Our Own Paths of Discovery

[Anonymous]

My mother likes inspirational quotes, and I really like the one my wife received today:

Quote:

We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success. We often discover what WILL do by finding out what WILL NOT do; and probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery. (Samuel Smiles)

I really like that – especially the last part. One of the reasons I am ok with my own “muddle in the middle” is because of what I’ve discovered and continue to discover along the way – much of it a deeper appreciation for the tremendously good things in the Gospel, the Church and my life. I’m much more thankful for what I’ve discovered than upset about the way in which I had to discover it – and much more accepting of those who have “discovered” differently than I.

I have reached the point where I feel little motivation and no need to belittle the discoveries of others that bring them peace, comfort, security, joy, etc. – even when they differ quite radically from my own.

[Anonymous]

That’s it Ray. At one time, the gospel brought me great peace and comfort. However, there were times when people sought to destroy all of that, either intentionally, or unintentionally by questioning it all, and sharing their doubts. My time as a priesthood leader was characterized by that — there was far more negative input into my testimony than positive input when I was out in hundreds of people’s homes as a leader. At times I found myself questioning what I believed over and over again.

One gentleman I knew told me “religion is just something people use to make them feel good”. And I left the conversation doubting my own religious decisions a bit, revisiting the old “did I deceive myself?” argument etcetera. He rained on my parade of comfort and peace for a moment.

I have resolved not to do that to other people going forward. When you realize there is no real absolute truth that we can objectively identify, I think the corollary is that one has to look at the impact of the potentially erroneous belief on the person’s peace and comfort and overall good behavior. If they believe something I don’t, but it brings them peace and comfort and good living, then I’m not going to question it.

If they feel at peace and a desire to do good, there is truth in what they believe. As is says in BoM — “that which persuadeth to do good is from God”.

[Author]

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