Area Leadership Message
Embracing Our Divine Heritage
In the quiet moments of reflection, we often ponder on the purpose of our journey on earth. The scriptures offer a profound answer to this contemplation, especially within the pages of Alma 36–63 and Helaman 1–6. These passages illuminate a core doctrinal theme that resonates deeply with our souls: as I exercise faith in Jesus Christ, He will bless me with His power.
The power of faith: Faith in Jesus Christ is more than mere belief; it is an active trust that propels us forward, even amidst uncertainty. It “is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). As we exercise this faith, we unlock a divine power that can transform our lives. This power is not just for overcoming trials but for enabling us to do good, to become who we are meant to be—children of God with an eternal destiny.
Alma 36–63 and Helaman 1–6, offer a wealth of insights into a core doctrinal theme: the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ. As we strive to navigate the complexities of life, this principle will help us to recognize Jesus Christ as the guiding light, empowering us to overcome challenges and achieve our full potential.
Every individual on this earth is a child of God, endowed with divine potential. Recognizing this truth changes how we see ourselves and others. It fosters a sense of unity and purpose, knowing that we are all part of a greater plan. As members of the Church, supporting one another in this recognition is crucial. It is through this support that we can collectively embrace our divine heritage and help each other along the covenant path of faith in Jesus Christ and His everlasting gospel.
The book of Alma beautifully illustrates the profound impact of faith. In Alma 36, Alma the Younger, having experienced a dramatic conversion, shares his powerful testimony with the Zoramites. He emphasizes the transformative nature of faith in Jesus Christ. Moroni later taught, “It is by faith that miracles are wrought” (Alma 37:16). This verse underscores the connection between faith and divine intervention. When we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, we open ourselves to the miraculous workings of His power in our lives.
President Russell M. Nelson, in a general conference address titled “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” reinforces this eternal truth: “In the same way, the Lord will bless you with miracles if you believe in Him, ‘doubting nothing.’ Do the spiritual work to seek miracles. Prayerfully ask God to help you exercise that kind of faith. I promise that you can experience for yourself that Jesus Christ ‘giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.’ Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”
President Nelson’s words are the words of God, we can each experience multifaceted blessings that flow from genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
Faith, however, is not a passive state. The scriptures and the words of modern prophets make it clear that faith requires action. In Alma 56, we encounter the inspiring story of the 2,000 stripling warriors. These young men, armed with unwavering faith, volunteered to defend their freedom. Their remarkable success, as recounted in Alma 57 and 58, stands as a testament to the power of faith coupled with righteous action.
In his address during the October 2020 general conference, President Nelson spoke directly to the challenges of our times and the power of faith. He said, “My dear sisters, let us not just endure this current season. Let us embrace the future with faith! Turbulent times are opportunities for us to thrive spiritually. They are times when our influence can be much more penetrating than in calmer times.
“I promise that as we create places of security, prepare our minds to be faithful to God, and never stop preparing, God will bless us. He will ‘deliver us; yea, insomuch that he [will] speak peace to our souls, and [will] grant unto us great faith, and . . . cause us that we [can] hope for our deliverance in him.’”
This profound statement encourages individuals to view difficult periods not merely as obstacles but as unique opportunities for spiritual growth and increased influence. By creating secure environments and continually preparing our minds to be faithful, we invite divine blessings and peace into our lives. President Nelson’s promise reassures us that through our faith and actions, we can look forward to deliverance and hope, anchored in the power of Jesus Christ.
As we cultivate faith in the Savior, we gain a deeper understanding of our own divine heritage. In the April 2008 general conference, President Nelson delivered a profound message entitled “Salvation and Exaltation,” where he clarified the concept of salvation. He stated, “To be saved—or to gain salvation—means to be saved from physical and spiritual death. Because of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, all people will be resurrected and saved from physical death. People may also be saved from individual spiritual death through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, by their faith in Him, by living in obedience to the laws and ordinances of His gospel, and by serving Him.”
This quote encapsulates the dual aspect of salvation offered through Jesus Christ: universal resurrection from physical death and the individual opportunity for spiritual salvation. It emphasizes that while the Resurrection ensures physical salvation for all, spiritual salvation is a personal journey of faith, obedience, and service. President Nelson’s words invite us to reflect on the comprehensive nature of the Savior’s Atonement and its application in our daily lives. This understanding fosters a sense of self-worth and empowers us to reach our full potential as children of God.
As we exercise faith, we open ourselves to miracles, experience inner peace, and find the strength to overcome challenges. We are not left to navigate this journey alone. By aligning our actions with our faith and recognizing our divine potential as children of God, we can access the empowering influence of the Savior in our lives. I bear my solemn witness that Jesus Christ is the author and finisher of our faith and faith in Jesus Christ will ultimately bring us back to Heavenly Father’s presence.