Be Sound to the faith.

In his letter to Elder Titus Paul speaks of being sound to the faith. Being I would say, solid, concrete having a sure knowledge of the nature of God and believing that which is from God. We should ask ourselves how solid is our faith? It is a question each of us must answer for ourselves for we are the only one who can increase our faith. We can teach another all we want but until they are receptive and willing to receive instructions, guidance and direction it does little good.

I have often thought that the gospel has layers. The first layer is believing, study and finally knowledge. Upon that solid foundation we then are able to build and build layer upon layer until perhaps like Elijah we are ready to be translated. I am a long way from that but I wonder if this is not how we build our mansions in heaven. It is something that came to me just now. The scriptures do speak of building on a firm foundation, or a rock. Whether I have a shack in heaven or a mansion apparently depends upon what I do here. It’s something to think about… briefly because the reason we pray, or study or do good makes all the difference in our reward

Are we "Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

In Paul’s second letter to Bishop Timothy he talks about perilous times in the last days. “For men shall be lovers of their own selves…lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God…” (2 Timothy 3:1 – 8)  I love it where he says, “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

We as mankind think we are so smart. We study science, medicine, humanities, and many, many things about the world we live in, but we know nothing until we recognize God’s hand in all these things.

The addict does not recover until he/she recognizes a higher power greater than their own. We in our puny attempts to do good go about trying to saving mankind in our humanitarian efforts only to learn that it is the master that save us after all we can do.    

The Picture of the One Legged Man

They have changed it now, but when I worked in the Provo Temple back in 2001 a life sized painting hung in the stairwell that led to the worker’s dressing room. The picture entitled “The Adulation of Matthew,” by Jacob Chimenti portrays Matthew and Christ at the receipt of customs where the Lord called Matthew to follow him. They are not alone, but the adoring look Matthew bestows on his Lord is the focal point of the painting.

I dubbed this pleasant scene “The Picture of the One Legged Man,” because I did not see Matthew’s left foot. I was certain that he had two feet, and it was truly insignificant that I couldn’t find both of them. Yet, twice a week for over a year, as I descended the stairs, I paused for a few moments to search for the missing appendage.

One day, when I was running late I hurried down the stairs not intending to stop, but I could not resist a quick glance. In that second I saw Matthew’s left foot poised on a step behind him. In the past I had not lifted my eyes to see the total picture, but had limited my vision by what was familiar, and logical to me. In so doing I had missed the symbolism of Matthew stepping down from worldly work for the love of Christ – a very important detail.

Only when we are open to the Spirit and willing to look beyond the obvious can more be revealed to us. On the day I found Matthew’s other shoe I did not anticipate revelation. Likewise, there is no way anyone might know when enlightenment on a higher level might come – if we are ready to receive it.        

This life is for our learning and what school does not require a test?

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold of eternal life…”  (1 Timothy 6:12) Paul tells Bishop Timothy in his closing remarks of his first letter. He further counsels him to teach the people the same “…Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation, against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Timothy 6:19)

It seems to me that in my life I have periods when I am honored to study, ponder and pray which strengthens me in the gospel. Such periods are followed invariably by test of my faith. This life is for our learning and what school does not require a test? So it is with life. We are called upon to put to use and test the principles we have learned in theory. I have had a glorious time this last year immersing in the study of the New Testament, which I have shared with you on line if it pleased me. In the not so distant future the test will come and I will be called upon to put to use my faith. There will be fewer posts, but I will try to at least post a scripture daily that you might also be encouraged.          

Some shall depart from the faith.

Can you imagine what it would be like to have lived when Jesus was on the earth and to have walked and talked with him? You of course would have recognized him as the Christ, the Savior of whom the old scriptures spoke.  Some did not of course and crucified him. Paul speaking to Bishop Timothy tells him that “in latter times some shall depart from the faith.” (1 Timothy 4:1)

Maybe Paul was speaking of the dark ages to come but I think he was also speaking of his time, of the time to come and of our time. I think he was simply telling Bishop Timothy what to expect. We are after all mortals and we fall and get up or stay down. What I’m saying is that we can expect this departure and renewal of faith to constantly go on in our lives and in the lives of our children and loved ones. That is why Christ atoned for us.

How do we use the law?

“The law is good if a man use it lawfully.” (1Timothy 1:8)

Timothy is a pastor of one of the churches. Paul the apostle is concerned that true doctrine be taught and speaks of “charity, out of a pure heart, and of good conscience and of faith unfeigned.”  (l Timothy 1:8) and then he says the law is good if used correctly.  May it ever be so with each of us.