This topic has come up a lot for me this last week and the question for me has been why is that one of the first principles of the gospel? (See Articles of Faith 1:4).
First, what is faith? Well, Alma gives us a pretty good definition. Chapter 32 is wonderful to give us a foundation on how to build faith. We must give place for the seed, and if it be a good seed, it will grow. (v. 26-31)
Faith is a verb. In James 2:17-18 states: "Even so afaith, if it hath not bworks, is dead, being alone.
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my afaith by my bworks."
We see examples of faith throughout the Bible and the Book of Mormon. Abraham had faith in offering his only son, Isaac. Nephi had faith in building a ship to take his family across the water. Abinadi had faith to share the gospel. Joseph Smith had faith to pray. Faith is a principle of action and it is really neat to see it in action.
When I think of faith, I think of something that is contantly changing. It can grow, and it can shrink. When we exercise faith in something good we see the good fruit that comes of it. For example, if we exercise faith in prayer we can receive spiritual witnesses from God that He is there, that He is listening, and that He wants to bless us. As we exercise faith to read the scriptures we can receive answers to our prayers as well as increased knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As our knowledge about Jesus Christ increases, our faith in Him and His Atonement also increases.
One might argue, how can you really have faith? Alma say we have faith in things "which are true." How can we know if something is true? Easy, we have to give place. This presents a lot of controversy though. Where do we draw the line? Do we allow every single possible thought to give place and see which ones are good? This type of thinking is flawed, because there are so many different things to give place for, where do you even start?
Let me create an analogy that may help this make more sense. The left end of the diagram represents all of the things we can have faith in. Faith in money, faith in people, faith in scriptures, faith in family, faith in Jesus Christ. If we use the definition of Alma, we need to have faith in good things in order for faith to grow. As we exercise faith in good things we are able to see more clearly what things are good. For example, if we have faith in Jesus Christ and we see that's a good thing and we exercise it, we can see that having faith in His teachings is also good, while having faith in the wealth of the world may not be such a good thing.
You still with me? We have to start broad. We must exercise faith in Jesus Christ. That truly is the first step. We must come to understand that His teachings and His example really are good and true, that it is through Him we can find happiness. When we have exercised faith in Him our faith is stronger and we have the courage to narrow in a little more and have faith in His teachings, faith in His prophets, etc.
This may have answered questions, or it may have created more, but I would just like to add that I know that faith is the first principle of the gospel for a reason. We have to exercise faith to do something. If we don't have faith, meaning a willingness to act on things we believe are right, then our faith can't grow.
The Bible Dictionary states: "Faith is to hope for things which are not seen, but which are true (Heb. 11:1; Alma 32:21), and must be centered in Jesus Christ in order to produce salvation." I know this is true. If you don't know where to start, start with Jesus Christ. Pray to know if He is your Savior. Study the scriptures, learn for yourself. The Spirit will testify to your heart. You will feel happy. You will want to know more. You will want to ACT. Once you know that much, learn His teachings, and continue to let your faith grow.
I know Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I know His gospel brings true happiness. I am so grateful for the gospel in my life and I want everyone to know the good news. Give place for the seed!
