In the 2015 General Priesthood Session, Elder Neil L. Anderson spoke of faith saying that, “Faith is not by chance, but by choice.” (link)

The scriptures give several examples of the Savior either commending people for their faith or admonishing them to exercise more faith. A question we could all ask ourselves is how would the Savior perceive my faith? Do we demonstrate through our thoughts, deeds and the very words we speak that we have faith? 

Again, quoting Elder Anderson, he said, “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is not something ethereal, floating loosely in the air. Faith does not fall upon us by chance or stay with us by birthright. It is, as the scriptures say, “substance and evidence of things not seen.’” (link)

It makes sense to me that how we live our lives can either increase or diminish our faith. Prayer, obedience, honesty and purity of thoughts and deeds can all increase faith. It makes sense that without these, faith may diminish. I think we would all agree that there is an adversary that delights in destroying our faith. We need to be relentless in protecting our faith. 

I have found that being engaged in FamilySearch, in any form, helps solidify my faith. We have countless promises from modern day Prophets and Apostles that if we will engage in this work, we will be blessed and our faith will become stronger. 

The Prophet Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us is to seek after our dead.” (link)

President Howard W. Hunter said, “All our efforts in proclaiming the gospel, perfecting the Saints, and redeeming the dead lead to the holy temple. Temple Ordinances are absolutely crucial; we cannot return to God’s presence without them.” (link)

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “If we are a temple going people, we will be a better people, we will be better fathers and husbands. We will be better wives and mothers. I make you a promise that if you will go to the House of the Lord, you will be blessed; life will be better for you.” (link)

And, finally, for our young people, Elder Richard G. Scott said, “Do you young people want a sure way to eliminate the influence of the adversary in your life? Immerse yourself in searching for your ancestors. Then go to the temple to stand as proxy for them to receive the ordinances of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. I can think of no greater protection from the influence of the adversary in your life.” (link)

To the many brothers and sisters who are faithfully engaged in this work and sharing your knowledge and understanding of it, of which I have been blessed by, Elder Neil L. Anderson makes you this promise: “As you accept this challenge and teach it to others you will feel purpose and strength that will help you to avoid the temptations that surround you. You will better see the unseen – the eternal things that the world does not see.” (link)

With such wonderful blessings promised to each of us if we will participate in this work, I hope we will all take advantage of what can be ours! The blessings and protection that are available to us are well worth the effort we give. I hope we will all exercise our faith and try this experiment to see if by participating in this work our faith does increase and our vision becomes clearer and we will see the hand of the Lord more clearly in our lives. 

Remember, faith is a choice. Choose to strengthen your faith through participating in FamilySearch in any of its many forms. Family History can be fun, and it can be challenging. It can also be rewarding and at times frustrating, but, most of all, it can be and is faith promoting. 

Good luck as you strive to increase your faith through your participation with FamilySearch.

– Doug Nielsen, Director, Granite FamilySearch Center