Elder Russell M. Nelson: 'Face the future with faith'
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181st Annual General Conference — Church News coverage
Church members who live in this time of turmoil — where earthquakes and tsunamis wreak devastation, governments collapse, economic stresses are severe, the family is under attack, and divorce rates are rising — can combat their fears by strengthening their faith, said Elder Russell M. Nelson.
"We do not need to let our fears displace our faith," he said.
Speaking Saturday afternoon, Elder Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve asked Church members to "face the future with faith."
He said that Church leaders are concerned not only for their children and grandchildren, but also "for each of God's children."
"All that the future holds in store for each sacred child of God will be shaped by his or her parents, family, friends and teachers. Thus, our faith now becomes part of our posterity's faith later."
Parents, he said, should start with their children. "Let your faith be focused on our loving Heavenly Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Teach that faith with deep conviction."
Elder Nelson listed three kinds of faith to teach:
Teach of faith in God's plan of salvation, he said. "Teach that our sojourn in mortality is a period of probation, a time of trial and testing to see if we will do whatever the Lord commands us to do."
Teach of faith to keep all the commandments, knowing they are given to bless His children and bring them joy. "To prepare to meet God, one keeps all of His commandments. It takes faith to obey them, and keeping His commandments will strengthen that faith.
"Obedience allows God's blessings to flow without constraint," Elder Nelson said. "He will bless His obedient children with freedom from bondage and misery."
Teach of faith to know that obedience to the commandments of God will provide physical and spiritual protection. "And remember, God's holy angels are ever on call to help us."
Elder Nelson said unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. "Your heartfelt pleadings are important to Him, ... " said Elder Nelson. "If we pray with an eternal perspective, we need not wonder if our most tearful and heartfelt pleadings are heard."
Elder Nelson said that to develop enduring faith, an enduring commitment to be a full tithe payer is essential. "Initially it takes faith to tithe," he explained. "Then the tithe-payer develops more faith to the point that tithing becomes a precious privilege."
Why do Church members need such resilient faith? he questioned.
"Because difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested."
Elder Nelson told the worldwide congregation that how they deal with life's trials is part of the development of their faith. "Strength comes when you remember that you have a divine nature, an inheritance of infinite worth."
He promised the faithful Latter-day Saints that they do not have to fight life's battles alone.
"Your rewards come not only hereafter. Many blessings will be yours in this life, among your children and grandchildren."
