Let There Be No Disputations Among You

“… neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.

For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.” 
~ 3 Nephi 11:28-29 

It is a law of God to have two or more witnesses.  It can often be taken that something is true if two people, who are unconnected, have the same answer from prayer and inspiration.  But this is not always the case if those involved didn’t actually get their answers from God. 

I often hear arguments over doctrine, mostly who is right and who is wrong.  It is strange that they don’t just go to God and get the answer.  But it is also painfully obvious why they don’t.  So many of them claim to have gone to God already and that He has “made it known to them” that what they think, is the correct answer.  And since each of them say the same thing, that God told them what they believe is correct, then there is a definite problem somewhere along the line! 

The world is so full of faithless people that they won’t correct their way of thinking and go to God to get the answer.  Not just a ‘feel good’ answer, but an actual answer.  What do I mean by actual answer?  I mean just like you get when you have an argument with a fellow employee over the instructions left by your boss, and you call up the boss and ask what was meant, and then the boss answers you.  You don’t just ask and hang up the phone, and then go about thinking about how your understanding of the instructions is correct until you are filled with a good feeling.  You put the boss on speaker phone and ask him to clarify his instructions.  You ask find out questions.  You make sure that both of you understand the boss’ instructions.  Both people involved in the argument hear the boss at the same time explain what he meant and what he wants done.  It is that simple!!!! 

This false doctrine that God won’t talk to both at the same time, or that God won’t answer out loud and the excuse ‘that’s what the Spirit is for’, is nonsense.  God will answer.  God wants you to ask.  And God has often talked, in person, to more than one person at a time.  And if you cannot approach God in person, to actually stand before him in person, then what are you arguing over doctrine for????  First seek the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness, then all these things will be added unto you (Matthew 6:33).  That is what this scripture means! 

Of course, as if often the case, the two or more parties involved cannot seem to reconcile and forgive each other enough, and love each other enough, and let go of their pride enough to be broken and contrite to hear the actual voice of God together.  And yet, if they cannot do this tiny prerequisite to receiving answers to prayer, what difference does their argument over doctrine make?  None! 

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, as I said unto my disciples, where two or three are gathered together in my name, as touching one thing, behold, there will I be in the midst of them…”  ~ D&C 6:32  He will answer both at the same time, so repent and humble yourselves and go to Him together and obtain the answer. 

I testify that God can and does talk to more than one person at the same time.  I have personal experience with this.  It is true, so don't get caught up in the arguments, or let yourselves be influenced by those who contend over doctrine.  Instead, true disciples will follow the commands of Christ and avoid arguing over doctrine and go to Him in prayer and together get His answer. 

.