Ways to obtain spiritual light
E-mail story
It's easy. Send a link to the story you were just reading to a friend. Just fill out the form on this page and we'll send it along.
Your name and e-mail address are transmitted to the recipient. Otherwise, it is considered private information; see Privacy policy.
"We live in marvelous times," said Elder Robert R. Steuer of the Seventy, "yet also in an hour when peace has been taken from the earth. To prosper in these times, spiritual light must burn within us."
Speaking on the "awe-inspiring" properties of spiritual light, Elder Steuer mentioned three ways in which members can obtain greater spiritual light by learning true doctrine, gaining pure testimonies and living the gospel courageously.
Learn true doctrine
Making reference to the time when Alma decided to "try the virtue of the word of God" (Alma 31:5) to persuade the people to do good, Elder Steuer quoted President Henry B. Eyring as saying, "The word of God is the doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and by His prophets. Alma knew that words of doctrine had great power. They can open the minds of people to see spiritual things not visible to the natural eye. And they can open the heart to feelings of the love of God and a love for truth."
Gain pure testimony
Elder Steuer said obtaining knowledge by study and by faith "precedes the confirmation by the Spirit." He then quoted President Spencer W. Kimball: "The treasures of both secular and spiritual knowledge are hidden ones — but hidden from those who do not properly search and strive to find them.... Spiritual knowledge is not available merely for the asking; even prayers are not enough. It takes persistence and dedication of one's life...."
Live the gospel courageously
Elder Steuer said, "We must live courageously in accordance with the light and testimony that we have received. We are promised '...he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day' (Doctrine and Covenants 50:24). It takes real effort and sacrifice to live the gospel courageously."
