Thought of the Sunday 15

As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I recently enjoyed watching General Conference.  It happens every six months and we get to hear words of advice, counsel and encouragement from the Apostles and other leaders of the church.  It is very exciting.  One talk I really enjoyed was by Elder David A Bednar, who is an Apostle.  He spoke about fear of man and fear of God.  He said that "fear is dispelled through a correct knowledge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."  He also told us that we can hush our own worldly fears by relying on Christ who is the only source of enduring peace: that peace allows an eternal perspective. 

For example, if I'm afraid that my husband might lose his job it would help to have the peace of Christ which guides me to look beyond the here and now into eternity.  If we are obedient then our Heavenly Father will provide a way through all trials; we might just have to suffer a little first to find a little more faith before the trial is over.

Elder Bednar gave us three suggestions to overcoming this mortal fear when it creeps into our lives.

1)  Look to Christ: have your focus fixed on Him and don't get distracted by the things around you.
2)  Build upon the foundation of Christ: "firmly establish our desires and deeds upon the sure foundation of the Savior through our ordinances and covenants."
3)  Press forward with faith in Christ: we need to resolutely endure the things that happen and press forward with fortitude.

He also mentioned godly fear which is more like respect and awe.  He said, "Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him."

As I focus more on Christ and keep myself from being distracted by the not-so-good things in the world, I know that my faith will increase and that faith will dispel any irrational fears I may have.  Asking myself, 'will this affect my eternal salvation?' is a great indicator to me about my fears and where they really come from.