Stand Strong and Steadfast in Faith

Photo by John Salzarulo on Unsplash

 

Standing strong in your Christian faith today requires a blend of courage, commitment, and continual spiritual growth, as exemplified by the Apostle Paul, who, even when imprisoned in Rome and facing death, remained unwavering in his faith. He wrote to Timothy, his spiritual son, "The time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day" (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Drawing courage from the scriptures and the lives of faithful men who endured out of love for Christ helps us follow their example and stand strong for future generations. Developing a strong testimony of Jesus Christ is crucial, which involves diligently reading, studying, pondering, and applying scriptural teachings in our lives. Moreover, heeding the counsel of modern-day Prophets and Apostles strengthens our testimony, leading to courage.

For example, President Monson's experience in navy boot camp [1] showed how courage to stand up for one's beliefs can manifest in everyday situations. On his first Sunday, when recruits were ordered to attend church, he stood firm and faced scrutiny for his faith, setting an example of steadfastness.

“I can assure you that I felt completely alone,” President Monson said. “Courageous and determined, yes—but alone. And then I heard the sweetest words I ever heard that chief petty officer utter. He looked in my direction and asked, ‘And just what do you guys call yourselves?’

“Until that very moment I had not realized that anyone was standing beside me or behind me on the drill ground. Almost in unison, each of us replied, ‘Mormons!’ It is difficult to describe the joy that filled my heart as I turned around and saw a handful of other sailors.

“Since that day, there have been times when there was no one standing behind me and so I did stand alone. How grateful I am that I made the decision long ago to remain strong and true, always prepared and ready to defend my religion, should the need arise.”

Courage to stand strong also requires a leap of faith, as today's prophets and apostles frequently counsel. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf [2] challenges us to fully invest in spreading the gospel by taking decisive action.

Commitment is a little like diving into the water. Either you are committed, or you are not. Either you are moving forward, or you are standing still. There’s not halfway. We all face moments of decision that change the rest of our lives. As members of the Church, we must ask ourselves, ‘Will I dive in or just stand at the edge? Will I step forward or merely test the temperature of the water with my toes?’

As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have committed to walk in the path of discipleship. We have committed to follow the example of our Savior. Imagine how the world will be blessed and transformed for good when all members of the Lord’s Church live up to their true potential—converted in the depth of their souls and committed to building the kingdom of God.

In some way, each of us stands at a decision point overlooking the water. It is my prayer that we will have faith, move forward, face our fears and doubts with courage, and say to ourselves, ‘I’m committed!’

Jesus Christ provides the strength needed to maintain our spiritual growth along the covenant path of righteousness through faithful obedience to our Heavenly Father. Elder Quentin L. Cook [3] emphasized honoring our covenants to set a righteous example for others, a principle he demonstrated during a job interview by standing firm in his faith despite social pressure.

We inevitably must make choices If we know the doctrines and principles of the gospel, we can make wise decisions. If our lives are pure, the Spirit will guide us. Then we will be able to symbolically pitch our tents toward the temple and the covenants we have made to the Lord, and we will be in the world and not of the world.

We are called to be steadfast and immovable in faith, as reinforced in Mosiah 5:15: "Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in good works, that Christ, the Lord God Omnipotent, may seal you his, that you may be brought to heaven, that ye may have everlasting salvation and eternal life." Additionally, 3 Nephi 6:4 highlights how converted Lamanites remained firm, steadfast, and immovable, maintaining faithful obedience to God.

Elder M. Russell Ballard [4] taught that our faith in the restored Gospel gives us the strength to uphold our covenants with the Lord.

Your faith and your knowledge of the restoration of the gospel will give you the strength to be faithful and true to the covenants you have made with the Lord, and to share your strengths and talents gladly to build up the kingdom of God here on the earth! Your testimony of Jesus Christ is the most important anchor that you can have to help hold you, steadfast and immovable, to principles of righteousness, regardless of the challenges and temptations that may come in the future

Sharing our strengths and talents to build God's kingdom, our testimony of Jesus Christ acts as the anchor that helps us stay true to the principles of righteousness amidst challenges and temptations.

Elder Richard Scott [5]. also noted that unwavering obedience to the Lord empowers us to achieve more than we can comprehend, driven by a "quiet, uncompromising determination to live a righteous life," coupled with inspiration and revelation.

