Moroni 7:29-30 -- On Firm Minds

"And because he hath done this, my beloved brethren, have miracles ceased? Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither have angels ceased to minister unto the children of men.
For behold, they are subject unto him, to minister according to the word of his command, showing themselves unto them of strong faith and a firm mind in every form of godliness."
Moroni 7:29-30


The idea of a "firm mind" is interesting here, and it is also mentioned in Jacob 3:2: "O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever."

I think we waffle a lot, mentally.  We have an experience and know something for sure, but then later we start doubting, and we can talk ourselves out of rock-solid certainty, if we let it happen.  It happens with purchases (buyer's remorse), and unfortunately with relationships as well.  A "firm mind" is required so that we don't end up regretting every decision we make and constantly rethinking... wondering if we should have chosen differently, if there is something better out there, etc.  It's called commitment, and although we often run from it, it is also a key component in maintaining sanity... making choices and sticking to them.

I'm not saying doubt or questioning is evil.  Everyone needs to learn for themselves, and we shouldn't fake faith or pretend a relationship with God.  God will work with each of us so that we understand on our level and have the opportunity to accept the truth of his gospel, if we go before him with an open mind and heart.  What I am saying is that after we have had that witness and we know that it is true, we need to retain that knowledge and stick with that commitment rather than waffling back and forth, asking for more and more proof and needing a new witness about every aspect of the gospel.  It's like praying about marrying someone, and then rethinking that confirmation every time we meet someone new and attractive.  We weaken the relationship and our commitment to it by reintroducing doubt over and over again.  And the same goes with our relationship with, and commitment to, God.

Today, let's work on having firm minds, and on building on the foundation of faith and trust we already have rather than tearing it down and trying to start over.  If we have concerns, let's go to God with them rather than taking a long slide down into darkness and questioning his existence over again.