The Witness

 "And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith."

Ether 12:6

I am so excited to start up my blog again about what I have been learning and studying!! There is so much and I am not sure where to start! Yesterday at a meeting with our mission President, President Taylor taught us about faith in Jesus Christ and what that really means. Growing up in the church I knew the common definition as found in Alma, "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things. Therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen which are true." (Alma 32:21) As we drove home from our meeting it hit me. True faith in Jesus Christ is the solution to every problem we encounter and every problem that the world encounters.

A quote came to mind from President Ezra Taft Bensen, "The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature." Faith in Jesus Christ leads us to change our nature to become more in harmony with his teachings. He has provided access to a reservoir of spiritual solutions, studying the scriptures, developing talents and Christ like attributes, and becoming permanently  steadfast in him. He cares about our temporal well being but cares more about us become spiritually and temporally self reliant.

A few examples from the scriptures. Lehi and his family left their temporal wellbeing and comforts when the Lord asked Lehi to leave Jerusalem. He asked him to leave behind his riches and live in a tent for who knows how long. As a result of Lehi and his family leaving they gained a spiritual strength in the Lord. They didn't see the city of Jersusalem to be destroyed but their own spiritual strength increased. They came to know the fruits of the spirit and that it is good!

The same is true for us today! Faith is believing that he lives; that he is an actual being. It is coming to know the true character of Christ through diligent scripture study and daily prayer. That he is our Redeemer and is the only way for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven! It is coming to know that the path we are following is consistent with his will and what he wants us to do. That is faith in Jesus Christ and it never ends. We continue to increase in faith as we study his life and his character, evaluate where our lives are and how we can live in accordance to his will. This is the solution! Faith in Jesus Christ will make the broken whole! I know that I don't truly understand if all the way and will probably never in this life but what I DO know has changed my life! This is the most important thing anyone could know. It goes a lot deeper than the Restoration of the Gospel and having on a prophet on the earth today. Faith in Jesus Christ leads to true love, divine Godly love that comes from a loving Father who loves each of his children and desires them to come home to him. He wants us to truly know his son and be made whole! He tells us "come unto me...for my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:29-30) I feel like there are a thousand things that I would like to write! I hope that you will learn something from reading this and that it will help you to better improve your relationship with Jesus Christ and increase your faith!! I know he lives!! He loves us and cares for us more than we could ever know! He is mindful of each of us and our situations! Faith in Jesus Christ will change the world!! Let it change you!! Do what it takes to increase and improve your faith!! You will see miracles!!