Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ - Elder Kevin W. Pearson sat pm

In a household of faith, there is no need to fear or doubt. Choose to live by faith and not fear.


This is a good motto (or as Sally Brown would say, "my new philosophy.") This is also a good definition of faith. Faith is 'not having fear or doubt.' And then we need to make a conscious choice in our lives to choose faith rather than fear. To be-lieve rather than be-afraid.

True faith must be centered in Jesus Christ. "Faith is a principle of action and of power" (Bible Dictionary, 670). It requires us to do, not merely to believe.


Here he gives us two key elements of true faith. First, we must have faith in the right thing, Jesus Christ. Second, faith is an action. We must do, to show that our faith is real.

There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance (that obedience to Christ brings blessings.) There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy, and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of our utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts, and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given little.


What better counsel to parents. This is one of the main reasons we are here on earth and that we are parents - to teach our children faith.

Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith" (Bible Dictionary, 669; see also Romans 10:14-17). Do your children know that you know? Do they see and feel your conviction?


Another good point for parents to teach and practice. If we want to have faith, real faith, then it requires (REQUIRES) obedience.

Elder Bruce R. McConkie taught: "Faith is a gift of God bestowed asa a reward for personal righteousness. It is always given when righteousness is present, and the greater the measure of obedience to God's laws the greater will be the endowment of faith." If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient. When we teach our children by example or precept to be casual or situational in obeying God's commandments, we prevent them from receiving this vital spiritual gift. Faith requires an attitude of exact obedience, even in the small, simple things.


Often times, I think, that we look at faith as the first principle of the gospel, as a simple thing, not requiring much effort or commitment. It IS a very big thing. True faith requires a lot!

Desire, hope, and belief are forms of faith, but faith as a principle of power comes from a consistent pattern of obedient behavior and attitudes.


Desire, hope, and belief are not truly synonymous with faith. Faith is much, much more.

We do have a choice. We get what we focus on consistently. Because there is an opposition in all things, there are forces that erode our faith. Some are the result of Satan's direct influence. But for others, we have no one but ourselves to blame. These stem from personal tendencies, attitudes, and habits we can learn to change. I will refer to these influences as the "Six Destructive Ds."

• Doubt. Doubt is a negative emotion related to fear. It comes form a lack of confidence in one's self or abilities. Doubt leads to discouragement. 
• Discouragement comes from missed expectations. Chronic discouragement leads to lower expectations, decreased effort, weakened desire, and greater difficulty feeling and following the Spirit. Discouragement leads to Distraction, a lack of focus. Discouragement and distraction are two of Satan's most effective tools, but they are also bad habits. 
• Distraction leads to a lack of diligence, a reduced commitment to remain true and faithful and to carry on through despite hardship and disappointment.
• Disappointment is an inevitable part of life, but it need not lead to doubt, discouragement, distraction, or lack of diligence. 
• If not reversed, this path ultimately leads to disobedience, which undermines the very basis of faith.
• The scriptures describe disbelief as the state of having chosen to harden one's heart. It is to be past feeling.

This is a great outline and explanation of how the downward spiral can start - what leads to what. It shows why it is important to stop at the earliest possible point and do the hard work necessary to get back on the right track.

Elder Pearson finishes up with this helpful reminder for today's challenging times:

Challenging times require greater spiritual power. Consider carefully the Savior's promise: "If ye will have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me" (Moroni 7:33).

What an important promise!