As I read these Last comments about delving into the mysteries of God, I am reminded of Elder Cook's talk from this past general conference where he said:
"The prophet Jacob referred to ancient Jews as “a stiffnecked people [who] despised … plainness, … killed the prophets, and sought for things that they could not understand. Wherefore, because of their blindness, which blindness came by looking beyond the mark, they must needs fall.”24
While there are many examples of looking beyond the mark,25 a significant one in our day is extremism. Gospel extremism is when one elevates any gospel principle above other equally important principles and takes a position that is beyond or contrary to the teachings of Church leaders. One example is when one advocates for additions, changes, or primary emphasis to one part of the Word of Wisdom. Another is expensive preparation for end-of-days scenarios. In both examples, others are encouraged to accept private interpretations. “If we turn a health law or any other principle into a form of religious fanaticism, we are looking beyond the mark.”26
Speaking of important doctrine, the Lord has declared, “Whosoever declareth more or less than this, the same is not of me.”27 When we elevate any principle in a way that lessens our commitment to other equally important principles or take a position contrary to or which exceeds teachings of Church leaders, we are looking beyond the mark.
In addition, some members elevate causes, many of which are good, to a status superior to basic gospel doctrine. They substitute their devotion to the cause as their first commitment and relegate their commitment to the Savior and His teachings to a secondary position. If we elevate anything above our devotion to the Savior, if our conduct recognizes Him as just another teacher and not the divine Son of God, then we are looking beyond the mark. Jesus Christ is the mark!"
I think the reason people have been counseled to avoid delving into the mysteries of God is because of what Elder Cook just spoke about. If we are not careful, we can get so wrapped up in these topics(which are actually very fascinating to those of us who yearn for a deeper understanding of Godly things), that we forget about the basics of the gospel and can even begin to feel that the Brethren are out of touch or not feeding us enough meat. These kind of practices can be a slippery slope to apostasy if one is not careful. That is why I think it had been frowned upon.
[Last edited Oct 20, 2016 17:33:21]