Gordon B. Hinckley on developing living, vital faith in Christ

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) was called to the Quorum of Twelve in 1961, served as a counselor in the First Presidency from 1981-1995, then as Church President until his death in 2008 at age 97.

"When I discuss faith, I do not mean it in an abstract sense. I mean it as a living, vital force with recognition of God as our Father and Jesus Christ as our Savior. When we accept this basic premise, there will come an acceptance of their teachings and an obedience which will bring peace and joy in this life and exaltation in the life to come.

"Faith is not a theological platitude. It is a fact of life. Faith can become the very wellspring of purposeful living. There is no more compelling motivation to worthwhile endeavor than the knowledge that we are children of God, the Creator of the universe, our all-wise Heavenly Father! God expects us to do something with our lives, and he will give us help when help is sought....

"We were aboard a plane some years ago flying between Honolulu and Los Angeles. It was in the days when only propeller-driven aircraft were available. About midway in the journey one of the motors stopped. There was a decrease in speed, a lowering in altitude, and a certain amount of nervousness among those aboard. The fact of the matter was that much of the power was missing, and the hazards were increased accordingly. Without that power, we could not fly high, fast, and safely.

"It is so with our lives when we discount the need for faith and disregard knowledge of the Lord.

"Passive acceptance of the Lord is not enough. Vibrant testimony comes of anxious seeking. Strength comes of active service in the Master's cause."

- Gordon B. Hinckley, "With All Thy Getting Get Understanding," Ensign, Aug. 1988, pp. 2-5
Click here to read the full talk

President Hinckley was the epitome of a faithful man. His faith was certainly a "living, vital force" in his life, and he speaks from the heart about the "compelling motivation" that true faith provides in life.

President Hinckley uses the analogy of a failed airplane engine to underscore his message. The point is that when the power that moves us forward is lacking, speed is decreased and hazards increase accordingly. That power comes from our faith in Jesus Christ. And the challenges of today's world require all the power we can get. We need more "anxious seeking" and "active service" to develop "vibrant testimony" and strength of faith that will carry us safely home.