Institute Notes
Mosiah 11-17
Truth
Everything in this world that is true has a divine source, and that source is Jesus Christ. Truth is eternal (D&C 1:37-39) Divine truth is absolute (D&C 3:2) God uses the Holy Ghost to impart truth (D&C 50 19-22) The Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost are the fountain of all truth.
We too often confuse belief with truth thinking that because something makes sense or is convenient it must be true. Conversely, we sometimes don’t believe truth or reject it because it would require us to change or admit that we were wrong. Often truth is rejected because it doesn’t appear to be consistent with previous experiences when the opinions of truth of others contradict our own….The thing about truth is that it exists beyond belief. It is true even if nobody believes it. There is indeed such a thing as absolute truth unassailable, unchangeable truth. This truth is different from belief. It is different from hope. Absolute truth is not dependent upon public opinion or popularity polls. So how can we find truth?...the things we once thought we knew are continually being enhanced, modified or even contradicted by enterprising scholars who seek to understand truth…Satan has many cunning strategies for keeping mortals from the truth. He offers the belief that truth is relative appealing to our sense of tolerance and fairness. He keeps the real truth hidden by claiming that one person’s truth is as valid as any other. Some he entices to believe that there is an absolute truth out there somewhere but that it is impossible for anyone to know it….it is always good to keep in mind that just because something is printed on paper appears on the internet or is frequently repeated or has a powerful group of followers doesn’t make it true…all who seek to know the truth, who study it out in their minds, and who ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ will know the truth by the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Mosiah 18-24
Pray asking the Lord, “What can I do?” to help those who are in bondage.
Start where they are and bring them up.
Don’t expect to repeat actions and expect different outcomes. Nothings changes if nothing changes.
How have I felt God’s love?
What is my duty?
Allow children to follow through with choice. Let them make it.
The Lord works in natural ways.
Hopelessness is from Satan.
Jesus’ love was inseparably connected to and resulted from his life of serving, sacrificing and giving in behalf of others. We cannot develop Christlike love except by practicing the process prescribed by the Master. Charity is not just a precept or principle, nor is it just a word to describe actions and attitudes. Rather, it is an internal condition that must be developed and experienced in order to be understood. We are possessors of charity when it is part of our nature. People who have charity, have a love for the Savior, have received of his love and love others as he does.” -Elder C. Max Caldwell
