Choose The Light
First, no matter how intense the darkness of doubt, we choose how long and to what extent we allow it to influence us.
When we consider thoughtfully, why would we listen to the faceless, cynical voices of those in the great and spacious buildings of our time and ignore the pleas of those who genuinely love us?
These ever-present naysayers prefer to tear down rather than elevate and to ridicule rather than uplift.
Their mocking words can burrow into our lives, often through split-second bursts of electronic distortions carefully and deliberately composed to destroy our faith.
Is it wise to place our eternal well-being in the hands of strangers? Is it wise to claim enlightenment from those who have no light to give or who may have private agendas hidden from us?
These anonymous individuals, if presented to us honestly, would never be given a moment of our time, but because they exploit social media, hidden from scrutiny, they receive undeserved credibility.
Our choice to heed those who mock sacred things will distance us from the saving and life-giving light of the Savior.
The adversary will try to convince us that we have never felt the influence of the Spirit and that it will be easier just to stop trying.
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf counsels us to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith."
We must choose. May we choose the light of the Savior.
"Choose the Light" - Vern P. Stanfill - Oct. 2015 General Conference