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Faith Leads to Activity

Faith Leads to Activity

In one of my past callings I was asked to gather together some information to present to a Priesthood meeting regarding the fulfilling of our home teaching responsibilities. As I gathered together information I gained a understanding of the relationship of the required faith that is needed to result in activity. The following material has been compiled to demonstrate this relationship.

ACTIVITY
FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST
LOOK UNTO THE LORD
KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST
TEACHINGS OF JESUS CHRIST

“When there throbs in the heart of an individual Latter-day Saint a great and vital testimony of the truth of this work, he will be found doing his duty in the Church. He will be found in his sacrament meetings. He will be found in his priesthood meetings. He will be found paying his honest tithes and offerings. He will be doing his home teaching. He will be found in attendance at the temple as frequently as his circumstances will permit. He will have within him a great desire to share the gospel with others. He will be found strengthening and lifting his brethren and sisters. It is conversion that makes the difference. In all that we do we must cultivate faith. Increased faith is the touchstone to improved church performance."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, News of the Church, Ensign, May 1984, p. 99)

“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase in faith."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 54)

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?… Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
(Romans 10:14, 17)

“What inner strength would be in every person if he knew that the Master and His teachings were indeed his great source of guidance, his great source of correct example, his great source of help! That is our prime goal in all our teachings in the home."
(Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, January 1982)

“What makes people repent? As near as I have been able to determine, once a person has sufficient faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that he believes Christ has paid for his sins, then he will repent."
(Hartman Rector, Jr., Ensign, November 1990, New HLINK 76)

“Failing to understand the "dealings" of the Lord with His children--meaning His relations with and treatment of His children--is very fundamental. Murmuring is but one of the symptoms, and not the only consequence either; in fact, brothers and sisters, this failure affects everything else!"
(Neal A Maxwell, CR, Oct 1999)

“Now, if we are to believe in Christ, we must know who he is and what it means to believe in him. True worship presupposes that men know whom they worship and know how to worship."
(Bruce R. McConkie, Conference Report, October 1964, p.37)

“True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior."
(Boyd K. Packer, “Little Children," Ensign, Nov. 1986, 17)

“It seems to me that the power of a testimony of Jesus Christ is one of the great, untapped sources of direction in our lives today. I am convinced that each of us, however good, loyal, or dedicated we try to be in the gospel and in the Church, could do so much more if we did it with the power and influence of an unwavering faith in the Lord."
(Elder Jack H. Goaslind, Conference Report, October 1995, p.9)

The following scriptures are to illustrate that when we desire improved performance in areas of the Gospel we should not necessarily focus on the deed but instead should teach the Gospel of Jesus Christ which builds Faith in Jesus Christ which then leads to improved performance or activity.

Activity

What areas could use increased activity?

Increased desire for righteousness
Increased church attendance
Increased faithfulness in tithes and offerings
Endowed with active Temple recommends
Increased Temple attendance
Magnifying the Priesthood
Magnify our callings
Service
Home Teaching/Visiting Teaching
Perspective Elders receiving the Melchezedik Priesthood
Missionary work
Family history
Seminary attendance

What can we do to improve in these areas?

Faith is the Moving Cause in All Action and Activity

Through faith the worlds were framed
(Heb. 11:3)
By faith Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice.
(Heb. 11:4)
By faith Noah being warned of God, being cautious and reverent, prepared an ark.
(Heb. 11:7)
Through faith Sara received strength
(Heb. 11:11)
By faith Abraham offered up Isaac
(Heb. 11:17)
The prophets, through faith, wrought righteousness, obtained promises
(Heb. 11:32-34)

Remember that without faith you can do nothing.
(D&C 8:10)

And see that ye have faith, hope and charity, AND THEN ye will always abound in good works.
(Alma 7:24)

...having power given them to do all things by faith.
(2 Nephi 1:10)

In All We Do We Must Cultivate Faith

“Of all our needs, I think the greatest is an increase in faith."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Nov. 1987, p. 54)

“...there is much more to be achieved than statistical improvement, such improvement is, of course, desirable, and must be worked for. But, more importantly, we should be concerned with the spiritual dimension of our people and the enlargement of this dimension… There is a tendency in all of us to ask for better statistical performance. There is a tendency to impose quotas, behind which usually lies imposition of pressure to achieve improved statistics. In the work of the Lord there is a more appropriate motivation than pressure. There is the motivation that comes of true conversion. When there throbs in the heart of an individual Latter-day Saint a great and vital testimony of the truth of this work, he will be found doing his duty in the Church. He will be found in his sacrament meetings. He will be found in his priesthood meetings. He will be found paying his honest tithes and offerings. He will be doing his home teaching. He will be found in attendance at the temple as frequently as his circumstances will permit. He will have within him a great desire to share the gospel with others. He will be found strengthening and lifting his brethren and sisters. It is conversion that makes the difference. In all that we do we must cultivate faith. Increased faith is the touchstone to improved church performance."
(Gordon B. Hinckley, News of the Church, Ensign, May 1984, p. 99)

In my studies I took at BYU I took a geology class. We used a touchstone to test the purity of a metal. According to the The American Heritage Dictionary a touchstone is:

Touchstone:
1: a hard black stone, such as jasper or basalt, formerly used to test the quality of gold or silver by comparing the streak left on the stone by one of these metals with that of a standard alloy.
2: an excellent quality or example that is used to test the excellence or genuineness of others: “the qualities of courage and vision that are the touchstones of leadership" (Henry A. Kissinger).

