"A principle of action and of power."

That is how faith is described in the dictionary of the LDS edition of the King James Version of the Bible (p. 670).

Faith is to hope for things that are not seen (Hebrews 11:1).

In our present state as mere mortals, we cannot comprehend the full power and force of faith through which "the worlds were framed by the word of God" (Hebrews 11:3), yet we may receive the gift of faith, a gift that "must be cultured and sought after until it grows from a tiny seed to a great tree" (Bible Dictionary, p. 670).

The faith referred to here is centered in Jesus Christ, and heads the list of the first principles of the gospel: "We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, Repentance; third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost" (Articles of Faith 1:4).

The Bible Dictionary states that faith in Jesus Christ "is more than belief, since true faith always moves its possessor to some kind of physical and mental action; …" (Bible Dictionary, p. 670).

By faith, we can accomplish all things that are in accordance with the will of God.

As a young apostle, Elder Thomas S. Monson, who is now President of the Church, said, "Every person … has read or quoted or heard those famous words from the epistle of James: 'If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him' (James 1:5).

"How many of us have read the next verse: 'But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed' " (James 1:6).

Further, President Monson declared:

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that the brother of Jared saw the finger of God touch the stones in response to his plea.

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Noah erected an ark in obedience to the command from God.

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Abraham was willing to offer up his beloved son Isaac as a sacrifice.

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt and through the Red Sea.

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joshua and his followers brought the walls of Jericho tumbling down.

"It was by faith, nothing wavering, that Joseph [Smith] saw God our eternal Father and Jesus Christ His Son. …

"There is a golden thread that runs through every account of faith from the beginning of the world to the present time. Abraham, Noah, the brother of Jared, the Prophet Joseph, and countless others wanted to be obedient to the will of God. They had ears that could hear, eyes that could see, and hearts that could know and feel.

"They never doubted. They trusted" (Teachings of President Thomas S. Monson, Deseret Book Company; Salt Lake City, UT.; 2011; p. 107).

Based on the above declarations, we come to an important realization: True faith requires action.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, noted that procedures, programs, policies and patterns of the organization of the Church are helpful for the spiritual progress of members, but they are subject to change. "In contrast, the core of the gospel — the doctrine and the principles — will never change," he declared. "Living according to the basic gospel principles will bring power, strength and spiritual self-reliance into the lives of all Latter-day Saints.

"Faith is such a principle of power. We need this source of power in our lives. God works by power, but this power is usually exercised in response to our faith. 'Faith without works is dead' (James 2:20). God works according to the faith of His children" (First Presidency Message, Liahona, October 2008).

Paul told the Corinthian saints, "Your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:5).

Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for our salvation. King Benjamin declared, "And lo, he [Jesus Christ] cometh unto his own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through faith on his name; …' (Mosiah 3:9).

In his October 2007 general conference address, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve said, "It is our faith in Jesus Christ that sustains us at the crossroads of life's journey. It is the first principle of the gospel. Without it we will spin our wheels at the intersection, spending our precious time but getting nowhere. It is Christ who offers the invitation to follow Him, to give Him our burden, and to carry His yoke, 'for [His] yoke is easy, and [His] burden is light' " (Matthew 11:30).

In a New Testament parable, a rich young man asked Jesus what he must do to inherit eternal life. The Savior invited him to "sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me" (see Mark 10:17-22). The young man "went away grieved; for he had great possessions."

While this parable illustrates the fruitlessness of the love of material possessions it serves also as a sad commentary on the lack of faith: because he lacked faith, the young man missed out on the "treasure in heaven" and association with Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (1917-2008), who served in the Quorum of the Twelve, said, "Our faith is the foundation upon which all our spiritual lives rest. It should be the most important resource of our lives. Faith is not so much something we believe; faith is something we live" (October 2002 general conference; Ensign, November 2002).

May we ever stand firm and strong in our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.