Without a Doubt

While attending our meetings this morning we read some scriptures having to do with doubt; more specifically, when Jesus was tempted by Satan during his fast and then again while He was on the cross at Calvary.

“And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.” Matthew 27: 39,40

On the surface it would appear that Satan is looking to place doubt in the mind of our Lord, “Do you really believe that you are the Son of God, that you are the Savior?” Had Satan prevailed the entire Plan of Salvation, the atonement and the resurrection of all mankind would have been destroyed; fortunately, that wasn’t how it came out.

How much of that question applies to each of us as we travel along the path He has asked us to take as we follow in His footsteps? Are we not children of our Father in Heaven, heirs to all that He has? Do we doubt the truthfulness of the Gospel because Satan has attempted to dissuade us from achieving all that our Father in Heaven has promised us? How many times have you heard, “Religion is just a crutch for the weak minded.”? It’s no different than pointing an accusing finger at you, a way to make you feel uncomfortable for having expressed a faith in God, something that Satan would prefer you not do.

“For behold, this is my work and my glory — to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.” Moses 1:39

It would be easy to say that we have already made too many mistakes, that we are imperfect beings, permanently estranged from such lofty goals. It is Satan’s intention to make us feel less than worthy, to quit making the effort and to forget that our Savior has paid for our sins. The atonement makes up for our short comings, if we will allow it; by continuing, by striving and by enduring to the end.

The scriptures are either true or they are not. If they are not true then we who go to such great lengths to live a life worthy of the atonement will have done so for naught; on the other hand, if the scriptures are indeed true, pity those who fail to recognize the awesome opportunities afforded them. This is one of those “No Fence Sitting Permitted” kind of answers.

There is a Primary song, I am a child of God. ( linked via title bar ) Its simple message strikes a chord, something that the Spirit witnesses to us as the truth. For some it is but a hope that it might be true while for others it reaffirms that which we know in our hearts is true. Once the truth has been made known unto you, that you are more important than you may realize at this time, Satan will work on you a little harder. Satan desires that you give up on yourself, no different than he attempted to do with our Lord during his life in mortality. Without a doubt you are a child of God; now, live up to that honor.