"When faced with a trial of faith—whatever you do, you don’t step away from the Church! Distancing yourself from the kingdom of God during a trial of faith is like leaving the safety of a secure storm cellar just as the tornado comes into view.
"The Apostle Paul said, 'Ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.' (Ephesians 2:19.) It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith. Meeting together with others who believe, we pray and find answers to our prayers; we worship through music, share testimony of the Savior, serve one another, and feel the Spirit of the Lord. We partake of the sacrament, receive the blessings of the priesthood, and attend the temple. The Lord declared, 'In the ordinances..., the power of godliness is manifest.' (D&C 84:20.) When you are faced with a test of faith, stay within the safety and security of the household of God. There is always a place for you here. No trial is so large we can’t overcome it together. (See Mosiah 18:8-10)"
- Neil L. Andersen, "Trial of Your Faith," General Conference, October 2012
Click here to read or listen to the full talk
Too often, when we struggle with challenges or trials, and especially with a "trial of faith" that makes us question or doubt our foundational principles, our tendency is to retreat from the safety. It's not unusual to question or doubt; but how we respond to those times becomes very critical. There will always be opposition, including in the presentation of doctrine, history, interpretation, and application. But when we stop listening to one side of the debate and only focus on the side that would have us question or criticize, we will be in far greater danger.
This is critical: "It is within the sanctuary of the Church that we protect our faith." We are blessed when we stay close to home.
(Compilation and commentary by David Kenison, Orem, Utah, 2019)
@....Hypocrisy....Deceit....Lies....Profanity....Arrogance....Lack of Character....Greed.....All these are popular ingredients in other Religions....but NOT in here....The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints....!
ReplyDeleteMembers of the Church are not perfect, and many mistakes are made as we strive to learn and grow. But we are taught true principles, and most of us are striving to follow them as closely as we can. Just as there are many good people in other religions who are also deeply sincere and committed to the best principles they have.
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