Friday, October 9, 2015

Thomas S. Monson on being an example of faith

President Thomas S. Monson (b. August 21, 1927) was sustained to the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 1963. He served as a counselor in the First Presidency with Presidents Benson, Hunter, and Hinckley until becoming Church president in 2008.
"To be an example of faith means that we trust in the Lord and in His word. It means that we possess and that we nourish the beliefs that will guide our thoughts and our actions. Our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and in our Heavenly Father will influence all that we do. Amidst the confusion of our age, the conflicts of conscience, and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives. Remember that faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other.
"I reiterate what we have been told repeatedly—that in order to gain and to keep the faith we need, it is essential that we read and study and ponder the scriptures. Communication with our Heavenly Father through prayer is vital. We cannot afford to neglect these things, for the adversary and his hosts are relentlessly seeking for a chink in our armor, a lapse in our faithfulness. Said the Lord, 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good' (D&C 90:24).
- Thomas S. Monson, "Be an Example and a Light," General Conference, October 2015, Sunday morning session
Click here to read the full talk

President Monson based his talk on the passage from Paul's letter to Timothy: "Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim 4:12), commenting on the different ways our examples can make a difference in doing good and blessing others. These were his thoughts about "faith."  I appreciated his perception on how this quality can bless our lives as well as provide the example to those around us.



And he reminds us the things that will make a difference as we strive to gain and retain the gift of faith: read and ponder the scriptures, communicate with God in prayer.

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