Using the Articles of Faith

By Michaelene P. Grassli,

Primary general president (1988–1994)

(Adapted from an article in Church News, week ending December 12, 1992, page 5.)

Learn wisdom in thy youth (Alma 37:35).

A taxicab driver in Washington, D.C., displayed a picture of his two children on the sun visor in front of him. “They are beautiful children,” I said. “You must love them very much to carry their photos in your cab. I have children, too, and grandchildren, and I miss them when I’m away from them.”

“Why are you away?”

“I’m here for Church meetings. Are you a religious man?”

“Yes, ma’am. I am a Christian.”

“So am I! That’s wonderful!” I said. “You and I are alike in two ways—we both love our children, and we both are Christian.”

“Ma’am, do you believe in the Holy Spirit?” he asked.

“I do. I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

He looked puzzled.

“Have you heard of the Mormons?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“That’s another name for our Church,” I explained. “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

That started a discussion based on the first five articles of faith. The fifth article of faith led to our talking about the authority and power to seal families forever. This interested him—he had seen the beautiful Washington Temple.

I asked him if he’d like to know more. He said that he would, and he agreed to listen to the missionaries. I had him write his name and address for me, and as soon as I reached my hotel, I telephoned the mission office and gave his name to the elder who answered.

The Articles of Faith are a good way for us to share the gospel. While they don’t tell all of our beliefs, they were written by a prophet of God, Joseph Smith, and they are scripture. They have stood the test of time as a way to help us understand and tell others what we believe. But learning the Articles of Faith is only worthwhile to us as we let them be part of our lives. They are words and beliefs to plant firmly in our hearts and minds and actions.

Illustrated by Mark Robison