Elder John C. Pingree Jr.
Elder John C. Pingree Jr. emphasizes the vital importance of recognizing and understanding eternal truth in a world saturated with conflicting opinions and incomplete information. He explores the concept of truth’s eternal nature, how God reveals it through revelatory relationships, and the role of individuals in seeking, recognizing, and applying truth. Elder Pingree also discusses the difference between doctrine and policy and offers guidance on teaching eternal truths with love.
“Truth is critical for us to establish and strengthen our relationship with God, find peace and joy, and reach our divine potential.”
Truth Is Eternal
Elder Pingree underscores the eternal nature of truth and its significance in guiding our lives, distinguishing good from evil, and leading us to eternal life. He clarifies that truth is absolute, unchanging, and fixed.
“Truth helps us avoid deception, discern good from evil, receive protection, and find comfort and healing. Truth can also guide our actions, make us free, sanctify us, and lead us to eternal life.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 93:24: “And truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 88:66: “My voice is Spirit; my Spirit is truth; truth abideth and hath no end; and if it be in you it shall abound.”
God Reveals Eternal Truth
Elder Pingree explains how God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and prophets play interconnected roles in revealing eternal truth. God is the ultimate source of truth, and the Holy Ghost testifies of it. Prophets receive and share truth with us, and individuals are expected to seek and act on truth.
“Satan works to keep us from truth. He knows that without truth, we cannot gain eternal life.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Moroni 10:5: “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.”
Seeking, Recognizing, and Applying Eternal Truth
Elder Pingree provides guidance on recognizing God’s truth by asking whether it aligns with the scriptures and the witness of the Holy Ghost. He emphasizes the importance of humility, prayer, scripture study, and keeping commandments in receiving spiritual impressions and deepening understanding.
“Once the Holy Ghost confirms a specific truth to us, our understanding deepens as we put that principle into practice.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”
Trusting God When Truth Is Not Yet Revealed
Elder Pingree shares how to approach unanswered questions and unresolved truths. He encourages trust in God’s timing and wisdom, emphasizing the importance of keeping commandments and relying on what is known while waiting for truth to be revealed.
“As we hold on—trusting God’s wisdom and love, keeping His commandments, and relying on what we do know—He helps us find peace until He reveals the truth of all things.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 10:37: “Hold your peace until I shall see fit to make all things known … concerning the matter.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 25:4: “Murmur not because of the things which thou hast not seen, for they are withheld from thee and from the world, which is wisdom in me in a time to come.”
Understanding Doctrine and Policy
Elder Pingree distinguishes between doctrine and policy, emphasizing that doctrine remains constant while policy adapts to changing circumstances. He warns against confusing the two, which can lead to disillusionment when policies change. He encourages trust in the Lord’s guidance through His prophets.
“If we do not understand the difference between doctrine and policy, we risk becoming disillusioned when policies change and may even begin to question God’s wisdom or the revelatory role of prophets.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- 2 Nephi 31:21: “And now, behold, my beloved brethren, this is the way; and there is none other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God. And now, behold, this is the doctrine of Christ.”
- Doctrine and Covenants 1:37-38: “Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.”
Teaching Eternal Truth
Elder Pingree emphasizes the importance of teaching eternal truths with love. He provides practical suggestions to ensure that truth is shared in a way that invites the influence of the Holy Ghost and fosters understanding and growth.
“Both truth and love are essential for our spiritual development. Truth provides the doctrine, principles, and laws necessary to gain eternal life, while love engenders the motivation needed to embrace and act upon what is true.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 50:13-14: “Wherefore, I the Lord ask you this question—unto what were ye ordained? To preach my gospel by the Spirit, even the Comforter which was sent forth to teach the truth.”
- Moroni 7:44-48: “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
Calls to Action:
- Seek eternal truth by studying the scriptures, praying sincerely, and keeping the commandments.
- Differentiate between doctrine and policy within the Church and trust in the guidance of living prophets.
- Teach truth with love, emphasizing Christlike love in your interactions with others.