A Student's Search for Truth

The typical University student probably often questions each professor just as the typical teenager questions his or her parents' counsel or advice. I was one of those teenagers and I am one of those University students. While this may sound like an attribute of skepticism that may lead to possible negative outcomes, just as anything may be used for good or bad, the ability to question may be used for the good as an essential ingredient in the search for truth. My education has taught me to be a critical thinker, and hence I am always asking myself, "is that really true?"

Was Shakespear really one man or was he really several? Did the first marathon runner in Greece years ago really fall down and die at the end? Does the scientific method really prove anything or is it really true that it can't prove anything? Can I really trust that just because my professor has a PhD that he teaches me truth? Is it a paper certificate that signifies hours of research that makes truth? When one professor proclaims one thing and another exhorts another, are they both wrong? Don't misunderstand, I want to pursue the highest education available myself, and I don't mean to trample upon those who do, but ultimately each student must come to the conclusion that truth is an inward choice.

Truth cannot be observed or taught; it must be discovered. The words of God can help us make this discovery. Robert R. Steuer, a leader in the Church of Jesus Christ in his article, The Power of Light and Truth says: "To observe the physical properties of light can be exciting, but discovering the properties of spiritual light and truth is even more awe inspiring and essential. As we live in harmony with the light and truth taught by Jesus Christ and by His prophets, we will see more clearly our eternal destiny." If we want to discover truth, we must live the way that Jesus taught. John in the New Testament also writes "He that doeth truth cometh to the light" (John 3:21). Truth is something that takes action. Listening to lectures and reading the words of prophets cannot bring us to know truth unless we are willing to act upon those things we hear and learn.

Why do we seek truth? "Truth of the Lord endureth for ever" (Psalms 117:2). It is natural to want what will endure eternally...or is it? Do we want what will bring us great satisfaction in the moment, or what will be of benefit to ourselves and others throughout eternity? The pursuit of truth is the pursuit of that which has been, is, and will be. Joseph Smith, a young boy who sought truth, wondering himself which church to attend when so many claimed to be true, was told by the Lord: "truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (Doctrine & Covenants 93:24). Thus, truth is bond to be unpopular, when it is not a simple or convenient solution for here and now, but rather a long-term, eternal principle.

While the search for truth may seem tedious to some, it can be simplified: "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:16), says the Lord. If Christ is the truth, and we strive to be like Him, following His servants in His ways, we are promised: "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

What is Truth?

"Truth of the Lord endureth for ever" (Psalms 117:2)
"grace and truth came by Jesus" (John 1:17)
"He that doeth truth cometh to the light" (John 3:21)
"Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32)
"I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:16)
"the guilty taketh the truth to be hard" (1 Ne 16:2)
"truth abideth forever and ever" (D&C 1:39)
"whatsoever is truth is light" (D&C 84:85)
"truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come" (D&C 93:24).
"there are many on the earth...who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it--"