“Answers to My Questions,” New Era, May 2015, 12–15
Answers to My Questions
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young woman
What if I feel like everything I’m doing isn’t helping to strengthen my faith and testimony?
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L. Whitney Clayton
“Sometimes progress in spiritual things can seem slow or intermittent. Sometimes we may feel that we have lost ground, that we have made mistakes, or that our best efforts to find the Savior are not working. If you feel this way, please do not give up—ever. Go right on believing in Him and in His gospel and His Church. Align your actions with that belief. In those moments when the light of your faith has dimmed, let your hope for the Savior’s love and grace, found in His gospel and His Church, overcome your doubt. I promise that He stands ready to receive you. Over time you will come to see that you have made the best choice you could possibly have made. Your courageous decision to believe in Him will bless you immeasurably and forever.”
Elder L. Whitney Clayton of the Presidency of the Seventy
How are fast offerings used?
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Henry B. Eyring
“Some of what you give [through your bishop or branch president] will be used to help those around you, perhaps someone in your own family. The Lord’s servants will pray and fast for the revelation to know whom to help and what help to give. That which is not needed to help people in your local Church unit will become available to bless other Church members across the world who are in need.”
President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency
Why are we told to fear the Lord? Doesn’t He love us?
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David A. Bednar
“Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.
“But how can anything associated with fear be edifying or spiritually helpful?
“… Righteous fear … encompasses a deep feeling of reverence, respect, and awe for the Lord Jesus Christ (see Psalm 33:8; 96:4), obedience to His commandments (see Deuteronomy 5:29; 8:6; 10:12; 13:4; Psalm 112:1), and anticipation of the Final Judgment and justice at His hand.”
Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
If this life is a test, then what are we really being tested on?
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D. Todd Christofferson
“By our choices we would demonstrate to God (and to ourselves) our commitment and capacity to live His celestial law while outside His presence and in a physical body with all its powers, appetites, and passions.
“[•] Could we bridle the flesh so that it became the instrument rather than the master of the spirit?
“[•] Could we be trusted both in time and eternity with godly powers, including power to create life?
“[•] Would we individually overcome evil?
“Those who did would ‘have glory added upon their heads for ever and ever’—a very significant aspect of that glory being a resurrected, immortal, and glorified physical body [Abraham 3:26].”
Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
How do I resolve any questions about the Church?
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Quentin L. Cook
“We recognize that some members have questions and concerns as they seek to strengthen their faith and testimonies. … At the same time, those with concerns should do everything they can to build their own faith and testimony. Patiently and humbly studying, pondering, praying, living gospel principles, and counseling with appropriate leaders are the best ways to resolve questions or concerns.”
Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Which activities are appropriate for the Sabbath?
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Russell M. Nelson
“How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father. With that understanding, I no longer needed lists of dos and don’ts. When I had to make a decision whether or not an activity was appropriate for the Sabbath, I simply asked myself, ‘What sign do I want to give to God?’ That question made my choices about the Sabbath day crystal clear.”
Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
What should I do if a family member has left the Church?
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Brent H. Neilson
“Some of you, like [my] family, have family members who have temporarily lost their way. The Savior’s instruction to all who have 100 sheep is to leave the ninety and nine and go after and rescue the one. His instruction to those who have 10 pieces of silver and lose one is to search until you find it. When the lost one is your son or your daughter, your brother or your sister, and he or she has chosen to leave, we learned in our family that, after all we can do, we love that person with all of our hearts and we watch, we pray, and we wait for the Lord’s hand to be revealed.”
Elder Brent H. Nielson of the Seventy
How can I find joy during hard times?
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José A. Teixeira
“The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ in our lives, the more conscious we become of our purpose here in mortality, which is to have joy. That joy, however, does not preclude us from experiencing trials and difficulties, even some so great and complex that they may lead us to think that happiness is not possible in such circumstances.
“… Ultimately, these tribulations often enrich, refine, and guide us to a deeper understanding of the purpose of our existence here in mortality and of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Indeed, the fulness of joy can only be achieved through Jesus Christ. …
“I believe that as we deepen our understanding of the Savior, we will have an increased desire to live joyfully and a conviction that joy is possible. Consequently, we will have a greater ability to go about each day with more enthusiasm for life and for keeping the commandments of God, even in challenging circumstances.”
Elder José A. Teixeira of the Seventy
We’re supposed to defend religious freedom. What exactly is it that we should be defending?
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Robert D. Hales
“There are four cornerstones of religious freedom that we as Latter-day Saints must rely upon and protect.
“[1.] Freedom to believe. No one should be criticized, persecuted, or attacked by individuals, or governments either, for what he or she believes about God. …
“[2.] Freedom to share our faith and our beliefs with others. … As parents, full-time missionaries, and member missionaries, we rely on religious freedom in order to teach the Lord’s doctrine in our families and throughout the world.
“[3.] Freedom to form a religious organization, a church, to worship peacefully with others. …
“[4.] Freedom to live our faith—free exercise of faith not just in the home and chapel but also in public places.”
Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles