Study Guide for "The Eye of Faith"

In his talk, "The Eye of Faith", Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles discusses the concept of truth in a world filled with information overload and varying personal truths. Using the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Restored Gospel, and the Proclamation on the Family, Elder Andersen emphasizes the importance of seeking and discerning truth through faith. He also addresses the challenges faced by those whose experiences do not fit neatly within the teachings of the Church, assuring them of the Savior's understanding and love.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the "eye of faith" that Elder Andersen speaks about?
How does Elder Andersen define truth?
What role does the Restored Gospel and the Proclamation on the Family play in understanding truth?
How does Elder Andersen address individuals whose experiences do not align perfectly with the teachings of the Church?
What promises does Elder Andersen make to those who seek truth and keep the commandments?

Topics

Understanding Truth in a Complex World

Elder Andersen discusses the challenge of understanding truth in the modern world, where information and opinions are abundant. He emphasizes that despite differing personal truths, there are absolute truths found in the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ that apply to all of God's children.

In today’s world, the question “What is truth?” can be painfully complex to the secular mind.

Blessed with the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we humbly declare that there are some things that are completely and absolutely true. These eternal truths are the same for every son and daughter of God.

What challenges do we face in understanding truth in today's world?
What are some of the absolute truths Elder Andersen mentions?
How can you seek and discern truth amidst the information overload in the world today?
How does the Restored Gospel help you understand and hold onto eternal truths?

Discerning Spiritual Truths

Elder Andersen teaches that spiritual truths are discerned through the Spirit of God and an "eye of faith". He emphasizes the importance of scriptures, personal prayers, experiences, counsel from prophets and apostles, and the Holy Ghost in gaining a spiritual perspective of truth.

We can know the things of God as we seek them spiritually.

The scriptures, our prayers, our own experiences, modern prophets, and the gift of the Holy Ghost bring us the spiritual perspective of truth necessary for our journey here on earth.

What does it mean to have an "eye of faith"?
How do we gain a spiritual perspective of truth?
How can you develop your "eye of faith"?
How have the scriptures, prayers, experiences, prophets, and the Holy Ghost helped you discern spiritual truths in your life?

Applying the Proclamation on the Family

Elder Andersen discusses the Proclamation on the Family, emphasizing the eternal truths it contains. He encourages members to view the proclamation through the "eye of faith" and understand how its principles are interconnected, revealing God's plan for His children.

Let’s look at the proclamation on the family through the eye of faith.

By prayerfully pondering the proclamation through the eye of faith, we better understand how the principles are beautifully connected, supporting one another, revealing our Father’s plan for His children.

What are some of the eternal truths found in the Proclamation on the Family?
How are the principles of the proclamation interconnected?
How can you apply the teachings of the Proclamation on the Family in your life?
How has the Proclamation on the Family helped you understand God's plan for His children?

Navigating Life When Experiences Don't Fit the Proclamation

Elder Andersen addresses those whose experiences do not fit neatly within the teachings of the Church, particularly the Proclamation on the Family. He shares stories of faithful members who have faced such challenges, emphasizing the Savior's understanding and love for each individual.

There are so many, young and old, who are loyal and true to the gospel of Jesus Christ, even though their own current experience does not fit neatly inside the family proclamation.

I testify that there is One who does understand. There is One who knows your burdens because of His sacrifice made in the garden and on the cross.

How does Elder Andersen address those whose experiences do not fit neatly within the teachings of the Church?
What reassurances does Elder Andersen provide to these individuals?
How can you show empathy and understanding to those whose experiences do not fit neatly within the teachings of the Church?
How can you rely on the Savior's understanding and love during challenging times?

Staying Faithful Amidst Changing Worldly Beliefs

Elder Andersen discusses the dramatic changes in the world's beliefs about principles taught in the Church, such as the law of chastity, the sanctity of life, and the sacred nature of marriage. He encourages members to remain faithful to the teachings of the Church, even when the world walks away from them.

In my lifetime, we have seen a dramatic change in the world’s beliefs about many of the principles taught in the proclamation.

The laws of man often move outside the boundaries set by the laws of God. For those desiring to please God, faith, patience, and diligence are surely needed.

What changes in the world's beliefs does Elder Andersen discuss?
What does Elder Andersen encourage members to do amidst these changes?
How can you remain faithful to the teachings of the Church amidst changing societal beliefs?
How have you seen the principles taught in the Church bring blessings in your life?