Recently the Church published a fantastic resource found in the Gospel Library to help individuals in a faith struggle, Seeking Answers to Questions and Helping Others with Questions.
There’s a lot of great advice and direction there and I would encourage you to spend time with it.
As I was reading it, it made me think of the newsletter I shared a few weeks ago about how struggles with faith are not always based on the lack of answers related to Church history or doctrine, but a lot of the time an individual is struggling to get the gospel working for them.
The gospel promises peace, joy, easing of burdens, a relationship with God, and strength, just to mention a few.
However, some people struggle to find that relief.
This made me wonder what I would write if I were organizing a section of the Gospel Library about how to get the gospel working for individuals.
Maybe I can expand on these points in future newsletters, but here is a section heading for each one with a brief summary.
Proactively Surrender Your Life to God
Many times we hold on to relationships, conditions, and habits in life that help us cope with life’s struggles. This doesn’t only include sin. Many of these items can appear righteous but may be holding us back from future personal growth and dependence on God and Jesus Christ. Explore what more you can surrender to God.
References: Galatians 2:20, Alma 22:18, Sacrifice (Bible Dictionary), Priests (Bible Dictionary)
Understand Your Divine Identity
It’s easy to lose our identity in the behaviors of a gospel life. You may be too focused on if you are doing enough and not focused enough on the identity God has endowed you with. Consider surrendering all behaviors that have become too rote, and rebuild faith and behaviors on a foundation of understanding the identity of Jesus Christ and the identity He has endowed you with.
References: 2 Cor. 5:17, Act 3:25, Matt. 21:10, John 17:23, 1 Samuel 16:7
Be Still & Take Bold Steps of Faith
Invite a level of stillness in your life, whether this be through times of quiet prayer or meditation. Seek directly on all minor and major steps in your life and act in faith even if you aren’t sure of the exact direction. As you do this, expect miracles and witnesses of the hand of God in your life.
References: “[We} receive more faith by doing something that requires more faith.” -Pres. Nelson, Ether 12:12, Mark 9: 14-27, Alma 32:27
Surround Yourself in Community
Surround yourself with other individuals who you find inspiring and full of faith. Don’t ask for advice but rather a listening ear as you articulate the journey you are on. Invite them to pray over you daily as you are on this journey of igniting the light of Christ in your life. Seek strength, love, and acceptance from this group.
References: Genesis 2:18, Mark 2:3, Luke 22:32, Doctrine & Covenants 108:7
I am sure there are more sections to consider but this is what initially came to mind.
What principles would you add to this list if someone were striving to get the gospel to work for them?
It’s tempting to default to a list of behaviors like, “read more scripture, attend the temple, serve others, etc.”
These behaviors may be important but are too focused on application.
What principles could someone follow in order to get the gospel working for them?
I’m excited to learn from you as well.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
P.S. This is an older newsletter message. Get the up-to-date message weekly by subscribing for free HERE. Discuss this message with the Leading Saints community HERE.