Since Faith is the Ultimate Objective in Order to Improve Activity and Desired Results, How Do We “Cultivate" Faith?

Cultivate:
1: to prepare for the raising of crops, to loosen or break up the soil about growing plants
2: to foster the growth of
3: to improve by labor, care or study
4: Further, encourage

Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the 1^st step

Faith comes by hearing the word of God
(Romans 10:17)

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?
(Romans 10:14)

And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead people to do that which was just—yea, it had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, OR ANYTHING ELSE, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
(Alma 31:5)

Have ye read the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?
(Alma 33:14)

"Do not wonder at your sons and daughters going astray and losing the faith, when they do not read the word of God."
(President George Q. Cannon, Conference Report, October 1897)

Look Unto the Lord

The Truth is plain

And the words which I have written in weakness will be made strong unto them; for it persuadeth them to do good; it maketh known unto them of their fathers; and it speaketh of Jesus, and persuadeth them to believe in him, and to endure to the end, which is life eternal. And it speaketh harshly against sin, according to the plainness of the truth.
(2 Nephi 33:5)

The Truth is plain BUT only if we look to the Lord for understanding.

And it came to pass that I beheld my brethren, and they were disputing one with another concerning the things which my father had spoken unto them. For he truly spake many great things unto them, which were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought.
(1 Nephi 15:2-3)

Wherefore, now after I have spoken these words, if ye cannot understand them it will be because ye ask not, neither do ye knock; wherefore, ye are not brought into the light, but must perish in the dark.
(2 Nephi 32:4)

And now Alma began to expound these things unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God; nevertheless they are laid under a strict command that they shall not impart only according to the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men, according to the heed and diligence which they give unto him. And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
(Alma 12:9-10)

Faith Must be Based Upon Jesus Christ

The first principle of the Gospel is not just faith but…

We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are: first, faith IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST.
(Articles of Faith)

“What inner strength would be in every person if he knew that the Master and His teachings were indeed his great source of guidance, his great source of correct example, his great source of help! That is our prime goal in all our teachings in the home."
(Spencer W. Kimball, Ensign, January 1982)

Whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea even a place at the right hand of God, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.
(Ether 12:4)

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
(2 Nephi 25:26)

Give me a body of men and women who actually believe that they have a Father in Heaven, in whose likeness they are fashioned, who is actually in control of the destinies of men, and who has a real interest in the accomplishments of his people, and I will give you a people who are willing to go to the end of the road to serve that kind of a Father.
(Antoine R. Ivins, Conference Report, April 1938, p.48)

Three things are necessary in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.
First, the idea that he actually exists.
Secondly, a correct idea of his character, perfections, and attributes.
Thirdly, an actual knowledge that the course of life which he is pursuing is according to his will. For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness, unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
(Lectures on Faith 3:2-5)

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.
(John 3:14-15)

I know in whom I have trusted. My God hath been my support.
(2 Nephi 4:19-20)

Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.
(Helaman 5:12)

Many years ago I heard a story that impressed me. A beautiful little blind girl was sitting on the lap of her father in a crowded compartment in a train. A friend seated nearby said to the father, "Let me give you a little rest," and he reached over and took the little girl on his lap.
A few moments later the father said to her, "Do you know who is holding you?"
"No," she replied, "but you do."
Some might be inclined to say, "What a perfect trust this child had in her father." Others may say, "What a wonderful example of love." And still others might say, "What an example of faith." To me it indicates a beautiful blending of all of these principles, which brought a priceless inner peace to the child. She knew she was safe because she knew her father knew who was holding her. Affection, respect, and care over the years had placed in this little girl's heart a peace that surpasseth all understanding. She was at peace because she knew and trusted her father.
(Marvin J. Ashton, Be of Good Cheer, 86)

Faith Must be Based Upon Truth

We must teach eternal truths

Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, WHICH ARE TRUE.
(Alma 32:21)