In these deceptive times, remember the prophecy of Daniel (Daniel 2:44) about a kingdom established by God that will stand forever.

shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is that kingdom. The crucial question for each of us is: Will we stand forever, or will we falter and go away? And if we do go away, where will we go? [6]

In my journey, I have studied the scriptures and embraced mindful living to walk in righteousness, faithfully walking in obedience along the covenant path of righteousness. This path has fortified my faith and commitment, enabling me to stand strong in my Christian faith today. Standing firm in our beliefs not only strengthens our testimony but also lights the way for others to follow.

ENDNOTES

[1] Dare to Stand Alone" October 2011 General Conference

[2] First Presidency Message, "Brother I'm Committed" Ensign, July 2011

[3] Lessons from the Old Testament, "In the World but not of the World," Ensign, February 2006

[4] “Steadfast in Christ,” Ensign, Dec. 1993, 52. 

[5] "Making the Right Decisions,” Ensign, May 1991, 34

[6] See Lawrence E. Corbridge, Devotional "Stand Forever" January 22, 2019 

Come Follow Me Book of Mormon Insights: Mosiah 11-17 - "A Light … That Can Never Be Darkened"

Abinadi before King Noah. Created by Andrew Bosley.

Having embarked on the Come Follow Me Book of Mormon study, you're probably eager for new insights and deeper understanding. This week, we turn our focus to Mosiah chapters 11-17, where the powerful theme "A Light ... That Can Never Be Darkened" resonates strongly. These chapters provide a compelling narrative of faith, resilience, and divine intervention.

We'll explore the wisdom of Abinadi's teachings and their profound impact on our personal growth. As we delve into these scriptures, you'll discover how these timeless lessons can illuminate your spiritual journey and fortify your faith. Get ready to embrace inspiration and guidance that will enrich your life and deepen your understanding.

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Unleashing Christ's Transformative Power: Defeating Spiritual Bondage (Mosiah 7:14-33)

Minerva Teichert (1888–1976), Ammon before King Limhi, 1949–1951, oil on masonite, 35 15/16 × 48 inches. Brigham Young University Museum of Art, 1969.

Reflecting on the passages from Mosiah 7:14-33, I find profound insights that can rejuvenate and invigorate our faith in Jesus Christ. When King Mosiah’s people, who were enjoying “continual peace” (Mosiah 7:1) in Zarahemla, turned their thoughts to the Nephites who had ventured to the land of Lehi-Nephi generations before, they embarked on a journey of rediscovery that resonates deeply with our own faith journeys.

Mosiah’s commission to Ammon to lead a search party to find the lost Nephites carries significant symbolism. The Nephites, found in captivity to the Lamanites “because of iniquity” (Mosiah 7:24), mirror our own struggles with sin and the resulting bondage we often feel. Yet, the arrival of Ammon and his brethren injected a hopeful possibility of deliverance. This narrative illustrates how divine intervention, and the support of faithful companions can usher in liberation and new beginnings.

Sometimes, we find ourselves akin to these captive Nephites, burdened by our sins and yearning for peace. Other times, we may be like Ammon, feeling called to reach out to others, and through our efforts, inspiring them to “lift up [their] heads, and rejoice, and put [their] trust in God” (Mosiah 7:19). This dual perspective—that we can both receive and extend Christ’s liberating power—underscores the reciprocal nature of faith and service.

Moreover, Mosiah 7:33 provides a clarion call to repentance and renewed faith: "turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart," with the assurance that "he will … deliver [us]." This promise is not abstract; it’s a living testament to the transformative power of humility and repentance. Personally, I've navigated numerous challenging seasons in my life, and it was through humbling myself and embracing a fresh faith in Christ that I found true deliverance and strength.

In essence, Mosiah 7:14-33 is not merely a historical account; it’s a blueprint for spiritual renewal. It teaches us that irrespective of our current state—whether in the throes of sin or engaging in acts of deliverance—we are called to deepen our trust in the Lord. By doing so, we open ourselves up to the boundless grace and redemption that Jesus Christ offers, enabling a renewed and vibrant faith.

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Questioning Glenn E. Chatfield's Criticism of Doctrine and Covenants 137 and "False Hope of Mormonism"

This is an archived article and response to Glen E. Chatfield

Does the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints present a false hope and false gospel? It appears that this is what Glen E. Chatfield attempts to answer through his post The False Hope of Mormonism. And he attempts to provide some commentary and insight into Doctrine and Covenants Section 137. 

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