You Can Know for Yourself

"after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God--and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come--I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him" (1 Nephi 10:17)

I just like that Nephi listened to his dad, and wanted to know for himself. He could have been just as faithful and obedient if he just believed everything that his dad told him, but it is through this desire that Nephi really becomes the great man that he was. His leadership, diligence, and faith all really stem from this one attribute: a desire to know for himself.

So often, you hear religious people (of any denomination, really) being accused of being brainwashed or blindly following their religious leaders.  I personally don't want to be this way. I want to act because I know, not because someone else says they know. There is definitely a place for leaning on other peoples convictions sometimes, but all in all, there is so much more power in knowing the truth for yourself.  Nephi had been through a lot, and he was a great man, but not because he just did what dad said to do. It was because when his father said something, Nephi would ask and find out for himself what was right and true.

So it is with us. We can listen to general conference. We can hear the words of the prophets.  We can sit across the desk from the bishop as he extends a calling.  We can listen to a teacher giving a good lesson at church. That's all great, but we need to go a step further than that. Arguably, the greatest thing about his life is that we have personal access to the Supreme Creator, God listens to us. He is there for us. He answers us. He loves us. He will tell us things (through the Holy Ghost, as Nephi points out). We can know for ourselves.

I know for myself, because I have followed this pattern.  I have heard and read things from inspired people, and I have asked my Father in Heaven, and He took the time out of His busy schedule to answer me. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I know that the gospel is true. By the power of the Holy Ghost, I know that my Heavenly Father loves me and has a plan for me. I know for myself because I asked and found out.

Trust me, God will tell you. You just have to ask, wanting sincerely to know the answer.