Faith is not only a feeling, it is a decision, said Elder Neil L. Andersen.
"With prayer, study, obedience and covenants we build and fortify our faith," said Elder Andersen of the Presidency of the Seventy. "Our conviction of the Savior and His latter-day work becomes the powerful lens through which we judge all else. Then, as we find ourselves in the crucible of life, we have the strength to take the right course."
Speaking Sunday morning, Elder Andersen recalled hearing President Gordon B. Hinckley recount meeting a young naval officer from Asia some years ago. The officer joined the Church at the risk of disappointing his family and damaging his career.
"Are you willing to pay so great a price for the gospel?" President Hinckley asked the officer. "It's true, isn't it?" he responded. "Then what else matters?"
"Through the years I have reflected on these words: 'It is true, isn't it? Then what else matters?' said Elder Andersen. "These questions have helped me put difficult issues in proper perspective. The cause in which we are laboring is true."
Of course, said Elder Andersen, there are other things that matter, such as finding a spouse, getting an education and establishing employment.
"How do we find our way through the many things that matter? We simplify and purify our perspective. Some things are evil and must be avoided; some things are nice; some things are important; and some things are absolutely essential."
Great and powerful convictions of truth are found in the hearts of Latter-day Saints in nations and cultures across the world, he said. "This strength of faith carries the work of the kingdom forward."
Many quiet acts of faith are known only to God, Elder Andersen added. "But they are recorded in heaven."
