Doctrine and Covenants 52: 14-19

 How does the Lord help me avoid deception?

"14 And again, I will give unto you a pattern in all things, that ye may not be deceived; for Satan is abroad in the land, and he goeth forth deceiving the nations—

15 Wherefore he that prayeth, whose spirit is contrite, the same is accepted of me if he obey mine ordinances.

16 He that speaketh, whose spirit is contrite, whose language is meek and edifieth, the same is of God if he obey mine ordinances.

17 And again, he that trembleth under my power shall be made strong, and shall bring forth fruits of praise and wisdom, according to the revelations and truths which I have given you.

18 And again, he that is overcome and bringeth not forth fruits, even according to this pattern, is not of me.

19 Wherefore, by this pattern ye shall know the spirits in all cases under the whole heavens." (Doctrine and Covenants 52: 14-19)

And here's the beginning part of the commentary entitled: "The Lord helps me avoid deception." : 

"With many people claiming spiritual manifestations, the early Saints were concerned about being deceived. What warning did the Lord give them in Doctrine and Covenants 52:14? What was His solution? (see verses 14–19).

A pattern is something that repeats in a regular, predictable way. Examples include counting by even numbers or the sun rising and setting each day. What other examples can you think of? As you search Doctrine and Covenants 52:14–19, identify the Lord’s pattern for avoiding deception. It might help to note that “contrite” implies a feeling of humility and repentance; “meek” suggests gentleness and self-control; and to “edify” means to instruct, improve, or build up. Why do you feel the Lord’s pattern includes these qualities, as well as obedience? How can you apply this pattern to avoid deception?

The Lord's pattern for avoiding deception includes the qualities of being contrite, meek, edify, as well as obedience. It makes sense that the Lord's pattern includes these qualities because that which is of God is light. There is no darkness at all among these qualities. They are all shining brightly. I can apply this pattern when there is something I don't understand. I will pray and ask God to help me find the answer to my question and make sure as I do so, my spirit is contrite, I am obedient, and my language is meek and edify.