And behold, ye do know of yourselves, for ye have witnessed it, that as many of them as are brought to the knowledge of the truth…and are led to believe the holy scriptures, yea, the prophecies of the holy prophets, which are written, which leadeth them to faith on the Lord, and unto repentance, which faith and repentance bringeth a change of heart unto them-- Therefore, as many as have come to this, ye know of yourselves are firm and steadfast in the faith, and in the thing wherewith they have been made free.
(Helaman 15:7-8)

When Europeans first began their explorations in the New World, the Indians whom they met were much amazed at the power and explosive properties of gunpowder. Taking advantage of the ignorance of the savages, and seeing an opportunity to increase their wealth by the deception, told the Indians that it was the seed of a plant which grew in the lands they had come from, and doubtless it would thrive in their land also. The Indians, of course believed this statement, and purchased the supposed seed, giving in exchange for it large quantities of gold. In implicit faith they carefully planted the supposed seed, and anxiously watched for its sprouting and the appearance of the plant; but it never came. They had faith in the statements made to them by the Europeans, but as these statements were false, and therefore the evidence on which the Indians based their belief untrue, their faith was vain.
(B. H. Roberts, The Gospel and Man's Relationship to Deity, p.39)

We Must Desire Faith

I will grant unto thee according to thy desires, because of thy faith.
(Enos 1:12)

He giveth me power according to my faith and desires which are in God.
(Alma 18:35)

The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much
(James 5:16)

Behold, the Lord hath heard the prayers of his people, and also the prayers of his servant, Alma, who is thy father; for he has prayed with much faith concerning thee that thou mightest be brought to the knowledge of the truth; therefore, for this purpose have I come to convince thee of the power and authority of God, that the prayers of his servants might be answered according to their faith.
(Mosiah 27:14)

13 For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?
(Mosiah 5:13)

Faith is Essential to Lead to Repentance

Faith is the first principle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Without faith it is impossible to please God; without faith no one can approach God properly. It is by faith that the blessings of God are drawn down upon us. It is by faith that every blessing pertaining to the Gospel of Jesus Christ is imparted and without faith there is no true religion. This faith must be not simply an assent of the mind to the fact that God lives, that Jesus of Nazareth was His Son, but a living principle in the soul which is quickened and aroused by the preaching of the word. Faith cometh by hearing the word of God. When that word is preached by authority, under the influence and power of the Holy Ghost, faith is aroused or quickened, or brought forth in the soul of man, and he is led to God his Father, and to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acting upon that living faith—for "faith without works is dead"—he goes on to the next principle, which is repentance, and that means not simply a sorrow for sin, mourning over past follies, but a fixed and firm determination to do right in the future by the help of God; to turn from evil, to put away error, to depart from all that is foolish and vain, and lay hold upon that which is right and true. This is real repentance.
(Elder Charles W. Penrose, May 15, 1892)

Perhaps the saddest consequence of little faith is little repentance.
(Neal A. Maxwell, Lord, Increase Our Faith)

16 And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety, while he that exercises no faith unto repentance is exposed to the whole law of the demands of justice; therefore only unto him that has faith unto repentance is brought about the great and eternal plan of redemption.
17 Therefore may God grant unto you, my brethren, that ye may begin to exercise your faith unto repentance, that ye begin to call upon his holy name, that he would have mercy upon you
(Alma 34:16-17)

What makes people repent?" Elder Rector explained: "As near as I have been able to determine, once a person has sufficient faith in the Lord Jesus Christ that he believes Christ has paid for his sins, then he will repent. And it seems that very few, if any, will repent until they believe this truth. . . . Faith (in Jesus Christ) unto repentance is the saving power of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Elder Hartman Rector Jr., Repentance Prepares One for Resurrection , LDS Church News, 1990, 10/13/90)

BAPTISM
REPENDANCE
FULFILLING OF THE COMMANDMENTS
FAITH IN THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

25 And the first fruits of repentance is baptism; and baptism cometh by faith unto the fulfilling the commandments; and the fulfilling the commandments bringeth remission of sins;
(Moroni 8:25)

Summary: Teaching of Jesus Christ Brings Faith Which Leads to Action

Faith comes by hearing the word of God
(Romans 10:17)

Have ye read the scriptures? If ye have, how can ye disbelieve on the Son of God?
(Alma 33:14)

Every word that proceedeth from the mouth of Jehovah has such an influence over the human mind --the logical mind--that it is convincing without other testimony. Faith cometh by hearing. If ten thousand men testify to a truth you know would it add to your faith? No. Or will ten thousand testimonies destroy your knowledge of a fact: No. I don't want any one to tell I am a prophet, or attempt to prove my word. I prophesy in the name of God Almighty, they [the Saints] shall bear off the palm.
(HC 5:526)

The preaching of the word had a tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God.
(Alma 31:5)

That I may more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah.
(1 Nephi 19:23)

Missionary Service, Activation, Temple Work
Emphasized in Conference Leadership Meetings

Regional Representatives in a Friday, April 6, all-day seminar, and Regional Representatives and stake presidents in a Friday, April 6, evening leadership meeting received similar counsel from General Authorities—forceful encouragement to accelerate the Church’s missionary work, increase their labors in activation, and motivate Church members to participate more often in the blessings of temple attendance.

