Arthur's Court
Live by Faith and Not by Fear
Elder Quentin L. Cook
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
“When we choose to follow Christ in faith rather than choosing another path out of fear, we are blessed with a consequence that is consistent with our choice (see D&C 6:34-36).”
Recently in my life I’ve been identifying fears that are keeping me from really diving into life and experiencing and enjoying all that it has to offer. It’s amazing how much fear is behind each one of my bad habits, my disobedience and my short comings. But it’s equally amazing just how much love there is that heaven offers to me on a daily basis. It is as if multitudes of angels sit waiting to help me, to bless me, to guide me and all I need do is ask to see it!
I’ve seen the doubt and hopelessness that comes from living in fear. I’ve also seen the confidence, hope, peace and love that comes from sharing love with others and in serving my fellow man.
There are so many things to fear in this life: “This person won’t like me if I tell them about the gospel.” “I won’t ever graduate.” “I won’t ever get married.” “I’ll never heal from this emotional pain.” “I’ll never be loved.”
But there are so many things to love! All the people in my life are such beautiful people. I only wish that there were enough time in the day to spend ample time with ALL those I’ve come to love. People, nature, music, learning…I am grateful for so many things!
Lastly, on my cruise I realized that sharing the gospel holds special treasures that can come from nearly no other source. As I thought today about the people that I met on the cruise and of ways to share my testimony with them I felt the sweet peace that only the Spirit of God can bring.
I know that God showers us with his love and that through the very personal atonement my Savior made for me I am able to have faith in the goodness of mankind. I am able to look ahead, put my fears behind and become all that I know I can be and more.
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One Response to Live by Faith and Not by Fear
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I’ve also noticed that fear often lies behind my disobedience, shortcomings, etc… Fear really holds us back from progressing. And I agree love is a key to cast away our fear. When I show my love to the people around me or express my gratitude for all the wonders of this life, my fears fade away.
I like how you ended your thoughts with Christ’s Atonement. Understanding the atonement hasn’t always been easy for me, I always believed that He took the sins, would help, comfort and secure other people, but I had a hard time to believe he would do it for me, because I’m nothing special and I make too many mistakes. But the fact is that he stretches his hand to each one of us. And when we understand this faith will take the place of fear.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it gave me things to think about during the week…