Faith: It Is A Decision

Faith is not only a feeling; it is a decision. With prayer, study, obedience, and covenants, we build and fortify our faith. 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, as Elder Oaks explained, we have the strength to take the right course.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, “It’s True, Isn’t It?Then What Else Matters?” April 2007 General Conference

Read full address here, or watch below.

Finances: The Wisdom of God

"With the difficulties in our economy, let me raise the issue of personal finances. In our current condition we are all more humble and teachable—but think back on the last few years.

The world teaches that if we want something, we should have it. We should not have to wait for it. Debt can allow us to have it now. That debt can come through credit cards, or it might come through overextending the leverage on a house that we own. We can leverage what we have, even our education. Values will always go up, and we will prosper. The wisdom of the world is that the amount of the monthly payment becomes more important than the size of the loan. Our obligations are somewhat discretionary, and if all fails, bankruptcy is our last option.

Now let’s think of the wisdom of God on personal finances, constantly taught by the prophets. The foundation is self-reliance and work. We put money in its proper role by paying an honest tithe and being generous in our offerings. We live on less than we earn, and we differentiate between our needs and our wants. We avoid debt except for the most fundamental of needs. We live within a budget. We put away some savings. We are honest in all our obligations."

Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Reverence for God Is the Beginning of Wisdom", January 2013 Ensign

Read the entire address here. 

Learn more about Neil L. Anderson.

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Family: When to Have Children--Between a Husband and Wife and the Lord

“As we look into the eyes of a child, we see a fellow son or daughter of God who stood with us in the premortal life. It is a crowning privilege of a husband and wife who are able to bear children to provide mortal bodies for these spirit children of God….

We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force….

When to have a child and how many children to have are private decisions to be made between a husband and wife and the Lord. These are sacred decisions—decisions that should be made with sincere prayer and acted on with great faith.”

Elder  Neil L. Anderson, “Children”, October 2011 General Conference

Access entire address here. 

Learn more about Neil L. Anderson.

Watch a video related to this talk. "Having Children Enriches Your Life":

Faith: A Priceless Spiritual Endowment

“The gift of faith is a priceless spiritual endowment….

Our faith is centered in God, our Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. It is bolstered by our knowledge that the fulness of the gospel has been restored to the earth, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God, and that prophets and apostles today hold the keys of the priesthood. We treasure our faith, work to strengthen our faith, pray for increased faith, and do all within our power to protect and defend our faith.”

Elder Neil L. Anderson, "Trial of Your Faith", October 2012 General Conference

Access entire address here. 

Learn more about Neil L. Anderson.

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