But as leaders work with the Saints, “there is much more to be achieved than statistical improvement," said President Gordon B. Hinckley in his morning address to Regional Representatives.

“Such improvement is, of course, desirable, and must be worked for. But, more importantly, we should be concerned with the spiritual dimension of our people and the enlargement of this dimension. There is a tendency in all of us to ask for better statistical performance. There is a tendency to impose quotas, behind which usually lies imposition of pressure to achieve improved statistics. In the work of the Lord there is a more appropriate motivation than pressure. There is the motivation that comes of true conversion.

“In all that we do we must cultivate faith. Increased faith is the touchstone to improved church performance," he said.

Concerning missionary work, President Hinckley said that our need “entails an enlarged missionary force and a greater awareness of missionary opportunity on the part of our people generally."

Missionary service “not only yields converts to the restored gospel," he said, “but it also brings blessings of inestimable worth into the lives of those who give such service.

“As the missionary teaches the doctrine of salvation to others, he blesses his own life," said President Hinckley.

Concerning activation, he said: “I want to assure you first that the work is growing stronger. There never was a time in my life, and that now spans almost three quarters of a century, when there has been such evidence of faith on the part of our people. Things are getting better. But there is so very much yet to be done. We still have substantial numbers of men and women who fail to partake of the great and marvelous blessings of activity in the Church. I am convinced that they deny themselves these blessings simply because they are not converted to the truth of the gospel. It is important that we share with these Church members those same great moving truths of conversion that we share with those who are not members of the Church."

Concerning temple work, President Hinckley said: “We are building temples on a scale never before experienced in all of the history of the Church. I know that the power of the Lord was acting upon President Kimball when he moved so affirmatively in the direction of constructing new temples. Over a period of three years we will have dedicated eighteen new Houses of the Lord. What a tremendous thing that is! These are smaller temples than were built in earlier years, but they are much more efficient in the use of space to accomplish the ordinance work that takes place therein. They are not monuments of grandeur; they are, rather, sacred houses of God in which his eternal work may be performed as efficaciously and as beneficially as that done in any temple built at any time.

“These sacred buildings have great capacity. More and more they are being conveniently located so that the people may use them.

“The duty of temple work has been laid upon this people. But it is more than a duty. It is a blessing. I am satisfied that if our people would attend the temple more, there would be less selfishness in their lives. There would be less absence of love in their relationships. There would be more fidelity on the part of husbands and wives. There would be more love and peace and happiness in the homes of our people. There would come into the minds of the Latter-day Saints an increased awareness of their relationship to God our Eternal Father and of the need to work a little harder at the matter of living as sons and daughters of God.

While the temples are generally busy, there is not a temple in the entire Church that cannot accommodate many more than are now using these beautiful and dedicated facilities.

“People should go to the temple for the right reason, and that reason comes of conversion to the gospel and an acceptance of their responsibility to assist our Father in Heaven in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of his sons and daughters," said President Hinckley.
(News of the Church," Ensign, May 1984, 100)

Lessons from Laman and Lemuel

Elder Neal A. Maxwell

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

As his prophetic words have just demonstrated, we are so blessed to have President Hinckley!

Brothers and sisters, on very thin New HLINKs, thick with meaning, are some almost hidden scriptures. Hence we are urged to search, feast, and ponder (see John 5:39; Alma 14:1; Alma 33:2; Moro. 10:3; 2 Ne. 9:51). Especially, however, we should also do more of what Nephi did, namely “liken all scriptures unto [ourselves]" (1 Ne. 19:23).

Illustratively, words which we should so “liken" occur twice with regard to Laman and Lemuel, mistakenly regarded by some as merely “stick figures." Consider, therefore, how the applications of these next words go far beyond those two: “And thus Laman and Lemuel, … did murmur … because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them" (1 Ne. 2:12; see also Mosiah 10:14).

Failing to understand the “dealings" of the Lord with His children—meaning His relations with and treatment of His children—is very fundamental. Murmuring is but one of the symptoms, and not the only consequence either; in fact, brothers and sisters, this failure affects everything else!

To misread something so crucial constitutes a failure to know God, who then ends up being wrongly seen as unreachable, uninvolved, uncaring, and unable—a disabled and diminished Deity, really—about whose seeming limitations, ironically, some then quickly complain.

