Faith Makes A Difference – Sunday, October 26, 1980
The Savior said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for such is the kingdom of heaven.”1
Many scholars believe this statement refers to the faith of children, who truly believe in “the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. “2
We begin life with an unquestioning faith. As we grow older, that faith is tested by the experiences and events of life. Often, our faith line hits bottom during the years of early adulthood. At that time, we make one of life’s most important decisions: will we allow our faith to continue its decline, or will we take steps to begin rebuilding faith.
Usually, the decline of faith is gradual. It is influenced by the weight of responsibilities which bear on us as we approach adulthood, as we come face to face with the demands of life. We become aware of the weaknesses and strengths of those around us. We have experiences which challenge our faith.
But if we are fortunate and wise, we learn that faith does make a difference in life.
We learn that faith in a Supreme Being is the single most powerful force we can use to overcome our problems, to understand our situation, and to make life meaningful. Faith is most important where knowledge is imperfect.
We cannot have perfect knowledge about the many demands of living. We can believe that God exists, and that the life He created has purpose beyond our understanding.
That kind of faith gives us reason for living. It grounds our existence. It gives solidity to our lives. It helps us venture boldly into the unknown. But as the decline of faith was gradual, so too must the rebuilding of faith be a gradual process; and most of all, with commitment—commitment expressed in the love of God and the understanding of His divine purpose.
Each of us can remember the unquestioning faith we had as little children. Our goal as adults is to re-create and re-direct-that faith, for as the Savior said: “. . . whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.”3
1 New Testament, Matthew 19:14.
2 New Testament, Hebrews 11:1.
3 New Testament, Mark 10:15.
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October 26, 1980
Broadcast Number 2,671