Seek divine light
Exercise faith- Keep commandments
Acquiring spiritual knowledge is a secure anchor "to keep our life centered in righteousness and to avoid being swept away by the ruthless waves of worldliness," said Elder Richard G. Scott of the Council of the Twelve.
Speaking Sunday afternoon, he said, "To acquire spiritual knowledge and to obey it with wisdom, one must:
"In humility, seek divine light.
"Exercise faith in Jesus Christ.
"Hearken to His counsel.
"Keep His commandments."
Expanding on those principles, Elder Scott explained: "Humility is essential to the acquiring of spiritual knowledge. To be humble is to be teachable.
"The need to exercise faith in Jesus Christ is absolutely essential. It is the foundation of the plan of salvation. When that exercise of faith is coupled with sincere effort based upon a willingness to hearken to His counsel, great personal growth and blessings follow.
"The role of obedience in gaining spiritual knowledge is crucial. . . . To keep the commandments, you must know them. The best single source for learning them is the scriptures."
Obtaining profound spiritual truth takes diligent effort, he said. "Precious truth comes a small piece at a time through faith, with great exertion, and at times wrenching struggles. The Lord intends it be that way so that we can mature and progress."
He said, once spiritual knowledge is obtained, it must be understood, valued, obeyed, remembered and expanded.
Then he explained those thoughts:
"Understood: As each element of truth is encountered you must carefully examine it in the light of prior knowledge to determine where it fits.
"Valued: You show knowledge is valued by expressing appreciation for it, especially in heartfelt prayers of gratitude.
"Obeyed: Obedient application of truth is the surest way of making it eternally yours.
"Remembered: Powerful spiritual direction in your life can be overcome or be forced into the background unless you provide a way to retain it.
"Expanded: This thought refers to rich benefits that come from your efforts to enlarge, extend, and increase your understanding of truth. Use the scriptures and the declarations of the prophets to expand your knowledge."
Elder Scott counseled listeners to make use of the truths heard during the conference.
"Gaining spiritual knowledge is not a mechanical process," he said. "It is a sacred privilege based upon spiritual law. I testify that you can receive inspired help. Humbly ask your Eternal Father. Seek divine light. Exercise faith in the Savior. Seek to hearken to His counsel and obey His commandments. I testify that He will bless and help you as you move through this sometimes treacherous world."
