During a recent leadership meeting in Berlin, Germany, Elder David A. Bednar shared insights on President Boyd K. Packer’s quote:
“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behaviors.”
Elder Bednar pointed out that the key word in this phrase is “understood.” Contrary to what we may assume about its definition, he clarifies,
“Understanding does not mean mental comprehension. Understanding in the scriptures [is different]— “apply thine heart to understanding” (Proverb 2:2). Revelation comes as thoughts to the mind, feelings to the heart. Understanding is a revealed result.”
He then asked those in attendance to ponder two questions concerning their callings as leaders and teachers in the Church:
1. What doctrine, if understood, would change the attitudes and behaviors of these people?
2. What would I invite these people to do so that they would learn for themselves that doctrine?
He said that we often want to preach and explain the gospel to others. But when Joseph Smith returned from having the First Vision in the Sacred Grove, he told his mother,
“I am well enough off. All is well. I have learned for myself” (Joseph Smith—History 1:20, emphasis added).
“I wouldn’t rank order the impact of scriptures in my life,” Elder Bednar said. “But that’s one of the most profound. Our job is not to teach. It’s to invite people so they learn for themselves.”
Watch a clip of the address in the post below.
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