Recently, I was studying for a lesson that I was to teach about faith. Most of my studies provide me with a bunch of information for me, which I somehow manage to convert into child speak and understanding. Currently in the Church, I teach children ranging in ages from 3 - 12. But I believe that the better I understand something, the easier it is to teach in a way that others might understand. I want to share what I learned in my recent study about faith.
Faith is a "hope for things which are not seen, which are true." (Alma 32:21, Hebrews 11:1) However, the way hope is used here is not the same way we use hope now. This hope has a level of certainty behind it, not "I hope my friend comes over." or "I hope I pass the test." This hope is something we truly believe in and something that we really want to happen so much that we use faith and do whatever it takes to obtain or achieve the thing we hope for.
A recent example. Once a year, the children ages 3-12 present a program in the Church and share what they have learned or things they were taught over the course of the year. It includes speaking parts and songs. Being one of the leaders of the children's group for our congregation, I was in charge of this program. One week before, we had our first run through practice with all the kids, their speaking parts, and the songs. The nicest way to describe it is chaotic. Over the next week, we bribed the kids to memorize their parts and held another practice the Saturday before the performance. This one was slightly better although we had just feed the kids pizza and allowed them to run around while everyone finished eating. I can say with this practice, at least the kids had their parts memorized and half of them sang the songs.
At this point, the other leaders and I had done what we could to prepare. We hoped things would work out but with kids, you never know. We had to trust that since we had worked to prepare and that we had seen other program work out in the past, our would too and the audience would be able to feel and understand the ideas presented in the program. I can tell you, somehow and I don't know how, the program went wonderful.
This is a small example of faith and an easier example of how to show faith. Many times we are asked to do things that are seemingly harder than we can handle. We have to remember that what may be hard for you may be easier for someone else, based on your talents, abilities, and past experiences.
I have faith that this life can be amazing even with its challenges and difficulties. I have faith that although this life may be hard, there is a life after we die that will more than make up for what we go through. So what do I do with my faith? I work hard to make sure life is amazing even with its challenges and then hope that amazing things happen. I work hard to follow what I believe will make the next life wonderful and hope that it will be enough for me to enjoy. Like all things, my faith will be tried and tested. Just because I want it won't make it so. Sometimes this amazing life hurts and I stumble but doesn't one bad moment, memory or choice make the rest of life not amazing? That's where faith is.
A recent example. Once a year, the children ages 3-12 present a program in the Church and share what they have learned or things they were taught over the course of the year. It includes speaking parts and songs. Being one of the leaders of the children's group for our congregation, I was in charge of this program. One week before, we had our first run through practice with all the kids, their speaking parts, and the songs. The nicest way to describe it is chaotic. Over the next week, we bribed the kids to memorize their parts and held another practice the Saturday before the performance. This one was slightly better although we had just feed the kids pizza and allowed them to run around while everyone finished eating. I can say with this practice, at least the kids had their parts memorized and half of them sang the songs.
At this point, the other leaders and I had done what we could to prepare. We hoped things would work out but with kids, you never know. We had to trust that since we had worked to prepare and that we had seen other program work out in the past, our would too and the audience would be able to feel and understand the ideas presented in the program. I can tell you, somehow and I don't know how, the program went wonderful.
This is a small example of faith and an easier example of how to show faith. Many times we are asked to do things that are seemingly harder than we can handle. We have to remember that what may be hard for you may be easier for someone else, based on your talents, abilities, and past experiences.
I have faith that this life can be amazing even with its challenges and difficulties. I have faith that although this life may be hard, there is a life after we die that will more than make up for what we go through. So what do I do with my faith? I work hard to make sure life is amazing even with its challenges and then hope that amazing things happen. I work hard to follow what I believe will make the next life wonderful and hope that it will be enough for me to enjoy. Like all things, my faith will be tried and tested. Just because I want it won't make it so. Sometimes this amazing life hurts and I stumble but doesn't one bad moment, memory or choice make the rest of life not amazing? That's where faith is.
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This blog is my sincere attempt to help create an understanding. I will not post nor will I tolerate blatantly rude or biting remarks. Contention does not promote understanding. I ask that you only comment if you are trying to add insight, clarification, seek additional information, and the like.