Early on, Laman rejected the role he should have played, and, instead, wanted to be “top dog in the manger," resenting all the while Nephi’s spiritual leadership. Lemuel was not only Laman’s dutiful satellite, but he was also his enabler by allowing himself to be “stirred up" by Laman (see 1 Ne. 16:37–38). If, instead, Laman had been fully isolated, certain outcomes could have been [New HLINK 7] very different. We have enablers in our society too. They allow themselves to be stirred up against that which is good. They are not entitled to a free pass any more than Lemuel. Like him, their comparative visibility is low, but their hypocrisy is high!

Exhortations given to Laman and Lemuel “were hard to be understood, save a man should inquire of the Lord; and they being hard in their hearts, therefore they did not look unto the Lord as they ought" (1 Ne. 15:3).

This failure to believe in a revealing God was especially basic. Some moderns who wish to distance themselves from God try placing His pavilion firmly in the past. By believing in such a disabled God, people can do pretty much as they please. It is then not many steps further to saying there is no God, therefore no law and no sin! (see 2 Ne. 2:13; see also Alma 30:28).

Like Laman and Lemuel, many today would consign God only to the past; He thereby ceases to be the constant God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow (see 2 Ne. 27:23). Actually, God has the past, present, and future ever before Him, constituting an “eternal ‘now’ " (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 220; see also D&C 130:7).

In short, Laman and Lemuel’s own lack of character kept them from understanding the perfect character of God! No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith said, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves" (Teachings, 343).

Laman and Lemuel did not realize either that a loving God will inevitably be a tutoring Father, who wants His children to be truly happy and to come home. Not understanding God’s “dealings" sufficiently, Laman and Lemuel missed the most important attribute of God’s character—His love! Thus their murmuring was a symptom of a pathetic pathology.

Laman and Lemuel likewise didn’t understand that the “dealings" of God included using prophets to warn people. The Lord had so called Lehi, but Laman and Lemuel were apparently embarrassed by their father’s unpopular role and by his stern challenge to Jerusalem’s then prevailing mentality.

Spiritually numbed, Laman and Lemuel felt that the people of Jerusalem were undeserving of prophetic criticisms leveled (see 1 Ne. 2:13). Yet a pervasive spiritual decline was actually under way, occurring, as often happens, “in the space of not many years" (Hel. 4:26). A parallel and trampling decline is being missed by so many today, too. Ironically, those engaged in such a lemming-like march to the sea are often proud of their own individualism! Advice is seen as an insult, and counsel as a contraction of their agency.

Fundamental, too, was Laman and Lemuel’s not understanding that a tutoring God may require difficult things of His children. The role of adversity is noted in this stern but inspired insight: “Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith" (Mosiah 23:21). Their sad expectation of ease was evident in their bristling over getting the plates from Laban, enduring the harsh wilderness, building a ship, and crossing a vast ocean (see 1 Ne. 3–4). Dulled and desensitized, Laman and Lemuel simply didn’t share Nephi’s confidence that the Lord would never command His children to do difficult things, except the Lord first prepares the way (see 1 Ne. 3:7).

Their enormous errors led to almost comical inconsistencies, such as Laman and Lemuel’s believing that God could handle mighty Pharaoh and great Egypt’s army at the Red Sea all right, but not a local Laban! How many in our time inconsistently subordinate themselves to, and curry favor with, mortal intimidators?

In the final division as between the Lamanites and the Nephites, note the spiritual boundary which preceded the geographical boundary: “I, Nephi, did take my family, … and all those who would go with me … who believed in the warnings and the revelations of God; wherefore, they did hearken unto my words" (2 Ne. 5:6).

Laman and Lemuel did not partake of the tree of life, which is the love of God (see 1 Ne. 11:25). The love of God for His children is most profoundly expressed in His gift of Jesus as our Redeemer: “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son" (John 3:16). To partake of the love of God is to partake of Jesus’ Atonement and the emancipations and joys which it can bring. Clearly, however, Laman and Lemuel did not have such faith—especially in a Christ yet to come! (see Jarom 1:11).

In contrast, Nephi, “had a great knowledge of the goodness … of God," hence Nephi’s firm declaration: “I know that [God] loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things" (1 Ne. 1:1; 1 Ne. 11:17). If we have a love of God and know His goodness, we will trust Him, even when we are puzzled or perplexed.

Thus Laman and Lemuel did not understand the relationship of mortals with God, and, worse still, they did not really want to understand. They sought to keep their distance from God. Furthermore, being intellectually lazy, they did not count their blessings, when gratitude could have lessened the distance. But it was never inventory time for Laman and Lemuel.

Laman and Lemuel also displayed little lasting spiritual curiosity. Once, true, they asked straightforward questions about the meaning of a vision of the tree, the river, and the rod of iron. Yet their questions were really more like trying to connect doctrinal dots rather than connecting themselves with God and His purposes for them. They certainly did not “liken" the answers to themselves (see 1 Ne. 19:23).

