Searching for Enlightenment and Truth

Ask, [the right person],

and it shall be given you; 

Seek [in the right places] 

and ye shall find, 

knock [at the right door] 

and it shall be opened unto you.

  --Matthew 7:7

Today, I read a couple pages out of a small book in which the author suggests ways to take and inner journey to find oneself.  She related her ongoing search for spiritual enlightenment from sources as far back as 8,000 B.C.  She mentions that some of the teachings are obviously not helpful and that many have become corrupted through the years, but commented that true spiritual teachings have the goal to help us understand our purpose and place in the universe.  She also stated that no path was the only or best path and that, amongst the smorgasbord of spiritual teachings, anyone can find something that works for him or her.


This author then goes on to share stories about the masters under whom she studied, including a tidbit about a guru and the mind expanding technique he taught.  Her seemingly life-long pursuit of truth has lead her to many different ways of gaining enlightenment, but answers to her questions are not yet forthcoming.  She believes what she needs to learn is in the journey or search.


This author is misleading herself and others.  Man's wisdom, by itself, shall never replace God's truths, not to say that God hasn't given man wisdom and knowledge--we know he has.  Evidence is in our progression on this earth.  He is the only source of enlightenment.


We are told by God himself there is only one path--one way.  "One Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph. 4:5)"  It has been spelled out since the world was created:  Faith in God and in his Son, Jesus Christ, repentance, baptism by one having the authority from God to do so, receiving the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands (also by those with proper priesthood authority), and enduring faithfully to the end keeping the commandments.

As simple as that sounds, there are still thousands of different religious practices and beliefs in the world and millions of spiritual teachings spewed forth in books, on the Internet, and through workshops, and various other means.  Apparently, finding the truth is not as easy as it seems.


This is why there has been a restoration of Christ's Church as it is supposed to be.  This is why "Mormons" swamp the Internet, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints knock on doors and stop people in the streets, and why members of the Church give people the Book of Mormon.  We know the answers to life's greatest questions and where to find them.  We strongly desire to share this great "enlightenment" with others. How can anyone find fault with people trying to share the greatest gift they have to give?

Of course, other religions present the same case that they have the truth and say that Mormons push their beliefs on others.  Isn't that what they said about Jesus Christ in his day?  Those with the truth have always been persecuted because Satan desires it not to be found.  Christians have never been able to give up spreading the word of God.  They have been commanded to do so--to take the gospel to all the ends of the earth.  Satan fights against that which is a threat to him being able to get people off track and away from eternal life.  How much energy do you see him wasting on other sects?


A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints may share beliefs or teachings with others, but if the other people reject the message, they should be treated with respect.  That doesn't mean we will stop telling others there is a living prophet guiding us today and that ordinances are available that make it possible to live with God some day.  The fullness of the gospel has been restored.  Somewhere out there is a seeker who will recognize the truth and find the path which will provide joy throughout eternity, so we do not give up spreading the good news.

Satan would have all people be forced to believe.  There are certain religions in the world today that kill their members if they choose another religion to follow.  The LDS Church's 11th Article of Faith states we allow others to worship how, where, or what they may.  We do that--after we share our message of hope and happiness.

If the public becomes tired of hearing from the "Mormons," would they, please, just kindly ignore us?  I know it is probably too much to ask, but there is no way to filter them out.  Our message is for anyone who wants to hear it and we have no way of knowing who that might be.  Similarly, the general media sends out messages of all types and in many forms throughout the world and we have a choice to turn to a different channel or go to a different site.  Everyone is sharing what they believe someone wants or needs to know.


People can choose to seek enlightenment and truth throughout their lives all over the world and in thousands of books, but I hope they fine it right under their noses with a click on lds.org.