concerning the Prophet Joseph Smith’s use of the Old Testament—it’s a masterclass in interpreting sources!

And of course, if you’re feeling the Spirit nudge you toward community, let’s gather. Join us for our next virtual gathering where we can discuss these very topics openly. Details are in the comments, or you can check out the HolyPlaces group for our next Book Club session.

We are all on this journey together, learning to listen for the quiet, consistent voice of the Spirit above the noise. Keep pressing forward, my dear disciples!