Faith – Sunday, November 13, 1983
We often discuss the role of faith in the affairs of men and women. Faith is “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”1 It necessarily permeates every aspect of our lives.
For instance, the state of world affairs—with wars and rumors of war—can be disheartening. But we overcome our despair by having faith in our country, faith in its leaders, faith that nations can resolve their differences and move in the direction of peace.
And we learn from experience that whenever illness or adversity strikes, the best prescription is faith.
When businessmen share their formulas for success, they call it positive thinking, but it is really nothing more than faith and the will to succeed. Faith often marks the line between success and failure—a line so thin we scarcely know when we pass it. All of us have had the experience of giving up too soon, of throwing up our hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, and a little more faith would have achieved success.
A great deal of the unhappiness and vice in the world is the result of weakness and indecision—products of failing faith and collapsing courage. Those who are undisciplined, who have no faith or inner strength, are severely buffeted by every temptation that comes along. For these individuals, life is often difficult and unhappy.
But of all the creatures on earth, man alone can change his thought patterns and become the architect of his destiny. If we understand the process of faith, we can change our circumstances by changing our attitudes and exercising that faith.
Those who think about faith as a principle of power realize there is virtually no limit to what they can accomplish. Faith—or lack of it—can determine how we feel, think and act. It can determine our values, what is important in our lives, and how we cope with problems. It can give direction, purpose and meaning to daily living.
Faith takes many forms—from belief in our friends, to belief in a better tomorrow, to belief in God.
Of all the expressions of faith that which should have the highest priority is religious faith—faith in the Savior, faith in His teachings and commandments, faith in His prescription for living a rich, full and rewarding life. This need for religious faith and the peace it brings is well expressed in the lyrics of the hymn, “Jesus, My Savior True…Teach me a better life…Be thou my beacon light; Guide me to thee.”2
1 New Testament, Hebrews 11:1
2 “Jesus My Savior True,” O.P. Huish. Hymns, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Corporation of the President p 85
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November 13, 1983
Broadcast Number 2,830