Live by Faith and Not by Fear

My thoughts on Elder Cook's talk "Live by Faith and Not by Fear"

I love the image of a wise man raising his arms up to find fresh water. Are there not wise men all around us with their aims raised in the work of the gospel pointing us to not just fresh water but Living Water?

I can testify that we may not like a gospel principle but when we live it fully we in turn gain a testimony of it. Most any young person can test that principle on tithing. I watched that time and time again when I was a young girl and am right now testing it out.

What great council:
1. Follow the prophet.
2. Create the true spirit of the gospel in our hearts and homes.
3. Be a light to those among whom we live.
4. Focus on the ordinances and principles taught in the temple.
I think that about covers it. Although I would add one more: love one another. Maybe I need that one added after the week I’ve lived through.

Missionary work. I’ve always received a pang in my heart when they talk about missionary work because I really don’t associate with many non members. I don’t belong to PTSA, or another other community group where I’m interacting with non-member adults. I was quite troubled by this some time back and had this little piece of personal revelation. My missionary work is not to convert others at this moment in time. My missionary work it to prepare 5, maybe6, missionaries to serve worthily when they are 19 (or 21). When that is done, then I may look towards other things. Once that revelation was given to me, I relaxed and was able to see that my example speaks when I’m around the few non-member adults I come in contact with. I now no longer fear this command, but understand my part in it and can love it now.

To fulfill that revelation we are going to use “Preach my Gospel” when we are finished with the Book of Mormon as our scriptures as I have a 16 year old to prepare for a mission (and four others who will follow in all too quick a fashion).

Many times I do obey out of fear, but once you live the principle or command, that fear is quickly replaced with love. You then have no problem following because you love the Lord and love his gospel.