Elder Kevin W. Pearson: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
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In his Saturday afternoon conference address, Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy taught about faith in Jesus Christ.
"Faith is a principle of action and power. It requires us to do, not merely to believe," Elder Pearson said. "Faith is a spiritual gift from God that comes through the Holy Ghost. It requires a correct understanding and knowledge of Jesus Christ, His divine attributes and perfect character, His teachings, atonement, resurrection, and priesthood power. Obedience to these principles develops complete trust in Him and His ordained servants, and assurance of His promised blessings.
"There is no other thing in which we can have absolute assurance. There is no other foundation in life that can bring the same peace, joy and hope. In uncertain and difficult times, faith is truly a spiritual gift worthy of out utmost efforts. We can give our children education, lessons, athletics, the arts and material possessions, but if we do not give them faith in Christ, we have given them little.
"Faith is kindled by hearing the testimony of those who have faith. Do your children know that you know? Do they see and feel your conviction? Strong faith is developed by obedience to the gospel of Christ."
Elder Pearson taught that the process of developing faith begins with desire. "Desire is a particle of faith that develops within us as we experience divine truth," he said. "It is like spiritual photosynthesis. The influence of the Holy Ghost, acting on the light of Christ that is within every human being, produces the spiritual equivalent of a chemical reaction, a stirring change of heart, or a desire to know."
In closing, Elder Pearson explained "the Six Destructive Ds."
"These Six Destructive Ds — doubt, discouragement, distraction, lack of diligence, disobedience, and disbelief — all destroy our faith," Elder Pearson said. "We can choose to avoid and overcome them.
"Challenging times require greater spiritual power. Consider carefully the Savior's promise: '... If ye have faith in me ye shall have power to do whatsoever thing is expedient in me'" (Moroni 7:33).
