When it comes to spiritual truth, how can we know that we are on

"When it comes to spiritual truth, how can we know that we are on the right path? One way is by asking the right questions—the kind that help us ponder our progress and evaluate how things are working for us." These insightful words by Dieter F. Uchtdorf reveal a profound principle about the nature of spiritual truth. Spiritual growth, as Uchtdorf wisely points out, is not simply about following a set path or adhering to predetermined answers; rather, it is about engaging in deep introspection—asking the right questions that challenge our perceptions and help us evaluate whether we are progressing on the path that leads us toward truth and enlightenment. The journey toward spiritual truth is not passive; it requires active reflection, a willingness to assess and question our choices, actions, and beliefs.

In the ancient world, the pursuit of spiritual wisdom was rooted in the practice of self-examination and philosophical inquiry. Socrates, the great Greek philosopher, is famous for his assertion that "The unexamined life is not worth living." Socrates believed that true wisdom came from asking probing questions that illuminated the nature of virtue, justice, and the good life. He was a master of the Socratic method, a technique that involved questioning everything—from societal norms to deeply held beliefs—until clarity and understanding emerged. His teachings show that in the pursuit of truth, the questions we ask are just as important as the answers we seek. For Socrates, each question opened the door to greater wisdom, leading us closer to an understanding of our true purpose in life.

Similarly, in Plato’s works, especially his famous allegory of the cave, the path to enlightenment is symbolized by the journey from darkness (ignorance) into the light (knowledge and truth). But this journey, as Plato illustrates, requires more than just passively accepting what we are told. It requires questioning the shadows on the wall, the illusions that we take as reality, and daring to seek out the truth outside the confines of the cave. The prisoner who escapes the cave must not only seek the light but also learn to see and understand the world in a new way. This transformation, which begins with questioning, parallels Uchtdorf’s insight: the right questions lead to progress—to deeper understanding and ultimately to a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Throughout history, great figures who sought spiritual truth also exemplified the power of asking the right questions. Rumi, the great 13th-century poet and mystic, spoke of seeking the divine not through passive belief but through active inquiry into the nature of the soul and the universe. His poetry often reflects a deep longing for truth, and he implores his readers to look beyond the superficial and ask questions that go to the heart of their existence. In his famous lines, "Why are you so busy with this or that or good or bad; pay attention to how things blend," Rumi calls us to inquire into the mysteries of our own hearts, to seek understanding in the interplay of all things. Just as Uchtdorf suggests, it is through contemplation and questioning that we uncover the deeper spiritual truths.

In the realm of faith and spirituality, the questions we ask are not about doubting but about clarifying and deepening our understanding. When we ask the right questions, we are not merely testing the validity of a belief but engaging with our own spiritual growth. We must ask ourselves: Is my path leading me toward greater kindness? Am I growing in wisdom, peace, and compassion? Am I truly aligned with my higher purpose, or am I simply going through the motions? These are the questions that help us evaluate whether our actions are reflective of our deepest values and whether our progress is in alignment with the divine truth we seek.

The lesson Uchtdorf imparts is one of reflection and self-awareness. We cannot passively walk the spiritual path and expect to arrive at enlightenment or truth. True spiritual growth comes from actively engaging with our beliefs, asking questions, and assessing our progress. Self-reflection becomes the tool that guides us, allowing us to recognize areas where we may have strayed from the path or where we need to grow deeper. As Marcus Aurelius, the Stoic philosopher, once wrote, "The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts." Our inner dialogue, our willingness to ask the right questions, shapes the very essence of our spiritual journey.

In practical terms, this means that we must regularly check in with ourselves. Ask yourself not just what you believe but why you believe it. Are your actions in harmony with your values? Do your choices reflect the higher truth you seek? Just as a gardener must tend to their plants, trimming and pruning them to help them grow, we must tend to our spiritual selves by asking honest and searching questions. We should examine our lives regularly, as the ancient philosophers did, to ensure that we are growing in the direction of wisdom, peace, and compassion.

So, let us take Uchtdorf’s wisdom to heart. Let us embrace the practice of asking the right questions in our spiritual lives. By doing so, we engage in a process of continuous growth and refinement, always moving closer to the divine truth that resides at the core of all existence. Let us be humble enough to question ourselves and our path, knowing that in this process, we draw nearer to the light, closer to the truth, and ultimately to our truest selves. Through this self-examination, we unlock the potential to live lives that are deeply connected to the spiritual wisdom that guides all of creation.