When we exercise, we expect our muscles to grow stronger. Of course, before they become stronger they will be sore and tired. At some point we must decide if the work and pain are worth the outcome of the stronger muscles.Elder Richard G Scott talked of exercising faith in the October 2014 General Conference. He tells us that to find peace in this life filled with negative challenges and heartaches, we must exercise our faith. He talked of four tools we can use to find peace in the struggles of mortality.
1) Prayer: "Family prayer should be a nonnegotiable priority in your daily life."
2) Scripture Study: He reminds us that studying the scriptures is more important than so many other things that we choose to spend our time on. Elder Scott describes many blessings promised to us and our children if we study the scriptures. He tells us that through the scriptures we can begin to understand and recognize the voice of God. Elder Scott promises us that peace will prevail in our homes. "That peace won't come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart." 3) Family Home Evening: "The structure of the evening is not as important as the time invested."
Elder Scott quoted Sister Reeves from April's conference. "I must testify of the blessings of daily scripture study and prayer and weekly family home evening. These are the very practices that help take away stress, give direction to our lives and add protection to our homes."
4) Temple Attendance: "We all know there is no more peaceful place on this earth than in the temples of God."
So, we must decide, if these four simple actions are worth the time and effort they take. Are the spiritual muscles we will develop worth the pain and work?
Let's look at the blessings Elder Scott promises.
1) Satan's ability to harm us will diminish. "The more we develop these habits, the more anxious is Satan to harm us, but the less is his ability to do so."
2) We accept the full gifts of His atoning sacrifice, which will help us to endure the challenges of this life.
After hearing Elder Scott's talk I realized how little our Heavenly Father is really asking of us. If I am willing to do four simple things, I am promised strength and wisdom through the power of the Atonement.
I'm ready to grow my faith muscles. How about you? See you in the Book of Mormon Gym tomorrow morning!
