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Our Campfire of Faith: Illuminating the Path to Spiritual Growth
Today’s inspiration is drawn from the profound words of Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, as he shared his insights during the October 2018 General Conference. In his enlightening address, Elder Gong invites us to kindle our own “campfire of faith” and explore the ways it can transform our lives.
The Dawning of Faith
Faith is a beacon that can guide us through life’s darkest nights. Elder Gong opens his message by reminding us that, for those who earnestly seek, allow, and live by faith, its light will gradually dawn or rekindle. Faith, he suggests, is not just a static belief but a dynamic force that can bring profound changes to our hearts and minds.
Living in New and Holier Ways
Elder Gong sets the stage for his message by celebrating the continuous revelation received through living prophets and Church leaders. This ongoing guidance invites us to live in new and holier ways, at home and in our congregations, with all our heart, mind, and strength.
He encourages us to reflect on moments when we’ve been asked to do something for which we felt unprepared or inadequate, yet we were blessed for making the effort. This theme of stepping into the unknown, relying on faith, and receiving blessings for our willingness to try is central to his message.
A Lesson in Watercolor and Faith
Elder Gong shares a personal experience involving Elder Richard G. Scott, a beloved member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles who has since passed away. Elder Scott extended an invitation to Elder Gong: “Gerrit, would you like to watercolor with me?” This seemingly simple question led to profound lessons on faith and creativity.
Elder Scott, who found inspiration in painting, believed that even modest attempts at creativity could foster gratitude for life and for the beauty woven into our existence. President Henry B. Eyring and President Boyd K. Packer also shared their artistic endeavors as expressions of love and creativity, emphasizing the importance of becoming more like our Heavenly Father—creators and builders.
Our Campfire of Faith
The painting session with Elder Scott was more than a lesson in art; it was a lesson in faith. Elder Gong and Elder Scott used a watercolor titled “Campfire at Sunset” as their model. As they painted, they discussed the significance of faith as a campfire that provides light and warmth. Just as a campfire dispels darkness and uncertainty on long, lonely nights, our campfire of faith can offer hope and assurance in our lives.
Elder Gong testifies that, for those who earnestly seek, allow, and live by faith, the dawn of faith will come or can return. This light of faith arrives when we desire and actively seek it, when we exercise patience and obedience to God’s commandments, and when we remain open to His grace, healing, and covenants.
Five Ways Our Campfire of Faith Can Encourage Us
Elder Gong outlines five ways in which our campfire of faith can encourage and enrich our lives:
Joy in Wholesome Creativity: Through faith, we can find joy in imagining, learning, and engaging in worthwhile endeavors. We don’t need to rely solely on our abilities; rather, we can trust in the Lord’s guidance and grace.
Ministering in Spirit-Filled Ways: Faith encourages us to minister to others in new, higher, and holier ways. By following the promptings of the Spirit, we can bring about miracles and blessings in the lives of those we serve.
Loving with All Our Hearts: Our campfire of faith inspires us to love the Lord and others with all our hearts and souls. This love is not limited to self-love but extends to a deep love for God and our fellow beings.
Establishing Righteous Patterns: Faith leads us to establish regular patterns of righteous living that deepen our spirituality. These patterns include prayer, scripture study, and participating in ordinances like the sacrament.
Seeking Perfection in Christ: Lastly, Elder Gong reminds us that perfection is found in Christ, not in ourselves or in the world’s perfectionism. God’s invitations are full of love and possibility because Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.
Embracing Holier Ways to Love
Elder Gong encourages us to embrace holier ways of loving God and preparing to meet Him. By doing so, we can experience enduring joy and fulfillment in our lives. He emphasizes that God’s love is stronger than any challenges we face, whether temporal or spiritual.
Be a Beacon of Light
As we reflect on Elder Gong’s message and the lessons he draws from his experience with Elder Scott, we are reminded of the power of faith in our lives. Faith is not a passive belief; it’s a dynamic force that can transform us and the world around us.
In this spirit, let us be beacons of light to those around us. Let us kindle our own campfires of faith and invite others to join us. As we do so, we contribute to making the world a better place—one filled with hope, love, and the light of faith.
Let us seek joy in wholesome creativity, minister in spirit-filled ways, love with all our hearts, establish righteous patterns, and remember that perfection is found in Christ. In these ways, we can bring about positive change, both in our individual lives and in the lives of those we touch. Link to the original: Click Here
we’ve explored Healing Your Damaged Life: A Path to Redemption. We’ve discussed about his idyllic childhood on his uncle’s farm, using a rope swing incident as a metaphor for the struggles people face when seeking fleeting pleasures beyond the Lord’s boundaries. Whether you’re inspiration to drawn from the enlightening words of Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared during the October 1992 General Conference. In his talk, Elder Scott guides us on a transformative journey to heal our damaged lives, teaching us how to find redemption and inner peace.This post draws inspiration from the wise words of Elder Richard G. Scott, providing valuable insights on how to heal a damaged life and find redemption. Read more….. Healing Your Damaged Life: A Path to Redemption
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