When I Do Good...

“When I do good I feel good, when I do bad I feel bad, that’s my religion.”  Abraham Lincoln

Lord, I Believe; Help Thou Mine Unbelief

Last night my wife shared the lesson of Sunday School with me. (I teach primary so I don't get to attend.) They learned about Naaman. I was impressed that an outsider to Israel would have enough faith to come to Israel to be healed of his leprosy. He was willing to go on the word of one of the servants of his wife. He was willing to listen to his own servant when the experience did not go as he expected it to. He humbled himself to go and wash in Jordan. He received his reward.

This morning I dropped off my oldest son and some of his friends to their first day of seminary. I have fond memories of attending seminary. I have four older brothers and sisters. For me it was a coming of age; a cool thing to do. It was during my seminary years that I gained my own testimony of Jesus Christ and his church.

I have been reflecting on whether or not I would have the faith I have now if it were not for my upbringing and nurturing. Where else can I find a belief system that challenges me as the Mormon one does? It asks me to obtain my own answers to the fundamental questions. It asks me to commit to God and my fellow believers through baptism and other covenants. It asks me to serve and give and grow. I get callings that I would not have had the disposition to do otherwise. The Lord has given his all. He asks nothing less of us.

There was a man that brought his mute son to the disciples of Jesus to be healed.

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth. And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:14-29)

Like the father, like Naaman, I must step out with faith. This life is for us to see if we will do what God wants us to do in the face of not knowing. So I cry out to God, "I believe; help thou mine unbelief".