Seeking Answers to Spiritual Questions
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What parallels does Sister Browning draw between scientific exploration and spiritual growth?
- How does Sister Browning suggest we approach our spiritual questions?
- What role does obedience play in receiving spiritual guidance, according to Sister Browning?
- How can trust in God and His prophets impact our spiritual journey?
- What is the significance of "line upon line" in our understanding of gospel truths?
Topics
Seek Answers with Faith
Sister Browning emphasizes the importance of seeking answers to spiritual questions with faith and patience. She compares the pursuit of scientific knowledge to our spiritual journey, highlighting that while we may not have all the answers, our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can guide us.
Asking questions and searching for meaning are a natural and normal part of our mortal experience.
God’s plan is merciful toward the limitations of our humanity; provides us with our Savior, Jesus Christ, to be our Good Shepherd; and inspires us to use our agency to choose Him.
- Why is it important to ask spiritual questions?
- How can faith help us when we don't have all the answers?
- What spiritual questions are you currently seeking answers to?
- How can you strengthen your faith as you seek answers?
Embrace Obedience
Sister Browning discusses the role of obedience in spiritual growth. She explains that obedience to God's commandments, even without complete understanding, prepares us to receive further light and knowledge.
Your willing obedience to God’s commands, despite not having a complete knowledge of His reasons, places you in the company of His prophets.
Adam’s obedience preceded his understanding and prepared him to receive the sacred knowledge.
- What does it mean to be obedient to God's commandments?
- How does obedience lead to spiritual growth?
- In what areas of your life can you show greater obedience to God's commandments?
- How have you seen blessings from obedience in your life?
Trust in God and His Prophets
Sister Browning highlights the importance of trusting in God and His prophets. She shares the story of Naaman to illustrate how trust and obedience can lead to spiritual healing and understanding.
To trust means to obey willingly without knowing the end from the beginning.
Trust in the Lord must be more powerful and enduring than your confidence in your own personal feelings and experience.
- Why is it important to trust in God and His prophets?
- How does trust in God differ from trust in our own understanding?
- How can you increase your trust in God and His prophets?
- Reflect on a time when trusting God led to positive outcomes in your life.
Learn Line upon Line
Sister Browning discusses the concept of learning "line upon line" and "precept upon precept." She explains that spiritual understanding often comes gradually and requires patience and faith.
The Lord’s method of teaching is "line upon line, precept upon precept."
We may be required to "wait upon the Lord" in the space between our current line of understanding and the next yet to be delivered.
- What does it mean to learn "line upon line"?
- Why is patience important in our spiritual growth?
- What areas of your spiritual life require patience and gradual understanding?
- How can you cultivate patience as you learn gospel truths?
The Role of Personal Effort
Sister Browning emphasizes the importance of personal effort in seeking spiritual knowledge. She encourages us to actively engage in practices such as scripture study, prayer, and temple worship to invite the Holy Ghost and receive revelation.
Our personal effort to grow in wisdom may lead us to examine our questions.
They invite us to discover truth through devoted time spent studying holy scripture.
- What role does personal effort play in receiving spiritual knowledge?
- How can we invite the Holy Ghost to be our teacher?
- What specific actions can you take to increase your personal effort in seeking spiritual knowledge?
- How have you felt the influence of the Holy Ghost in your study and worship?
