Alma 32

FORMULA FOR LIFE

Alma 32 is one of those "formula" type chapters for me. There are some real gems for principles within this chapter. My favorite principle is when Alma says, "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore, if ye have faith, ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true."

Alma explains that even if we can only have a desire to believe, then if we allow that desire to work within us through experimenting on that desire, we will then know whether it is good or bad. He explains that if it is good, it will expand and grow within us, and we will know that is good. As we do this, we begin to build our testimonies; however, we have only begun. We must be willing to continue experimenting, which will continue to build our testimonies. And herein lies the formula: Working at our Testimonies + Endurance = Eternal Life. For as Alma explains, "If ye will nourish the word, yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life" (Alma 32:41). So, as we work our testimonies, by studying the word (the iron rod...as Nephi described it) and enduring to the end--we shall be led to eternal life. For the tree in which it speaks is the tree of life, and as we learned from Nephi, it leads to life eternal.

Alma's formula is exactly what we need for our day. It is our answer on how to remain steadfast. As I look around, I feel that there are many voices pulling us away from the principles of the Gospel. There are many who have fallen from these principles already: We must hold on to our testimonies in order to remain strong, and the only way to do that is by studying the scriptures.

I once wrote a talk about this idea of faith, and this is what I wrote:

We are taught more fully about our foundations of faith through Alma. He also spoke of the importance of the word of God; however, rather than likening the word to an iron rod—he likened the word to a seed which is planted in the heart. He states that if we will no more “than desire to believe”, the seed or the word will begin to sprout and grow. And as it beginneth to grow, we will know that “the word has enlarged our souls, and our understanding will be enlightened, and our minds will expand.” (Alma 32:34)  Alma states that continued nourishment and patience will cause the seed to grow into the tree of life —“a tree springing forth into everlasting life.” (Alma 32: 26-42) As we continue to study the scriptures, our foundations of faith will grow, and our knowledge will expand.

President Boyd K. Packer said, “True doctrine understood, changes attitudes and behavior…the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior.”

I have an elder brother who until just recently has not been interested in many of the lasting joys that accompany membership in our church. However, slowly his disinterest turned to interest, and a few weeks ago my dear brother and his beautiful wife were sealed in the temple with their two children. I can’t begin to express the feelings that accompanied this marvelous event. It truly was a sacred moment in our family. After the sealing, I asked my sister-in-law what it was that made the difference for her and her family. She said that it started with a simple goal—a baby step.  As a family they made a goal to read the Book of Mormon in a year. She said that at times it was difficult. She remembers many mornings when no one wanted to rise for early morning scripture study, but through perseverance day by day this baby step turned into something more than a simple goal. The seed planted by the word of God, began to enlarge their souls, and by the end of the year my brother received the priesthood, and he and his wife were sealed in the temple for time and all eternity. My sister-in-law said that without scripture study, they would not have made their covenants in the temple. By studying the scriptures, their foundation of faith, and their testimony of truth was strengthened through the Lord.  As we study our scriptures, we too will be building a foundation of faith. President Monson said, that as we establish a firm foundation for our lives, we are given a precious promise:

Fear not I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
(“How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, no. 85)