Their contrition never lasted very long, such as in the interval between the appearance of an angel and when Laman and Lemuel resumed murmuring (1 Ne. 3:31). Under duress, once they even superficially acknowledged that they “knew the Lord is with thee [Nephi]" but they soon became exceedingly “rude" in their behavior on the ship (see 1 Ne. 17:55; see also 1 Ne. 18:8, 9). Their periodic violence indicated their resentments weren’t merely abstract, intellectual differences.

Laman and Lemuel were intimidated by Laban’s power, but their fear of power merely showed the power of fear. Since “perfect love casteth out all fear," their limited capacity to love was thereby very evident (see Moro. 8:16; see also 1 Jn. 4:18). Though unprincipled, most sadly, they were unloving!

Hence, encrusted Laman and Lemuel seldom responded to the tenderness of others. They were strangers to empathy, that eternal attribute. When Lehi exhorted them with all the feeling of a tender or trembling parent, the effects were usually more resentment, evoking cruel responses to parents and siblings (see 1 Ne. 8:37). When Nephi displayed sorrow over their behavior, Laman and Lemuel were “glad" that he was sorry (see 1 Ne. 17:19). Admonitions were bad enough, but to have them come from Nephi!

Easily riled and quick to complain, they could scarcely remember their last rescue long enough to meet their next difficulty. Instead, lacking gospel perspective, the situational cares of the day, like worry over a broken bow, of all things, dominated the things of eternity. Ours, too, is a day of every-man-for-himself situational ethics, as if the Ten Commandments came from a focus group!

Upon arriving at both lands of Bountiful, did Laman and Lemuel really think that such good navigating was mere happenstance? Perhaps Nephi had merely “guessed right" (see Hel. 16:16). Their ingratitude for the Liahona raises the question: What did Laman and Lemuel really think of that remarkable instrument? Was it just a convenient gadget or merely standard equipment on every ship?

Ironically, many like Laman and Lemuel who are the first to demand signs are then the first to discount them. Some demand more miracles even while consuming a daily menu of manna and forgetting its remarkable Source.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, preferred to periodic miracles is having the Holy Ghost as a “constant companion" (see D&C 121:46). Ever to be remembered, however, is that the Holy Ghost, while a Comforter, is not an intruder!

Laman and Lemuel’s rejection of the prophets and the scriptures meant there could be no useful likening or rehearsals of remembrance and no freshening of personal revelation to them for their time. They simply did not understand that God’s ways are higher than man’s ways (see Isa. 55:9). They enjoyed intellectual “slumming" in their portable equivalent of the prideful “great and spacious building" (see 1 Ne. 8:26, 31).

Hence Laman and Lemuel became rebels instead of leaders, resentful instead of righteous—all because of their failure to understand either the character or the purposes of God and His dealings with His children.

As to their spiritual significance, Laman and Lemuel were sad ciphers. True, we could know more facts about them, but it would not change the “bottom line." If, in some respects, they seem to be undeveloped characters, it is because theirs was a haunting emptiness, which could have been filled by the “love of God." In vision, there was the forlorn scene when Lehi cast his eyes anxiously about, searching for Laman and Lemuel that “perhaps [he] might see them." Finally, Lehi saw them, “but they would not … partake of the fruit" (1 Ne. 8:17–18; see also 1 Ne. 11:25; 1 Ne. 8:35; 2 Ne. 5:20). Of all self-inflicted punishments, this eight-word epitaph describes the most awful and consequential!

Mercifully, brothers and sisters, the rich Restoration gives us added ways to understand the dealings of God with His children, including with each of us personally. We can partake of His love by applying Jesus’ glorious Atonement in order to become more like Him. By likening precious scriptures to ourselves we will hasten that precious process! May we so do, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

Neal A. Maxwell, “Lessons from Laman and Lemuel," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 8

Gospel Teaching
Elder Dallin H. Oaks
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A national author wrote a book about his greatest teacher. At the heart of this college teacher’s powerful impact on his student was the student’s conviction that this teacher really cared for him and wanted him to learn and do what would help him find happiness. The author concluded his tribute with this question: “Have you ever really had a teacher? One who saw you as a raw but precious thing, a jewel that, with wisdom, could be polished to a proud shine? If you are lucky enough to find your way to such teachers, you will always find your way back."

Every member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is, or will be, a teacher. Each of us has a vital interest in the content and effectiveness of gospel teaching. We want everyone to have great gospel teachers, and we want those teachers to help all of us find our way back, not just to them but to our Heavenly Father.

Our concern with gospel teaching is not limited to those who are called to teach in the priesthood quorums, in the Primary, Relief Society, Sunday School, Young Women, and in other assignments. In the Lord’s great plan of salvation there are no more important teachers than parents, who teach their children constantly by example and by precept. Each of us teaches those around us by example. Even children teach one another. Every missionary is a teacher. And every leader is a teacher. As President Hinckley taught many years ago, “Effective teaching is the very essence of leadership in the Church."

