“Doctrine usually answers the question ‘why?’ Principles usually answer the question ‘what?’ Whenever we emphasize how to do something without reference to why we do it or what we do, we risk looking beyond the mark. At the very least, we fall into the trap Paul described to the Corinthians: ‘For the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life’ (2 Cor. 3:6).”
Quentin L. Cook, “Looking Beyond the Mark,” Ensign, March 2003, 44.
The gospel is like a target. At the center are the core truths we need to be saved. Then, moving outward, there’s a ring that contains useful but nonessential truths, and finally at the outer edge are speculative truths that have no bearing on our present needs. As spiritual marksmen, we should aim for the center of the gospel target as much as possible.
Continue reading “Staying Centered on Gospel Bullseyes”
The Commonplace Notebook 