Each month our church congregation distributes a newsletter with pertinent and valuable information regarding Sunday lessons, weekly activities, birthdays and...missionary addresses. Included is also a personal messages from one of our leaders. This month I was particularly touched by this message from our Bishop (congregation leader) who shared a personal message that is applicable to us all. He entitled it "Faith, Testimony, and The World." For this blog - I've titled it the "Parable of the Termites". I share with his permission.
Faith,
Testimony, and the World
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| picture of termites |
This winter I
undertook a project in my garage which necessitated a relocation of much of its
contents. As I removed a large sheet of Slatwall hanging against some unfinished
drywall I noticed a small portion of drywall behind it and up against the
ceiling with no paper facing. This was a new development since I
installed the Slatwall a number of years ago, so I examined the area more
closely. Dirt tailings, very small trails of black spots, and a nearly
imperceptible dirt shelter tunnel leading from a crack in the floor up the
foundation wall behind my refrigerator confirmed my suspicions. I had
termites! Removing several sheets of drywall revealed the full extent of
the damage Fortunately, I had caught it early enough to stop the progress
in its tracks. Though damage was extensive in parts, the vital structural
components of the home had not been compromised. As I set about cleaning
up and taking steps to arrest the progress of these small but insidious
creatures, I was impressed by their capacity to undermine the integrity of a
structure which had endured for decades, and which, with proper care, could
last for many decades more. I noted their aversion to light, and how they
went to great lengths to create a world sheltered from the light. There
in the darkness, unnoticed, unencumbered, they went to work. Left
unchallenged it would only be a matter of time before the termites brought
significant portions of the house down.
Two weeks
ago, someone very dear to me sent a long letter announcing his decision to
leave the Church. This was quite a shock and seemed an extraordinarily
rapid transformation from full belief in the Gospel to questioning the very
existence of God. Most members in my immediate and extended family were
un-swayed by the arguments and conclusions drawn. Some could quickly
discern the obvious fallacies and holes in his logic. I wondered at the
contrast between those firmly rooted in the faith and those with a shaky
foundation and how one individual could be so radically moved, while another
could remain so wholly unaffected. It occurred to me that while on the
surface the departure appeared rapid, more obscure elements had been at work
over a longer period; Elements, working in darkness which were allowed to
go unchallenged, unchecked; Elements which had been eating away at the
structural integrity of his faith and testimony.
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| "...no darkness in you" |
So, what
steps can we take to counteract the eroding influence of the world on faith and
testimony? Just as termites seek the darkness while they perform their
destructive work, those who fight against God and deny the atonement of Christ,
also walk in darkness. As such, it is no surprise that the things of God
appear foolish to them. Christ stated “I
am the light which shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehendeth it not.”
(D&C 10:58). In contrast God promises “if your eye be single
to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no
darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all
things.” (D&C 88:67)
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| "...if your eye be single to my glory" |
I suppose we
could conclude from these scriptures that if we’re not yet full of light and
don’t comprehend all things, then our eye is not yet single to God’s
glory. Perhaps a few introspective questions would help us adjust our
focus. Do we place greater importance on the things of God than we do the
things of the world? Do we honestly strive to be obedient to God’s
commandments? Do we properly repent when we fail to please God? Are
we honest in our tithes and offerings? Do we seek to draw near to God
through fasting and prayer? Do we regularly pray in faith with sufficient
intent to reach the heavens? Do we avoid offending the Spirit and are we
quick to follow its promptings? Are we willing to acknowledge God’s hand
in our lives? Do we truly feast on the word of God and is it delicious to
us? Do we selflessly serve others and are we engaged in a good
cause? In short, do we serve God with all our heart, might, mind, and
strength?
These are the
things which build faith, testimony, and understanding. These are the
things which produce sweet fruits within the gospel framework. These are
the things which allow us to discern between the wisdom of God and the
philosophies of the world. These are the things, which if neglected,
will gradually but steadily eat away at our faith and testimony. That we
may commit to strengthen our faith against the eroding effects of the world by
keeping our eyes single to God’s glory is my continued prayer.
Bishop David
Parish
Read also: "An Eye Single to the Glory of God" by Elder Marlin K. Jensen
And Blog Post from Mormon Mom: "Soul Destroying Termites"