Gospel teaching is universal and important. Truly, “no greater responsibility can rest upon any [one of us] than to be a teacher of God’s children." 3 Our Savior’s occupation was that of a teacher. He was the Master Teacher, and He invites each of us to follow Him in that great service.

Several years ago the First Presidency challenged the Quorum of the Twelve to revitalize teaching in the Church. The Twelve, assisted by the Seventy, accepted that challenge. Now, after years of preparation, engaging the efforts of superb gospel teachers, scholars, writers, and others, the First Presidency has just sent a letter launching a Churchwide effort “to revitalize and improve teaching in the Church." This letter states, “This renewed emphasis is intended to improve gospel teaching in homes and in Church meetings and help nourish members with the good word of God."

We have just published a 10-New HLINK booklet, Improving Gospel Teaching: A Leader’s Guide. Copies are being distributed to all unit leaders and to every quorum and auxiliary officer in the Church. As it explains, our concern with “gospel teaching in the Church" includes parents’ everyday teachings in the home as well as the work of teachers in the quorums and auxiliaries.

This important effort to “revitalize and improve teaching in the Church" includes three elements. At the outset, it emphasizes leaders’ vital responsibilities to work to improve gospel teaching in their organizations. We want all leaders to encourage and help the teachers and learners over whom they preside.

Next, the effort initiates quarterly teacher improvement meetings for teachers of three different groups—children, youth, and adults—to “instruct and edify each other" (D&C 43:8) on principles, methods, and skills that will improve gospel teaching and learning.

Finally, a 12-lesson course on “Teaching the Gospel" will be taught at least once each year, generally during Sunday School. Its course material will be drawn from a new abbreviated and improved edition of Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource Guide for Gospel Teaching. This book is being distributed to all wards and branches in the Church.

We have also reissued the Teaching Guidebook for use in the home and for smaller and developing units that cannot staff the entire Church program.

II.

Some may wonder why we are making such an extensive effort to improve gospel teaching. Those who wonder must be blessed with superior teachers, and we have many of those in the Church. Others will understand why such an effort is needed and will pray for its success.

For many years I have sought to learn more about the nature and quality of teaching in the various quorums and auxiliaries of the Church. I have done this by dropping in unannounced on classes in various wards in different parts of the Church. By now I have visited hundreds of classes. I apologize if any of my visits has terrorized a teacher. My impression is that almost all of the teachers I have observed in these surprise visits have appreciated having a visitor who was there to learn and there to show appreciation for their efforts and concern for their students.

For the most part, what I have seen in these visits has been gratifying and reassuring. I have seen inspired teachers whose love for the gospel and their students was so evident that the effect of their teaching was positively electric. I have also seen thoughtful and respectful students, receptive to the message and hungry to learn.

Notwithstanding the great examples I have observed, I am convinced that in the Church as a whole—as with each of us individually—we can always do better. The challenge of progress is inherent in our Father in Heaven’s plan for His children. And in our sacred callings of gospel teaching, no effort is too good for the work of the Lord and the growth of His children.

III.

There are many different ways to teach, but all good teaching is based on certain fundamental principles. Without pretending to be exhaustive, I wish to identify and comment on six fundamental principles of gospel teaching.

The first is love. It has two manifestations. When we are called to teach, we should accept our calling and teach because of our love for God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. In addition, a gospel teacher should always teach with love for the students. We are taught that we should pray “with all the energy of heart, … [to] be filled with this love" (Moro. 7:48). Love of God and love of His children is the highest reason for service. Those who teach out of love will be magnified as instruments in the hands of Him whom they serve.

Second, a gospel teacher, like the Master we serve, will concentrate entirely on those being taught. His or her total concentration will be on the needs of the sheep—the good of the students. A gospel teacher does not focus on himself or herself. One who understands that principle will not look upon his or her calling as “giving or presenting a lesson," because that definition views teaching from the standpoint of the teacher, not the student.

Focusing on the needs of the students, a gospel teacher will never obscure their view of the Master by standing in the way or by shadowing the lesson with self-promotion or self-interest. This means that a gospel teacher must never indulge in priestcrafts, which are “that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world" (2 Ne. 26:29). A gospel teacher does not preach “to become popular" (Alma 1:3) or “for the sake of riches and honor" (Alma 1:16). He or she follows the marvelous Book of Mormon example in which “the preacher was no better than the hearer, neither was the teacher any better than the learner" (Alma 1:26). Both will always look to the Master.

Third, a superior teacher of the gospel will teach from the prescribed course material, with greatest emphasis on teaching the doctrine and principles and covenants of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is commanded in modern revelation, where the Lord said:

“Teachers of this church shall teach the principles of my gospel, which are in the Bible and the Book of Mormon, in the which is the fulness of the gospel.

