Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

Today's Favorite Verse: Deuteronomy 13:1-3

"If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder,

And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them;

Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul."

My thought turned to those that teach false doctrine and have and are leading people astray. I thought about the groups that promoted conferences, podcasts, and books highly vested in the last days, extreme prepping and things like energy healings. There are people claiming visions and dreams and people lapping it all up. They have polluted the gospel under the disguise of giving further light and knowledge. They deceive while using terms like "Come, Follow Me", and "The Doctrine of Christ", to draw unsuspecting people in saying they are faithful members of the church. In particular I thought about the Daybells. The devil will cheat your soul if you listen to false prophets.

I thought about President Dallin H. Oaks counsel in a recent General Conference talk.

"Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church. And, of course, there is abundant speculation by members and others in published sources like books on near-death experiences......

We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world or even discuss these or other unanswered questions in family or other intimate settings. But let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine. To do so does not further the work of the Lord and may even discourage individuals from seeking their own comfort or edification through the personal revelation the Lord’s plan provides for each of us. Excessive reliance on personal teachings or speculations may even draw us aside from concentrating on learning and efforts that will further our understanding and help us go forward on the covenant path."

(Dallin H. Oaks, "Trust in the Lord", Oct 2019 General Conference)

In light of today's verse I see the importance of studying and pondering the scriptures. I must know what doesn't meet the "standards of official doctrine". I cannot leave the understanding of the gospel in other people's hands. I must know of myself what is true and right. Nothing can take the place of personal scripture study through the guidance of the spirit. The tests will come, for God will prove us and see if we will remain faithful, or run after other gods and serve them. If I love God with all my heart and soul I would not leave him.

Day 2325