MORE ON DEVELOPING FAITH
We pointed out the last time how obedience is key to the
development of faith. Now we can focus on two more principles that build our
faith- scripture study and hearing the word of God. Again, I'll refer back to
the great teacher I spoke of last week. He taught this principle by
saying:
"Study of the scriptures is the conduit by which spirituality
infuses into the soul. It is the path to spiritual awakening.
Paul said: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
(Rom. 10:17) Faith increases as we listen to and learn the word of
God. The scriptures can bring us out of spiritual darkness and into
the marvelous light of the gospel. Alma in describing those whose hearts
were changed, who came out of a deep sleep and awoke unto God stated: “their
souls were illuminated by the light of the everlasting word. (Alma 5:7)
The scriptures school us in correct doctrine, eternal principles
and help us discern truth from error. Thus Paul taught Timothy:
“And all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that
the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (JST 2
Tim. 3:16-17) Alma observed that the word of God can have an
incredibly powerful effect to lead us to do that which is right, indeed it can
have a more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than anything
else. “Therefore, Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the
virtue of the word of God.” (Alma 31:5)
Studying and pondering the scriptures creates an environment in
which personal revelation is received. Many of the great revelations in
our dispensation were born of scripture study: Joseph Smith’s first
vision, the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood, the 76th section, the 138th section and so on. Elder
McConkie said: “Those who study, ponder and pray about the scriptures, seeking
to understand their deep and hidden meanings, receive from time to time great
outpourings of light and knowledge from the Spirit.” (Holy Writ Published
Anew, p. 1)
I testify from my own experience that study of the Book of Mormon
instructs us when we are ignorant, gives us hope in moments of despair, joy in
times of sorrow, peace in times of uncertainty, answers in times of doubt,
calls us to repentance in times of sin and awakens us when we are asleep.
The scriptures give us the strength to endure temptation, the resolve to endure
to the end and the hope of eternal life. I started studying the
scriptures with real intent when I was 18. At first it was incredibly
difficult to get much from them. But gradually, from then until now, my
life has become filled with great appreciation and love for the word of
God. The study of the scriptures has anchored my soul on the rock of my
Redeemer. When I have felt spiritually adrift, I have immersed myself in
the Book of Mormon and my focus and perspective have been regained. There
have been many times in my life when personal revelation came to me in the very
language of the scriptures which I had studied. On many occasions,
scriptures come to my mind to teach principles and doctrine and to provide
counsel.
I invite you to immerse yourself in the scriptures and find the
power that comes from studying the word of God. I end
with this promise from Joseph Smith: “Search the scriptures, study the revelations
which we publish, and ask your Heavenly Father, in the name of His Son Jesus
Christ, to manifest the truth unto you, and if you do it with an eye single to
His glory, nothing doubting, He will answer you by the power of His Holy
Spirit. You will then know for yourselves and not for another. You
will not then be dependent on man for the knowledge of God; nor will there be
any room for speculation. “(Teachings, p. 11-12)"
I bear solemn witness that as we study the scriptures our faith
increases in our Savior and with this power comes peace and direction in our
lives. Hence, the second drops of oil in our lamp of faith is scripture study
and hearing the word of God in Church or during conferences and devotionals.