“And they shall observe the covenants and church articles to do them, and these shall be their teachings, as they shall be directed by the Spirit" (D&C 42:12–13).

Teachers who are commanded to teach “the principles of [the] gospel" and “the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77) should generally forgo teaching specific rules or applications. For example, they would not teach any rules for determining what is a full tithing, and they would not provide a list of dos and don’ts for keeping the Sabbath day holy. Once a teacher has taught the doctrine and the associated principles from the scriptures and the living prophets, such specific applications or rules are generally the responsibility of individuals and families.

Well-taught doctrines and principles have a more powerful influence on behavior than rules. When we teach gospel doctrine and principles, we can qualify for the witness and guidance of the Spirit to reinforce our teaching, and we enlist the faith of our students in seeking the guidance of that same Spirit in applying those [New HLINK 80] teachings in their personal lives.

The subject being taught in the Melchizedek Priesthood quorums and Relief Societies of the Church during the second and third Sundays of each month is the Teachings of Presidents of the Church. During the last two years we have studied the teachings of President Brigham Young. For the next two years we will be studying the teachings of President Joseph F. Smith. The books containing these teachings, which are being given to every adult member of the Church as a permanent personal library resource, contain doctrine and principles. They are rich and relevant to the needs of our day, and they are superb for teaching and discussion.

As I have visited in quorums and Relief Societies, I have generally been pleased and impressed at how these Teachings of Presidents of the Church are being presented and received. However, I have sometimes observed teachers who gave the designated chapter no more than a casual mention and then presented a lesson and invited discussion on other materials of the teacher’s choice. That is not acceptable. A gospel teacher is not called to choose the subject of the lesson but to teach and discuss what has been specified. Gospel teachers should also be scrupulous to avoid hobby topics, personal speculations, and controversial subjects. The Lord’s revelations and the directions of His servants are clear on this point. We should all be mindful of President Spencer W. Kimball’s great instruction that a gospel teacher is a “guest":

“He has been given an authoritative position and a stamp of approval is placed upon him, and those whom he teaches are justified in assuming that, having been chosen and sustained in the proper order, he represents the Church and the things which he teaches are approved by the Church. No matter how brilliant he may be and how many new truths he may think he has found, he has no right to go beyond the program of the Church." 6

Fourth, a gospel teacher will prepare diligently and strive to use the most effective means of presenting the prescribed lessons. The new Teaching the Gospel course and the new teacher improvement meetings are obviously intended to assist teachers in this effort.

The fifth fundamental principle of gospel teaching I wish to stress is the Lord’s command, quoted earlier, that gospel teachers should “teach the principles of my gospel … as they shall be directed by the Spirit. … And if ye receive not the Spirit ye shall not teach" (D&C 42:12–14). It is a gospel teacher’s privilege and duty to seek that level of discipleship where his or her teachings will be directed and endorsed by the Spirit rather than being rigidly selected and prearranged for personal convenience or qualifications. The marvelous principles of “Gospel Teaching and Leadership" in the new Church Handbook of Instructions include the following:

“Teachers and class members should seek the Spirit during the lesson. A person may teach profound truths, and class members may engage in stimulating discussions, but unless the Spirit is present, these things will not be powerfully impressed upon the soul. …

“When the Spirit is present in gospel teaching, ‘the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth [the message] unto the hearts of the children of men’ (2 Ne. 33:1)." 7

President Hinckley stated an important corollary to the command to teach by the Spirit when he issued this challenge:

“We must … get our teachers to speak out of their hearts rather than out of their books, to communicate their love for the Lord and this precious work, and somehow it will catch fire in the hearts of those they teach." 8

That is our objective—to have love of God and commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ “catch fire" in the hearts of those we teach.

That leads to the sixth and final principle I will discuss. A gospel teacher is concerned with the results of his or her teaching, and such a teacher will measure the success of teaching and testifying by its impact on the lives of the learners. 9 A gospel teacher will never be satisfied with just delivering a message or preaching a sermon. A superior gospel teacher wants to assist in the Lord’s work to bring eternal life to His children.

President Harold B. Lee said: “The calling of the gospel teacher is one of the noblest in the world. The good teacher can make all the difference in inspiring boys and girls and men and women to change their lives and fulfill their highest destiny. The importance of the teacher has been beautifully described by Daniel Webster when he said, ‘If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work upon brass, time will efface it; but if we work upon immortal minds, if we imbue them with principles and the just fear of God and love of our fellowman, we engrave upon those tablets something that will brighten through all eternity.’ "

I testify that this is God’s work, and that we are His servants with the sacred responsibility of teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, the greatest message of all time. We need more teachers to match that message. I pray that we will all become superior gospel teachers, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.
(Dallin H. Oaks, “Gospel Teaching," Ensign, Nov. 1999, 80)