The First Principle of the Gospel: Faith

"Obedience is the first law of heaven. It is an act of faith. You may sometimes be required to do things you do not completely understand. As you obey, you increase in faith, knowledge, wisdom, testimony, protection, and freedom." -Preach My Gospel

Throughout my life, I have progressively learned  WHY we need to be obedient. Obedience brings blessings. Even from when we were little kids, we were taught to obey our parents. We went to school where obedience was enforced, and obedience of doing your homework brought you desired results in test scores. When we work, we must be obedient to the rules and customs of the business owner. As citizens, we obey the laws of the land.

So, my last blog entry talks more about this obedience, and how we are blessed and prospered when we are obedient. A while ago on facebook I posted this quote:

“Latter-day Saints are not obedient because they are compelled to be obedient. They are obedient because they know certain spiritual truths and have decided, as an expression of their own individual agency, to obey the commandments of God. … We are not obedient because we are blind, we are obedient because we can see” 

I have learned this priceless lesson in my life, and it has been enhanced through my full-time missionary service. I can SEE the Eternal perspective when I choose to be obedient to God's will. I have seen others that I love experience a mighty change of heart, because they tasted of the goodness and joy that comes from obeying the commandments of God. No matter how difficult they may seem. 

What makes us choose to be obedient?

I have come to learn that there is a POWER that is the foundation of righteous action. It is the key to obedience, and the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Before we do anything, we must have FAITH. Whenever you work towards a worthy goal, you exercise faith. We have faith that the sun will rise, or faith that if we turn on a switch it will give light to a room.

mormon.org says:

"To have faith is to “hope for things which are not seen, which are true” (see Book of Mormon, Alma 32:21 and Hebrews 11:1). Each day you act upon things you hope for, even before you see the end result. This is similar to faith.

Faith in God is more than a theoretical belief in Him. To have faith in God is to trust Him, to have confidence in Him, and to be willing to act on your belief in Him. It is a principle of action and power.

The Book of Mormon prophet Alma compared faith to a seed. If you plant a seed and nourish it, if it is a good seed it will grow and eventually bear fruit (Alma 32:28-43). It is the same with faith. If you are obedient to God’s commandments, study His word, and have a desire to believe in Christ, faith will grow inside of you."

I love that. Our faith in Jesus Christ leads to action. Sometimes we are required to take a step in the dark before we can see the light. This is the only way we can know spiritual truth, by acting. Not only is faith a power, faith is also a choice. 

One of my many favorite talks is called "Faith- the Choice is Yours" by Richard C. Edgley. He brilliantly stated, 

"Because of the conflicts and challenges we face in today’s world, I wish to suggest a single choice—a choice of peace and protection and a choice that is appropriate for all. That choice is faith. Be aware that faith is not a free gift given without thought, desire, or effort. It does not come as the dew falls from heaven. The Savior said, “Come unto me” (Matthew 11:28) and “Knock, and it shall be [given] you” (Matthew 7:7). These are action verbs—come, knock. They are choices. So I say, choose faith. Choose faith over doubt, choose faith over fear, choose faith over the unknown and the unseen, and choose faith over pessimism."

I know that our faith will increase as we chose to do righteous actions. Prayer, scripture study, and church attendance are great sources to spiritually feed the power of our faith in the Savior. Then the light will come on, and we will See. 

Another quote that I love by Edgley:

"When the disciples asked Jesus why they could not cast a devil out as they had just witnessed the Savior do, Jesus answered, “If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove” (Matthew 17:20). I have never witnessed the removal of an actual mountain. But because of faith I have seen a mountain of doubt and despair removed and replaced with hope and optimism. Because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of sin replaced with repentance and forgiveness. And because of faith I have personally witnessed a mountain of pain replaced with peace, hope, and gratitude. Yes, I have seen mountains removed."

 I testify that FAITH and OBEDIENCE are the keys to Eternal Salvation. I know I am happier than ever when I am honest with myself and the Lord, and try my best every day to keep my covenants and the commandments. It brings peace to my heart to know that the Lord is pleased with me and I am at peace with Him. I am so grateful for my strong faith in the Savior, and that it has never wavered. I know that He can do miracles in our own lives through our faith. I have learned that it is a BLESSING to be OBEDIENT. And it takes a leap of faith! I promise you, it is worth it. 

"And Christ hath said: ^aIf ye will have ^bfaith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is ^cexpedient in me." -Moroni 7:33

"But if ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with^apatience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree ^bspringing up unto everlasting life." Alma 32:41