Faith is Not by Chance, but by Choice

You really should just listen to this talk. It is super good, and it is going to be hard to find anything to add to it!

Faith Is Not by Chance, but by Choice - Neil L. Andersen

"For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also." James 2:26

So many of us would love to have faith without having to work for it. It would be nice to say that something isn't true just because it does not sit gracefully and easily in our minds. But that is not how truth works.

Wanting to be a millionaire does not make me millionaire. I will not become an Olympic athlete by sitting on the couch at home thinking about how nice it would be to win a gold medal. Owning a fancy kitchen doesn't make me a talented baker. All of these goals require work. Being a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ requires work. Faith does not fall into our laps.

It is as Elder Andersen said, "Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright."...

"Faith in Jesus Christ is a gift from heaven that comes as we choose to believe and as we seek it and hold on to it"

I really enjoyed the story Elder Andersen told of a young Brazilian. Mostly it was cool to see a local story since the young boy is now a grown-up man who also happens to be a stake president here in Recife. I also enjoyed the lesson learned that the young boy learned from Samuel.

"And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Samuel 15:22

Obedience to the Lord's commandments increases our faith. There are so many ways I could sacrifice, but only sacrificing the way the Lord asks can bring me the eternal blessing that I seek.

You really should listen to the talk, it really doesn't take long, and it is inspiring. He talks about managing doubts and having faith the the face of trials.

Here is a quote I really liked.

"Immersing oneself in persistent doubt, fueled by answers from the faithless and the unfaithful, weakens one’s faith in Jesus Christ and the Restoration" - Neil L. Andersen

I know that Jesus Christ is our savior, and I love him dearly. I still struggle sometimes to be diligent in my studies, but I know that as I choose to better my studies and actions, my faith will grow. The same goes for you.

With love,
Erin