Action is required to know the things of God

To know the things of God, you have to get started with them. You have to take the first step, show some initiative, do a little work yourself. God teaches us we need to pray and ask for what we need. He teaches us to “prove” his word by implementing it in our lives and “holding fast” to the good. He invites us to seek in order to find.

In my early career, I edited books on mathematical problem solving. The author-mathematician described how some problems don’t reveal their solutions until midway through solving them. You can’t map out the entire solution in your head. You have to start solving with paper and pencil before you have a clear view of how the problem will finish.

A great illustration was provided by a couple of brothers who worked for the company. These brothers were as different as night and day. The older brother was tall and lanky, the younger short and muscular. The older was a perpetual student. He had a BA, MBA, law degree and was working on his PhD. The younger brother had joined the military and had worked for the last ten years. The author-mathematician gave these two brothers the same mathematical problem to solve. We may expect that the brother with more education would find the solution first. But his temperament made him want to chart a solution in his brain before he started actually working solutions on paper. He never got started solving the problem. The younger, less-educated-but-more-practical brother dove in and started working with pencil and paper on solutions. As he tinkered around with ideas, he eventually saw a path for solving and came up with the answer.

Getting to know the things of God is similar. It requires some traction on our part before we can receive a witness of the truth of spiritual things. “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:17 all references KJV). “Doing his will” indicates that as we implement God’s teachings into our lives, God can testify to us of the truth. Paul taught, “Prove all things; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). How do we prove all things? We do them and look for the divine witness they are correct, and then keep hold of what is true.

Keeping the Lord’s commandments is an important way to “prove all things.” Jesus taught that the person who will “enter the kingdom of heaven…[is] he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). As we implement the commandments of God into our lives, the results of keeping the commandments themselves give us a witness of their veracity. Also, as we follow God’s commandments, he can witness of their truth. As I look back over my life, I can see the many blessings I have received through keeping God’s commandments. Keeping commandments lets us “prove” God’s word. We can experience the leverage available through obedience to God.

Praying is another way we know for sure the things of God. Paul taught us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (James 1:5). Prayer requires us to step forward and pray. After we pray God can answer our prayer and reveal himself to us. This requires action on our part, initiative. Through prayer I have received specific instructions, comfort, and felt God’s close love. It is faith in action, and it is communion with God.

Studying scriptures is important if we want to know the things of God. We study God’s word first. Then God can testify their truthfulness to us. How can God testify of his Word if we don’t know it? Daily scripture study creates a harbor of knowledge, instruction, and peace for those who want to know and love God. I personally find daily study of God’s word brings insight and peace.

We cannot know the things of God by wanting—it takes action. Like the practical brother, we have to do some work and get started. Then God will respond, and what is true becomes clear.

Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. He and our Heavenly Father wish to reveal themselves to us and bless us. They love us with infinite and personal love. May we actively seek to know, follow and draw close to them through daily acts of faith.

Beth Wright’s passion is her family and her faith in Jesus Christ. She is thankful for her years as a musician and finds joy being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.