Fear vs. Faith

I figured I would get us started on this.... here we go

3 Nephi 1:18 -- "They knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years... and they began to fear because of their inquity and their unbelief".

Think of it: The most glorious sign that could have ever been given, the pronouncement of the birth of our Lord, and there are individuals who are fearing! Clearly, signs from heaven don't incite fear. In fact, there are probably a LOT of people who are rejoicing! It is a wonderful day! The sign has been fulfilled! Their faith is verified! Praise the Lord! However, the reason for the fearful few is given... they fear because of "iniquity and...unbelief".

Lesson I learned: When we sin, righteous actions/events/consequences make us afraid. For example, Adam, who was communicating directly with our Father in Heaven (a GOOD thing) became AFRAID to communicate only after he sinned. He hid himself. If he wasn't sinning, he would have received the Lord with gladness. Another example: The righteous couple happily married rejoice to find out they are expecting a new child. The sinful, iniquitous sleezeballs who find out they are expecting are naturally...Afraid. Shocked. Nervous. Frightened. Angry.

We need not fear. We need to trust. Be optimistic. Be confident. Be faithful. Fear is not in the mind of God. It is a direct fruit of SIN and UNBELIEF. Faith, on the other hand, is a direct result of righteousness and obedience. Fear is of the adversary. Paul understood this:

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind".
- 2 Timothy 1:7

Book of Mormon Challenge

Dearest Family,

I thought it might be fun during this holiday season to be united, as family, in things that matter most. Even though we may be far away, entangled with children to raise, or maybe just a single college student, all of us can share common ground on the Gospel. Here is the challenge:

1. Read the beginning of 3rd Nephi to the end of the Book of Mormon by December 25th.
2. Once a week, (or more if you would like), post on this blog insights or experiences you have had while reading. This will be a public blog where posts can be done, as well as comments.
3. While reading, highlight references to the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

You are all welcome to post insights from any topic, use additional resources, etc. Just be sure to finish by December 25th. Remember Elder Bednar's statement,

"One of the best ways to draw near unto Him and to both learn about and become more like the Lord Jesus Christ is to consistently study the holy scriptures—to daily “feast upon the words of Christ” (2 Ne. 32:3).

Please notice that I used the word study and not the word read. Studying and feasting suggest a focus and an intensity that reach far beyond casual reading or quick perusing. Studying and feasting, followed by sincere prayer and steadfast application of the truths and principles we learn, yield personal resolve, spiritual commitment, and the bright light of testimony. Studying, learning, praying, and appropriately applying gospel truths are all key elements in the process of coming unto the Savior."

and President Eyring....

"Our humility and our faith that invite spiritual gifts are increased by our reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures. We have all heard those words. Yet we may read a few lines or pages of scripture every day and hope that will be enough. UAdd a Note

But reading, studying, and pondering are not the same. We read words and we may get ideas. We study and we may discover patterns and connections in scripture. But when we ponder, we invite revelation by the Spirit. Pondering, to me, is the thinking and the praying I do after reading and studying in the scriptures carefully."

May the Lord bless you as you come unto Him in this season where He is the reason.

-Clifford