In hs book ‘Accomplishing the Impossible’, Elder Russell M. Nelson, then of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, now our Prophet, said: “Spiritual truth cannot be ignored—-especially divine commandments. Keeping divine commandments brings blessings,5 every time! Breaking divine commandments brings a loss of blessings, every time.
Problems abound in this world because it is populated by imperfect people. Their objectives and desires are heavily influenced by their faith or lack of it. Many put other priorities ahead of God. Some challenge the relevance of religion in modern life. As in any age, so today there are those who mock or decry the free exercise of religion in modern life. Some even blame religion for any number of the world’s ills. Admittedly, there have been times when atrocities have been committed in the name of religion. But living the Lord’s pure religion, which means striving to become a true disciple of Jesus Christ, is a way of life, and a daily commitment that will provide divine guidance. As you practice your religion, you are exercising your faith. You are letting your faith show.
The Lord knew that His children would need to learn how to find Him. “For strait is the gate,” He said, ” and narrow the way that leadeth unto… exaltation… and few there be that find it.” 6
The scriptures provide one of the best ways to find our course and stay on it. Scriptural knowledge also provides precious protection. For example, throughout history, infections like “childbirth fever” claimed the lives of many innocent mothers and babies. Yet, the Old Testament, written more that three thousand years ago, had the correct principles for the handling of infected patients!7 Many people perished because man’s quest for knowledge had failed to heed the word of the Lord.
What are we missing in our lives if we are “ever learning, but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth?”8 We can gain great knowledge from the scriptures and obtain inspiration through prayers of faith. Doing so will help us as we make daily decisions. Especially when the laws of man are created and enforced, God’s laws must ever be our standard. In dealing with controversial issues, we should first search for God’s guidance.
We should “liken all scripture unto us,… for our profit and learning.”9 Danger lurks when we try to divide ourselves with expressions such as “my private life” or even “my best behavior.” If one tries to segment his or her life into such separate compartments, one will never rise to the full stature of one’s personal integrity—never to become all that his or her true self could be.
The temptation to be popular may prioritize public opinion above the word of God. Political campaigns and marketing strategies widely employ public opinion poles to shape their plans. Results of these poles are informative, but they could hardly be used as grounds to justify disobedience to God’s commandments! Even if everyone is doing it,” wrong is never right. Evil, error, and darkness will never be truth, even if popular. A scriptural warning so declares: “Woe unto them that call evil good and good evil; that put darkness for light , and light for darkness.”10
After World War I, a rather risque song became popular. In promoting immorality, it vowed that fifty million people cannot be wrong. But in fact, fifty million people can be wrong—-totally wrong. Immorality is still immorality in the eyes of God, who one day will judge all of our deeds and desires.11
Contrast the fear and faithlessness so prevalent in the world today with the faith and courage of my beloved daughter Emily, who now lives on the other side of the veil. As mortal life was leaving her cancer-ridden body, she could barely speak. But with a smile on her face she said to me, “Daddy, don’t worry about me. I know I’ll be alright!” Emily’s faith was showing—showing brightly—in that tender moment, right when we needed it most.
This beautiful young mother of five had full faith in her Heavenly Father, in His plan, and in the eternal welfare of her family. She was securely tied back to God. She was totally faithful to covenants made with the Lord and with her husband. She loved her children, but was at peace despite her impending separation from them. She had faith in her future, and theirs, too, because she had faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son.
President Thomas S. Monson has said: “Of course we will face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition, Let us have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval…. Remember that all men have their fears, but those who face their fears with [faith] have courage as well.12
President Monson’s counsel is timeless! So I plead with you: Day after day, on your path toward your eternal destiny, increase your faith. Proclaim your faith! Let your faith show! 13 (see also D&C 3:7; D&C 59:5)
From ‘Accomplishing the Impossible’ by Russell M. Nelson, p. 85-91, 2015 Deseret Book Company
