Faith is a Decision

So, recently, someone close to me is doubting their faith.  They found "proofs" that certain things are not true and it got me to thinking. 

The thing is, there isn't a lot of proof.  God doesn't come down and physically show Himself and His power to prove He is there.  There also isn't proof that He isn't there.  Just enough proof to create doubt in those who do not have faith.

In my life, I was raised religious.  I was entering High School and talked to a religious (seminary) teacher and asked what I could do to prepare for my seminary class.  She told me to read the Book of Mormon.  So I did.  It was my first time.  And I got to the end and it tells you to pray about if these things are not true.  All my life I leaned on my parents' testimony and did things simply because that was what we did in my family- not because of a real personal belief.  So I started reflecting on things- more than just the Book of Mormon.  What if the things I had been taught were not true?  Well, if Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet, then the scriptural comforts found in the Book of Mormon are not true.  What if God doesn't exist and life ends after we leave this mortal existence?  What if there is no one greater than us who cares?  And I realized- if there is nothing after this life, then what purpose is there in living?  What really defines good behavior?  Sure we can leave a legacy, and do something that will write our names in history...  But what will we care once we're gone if we're truly gone?  And how many, of the millions of us on earth, do enough to truly be remembered well enough to make it worth it if there isn't something more?  So I made a decision and I felt right about it.

I decided to have faith.  I decided to have hope.  And most importantly- I decided I wanted to be happy.  Believing in an afterlife brings happiness to my life.  And if I'm wrong?  Well, then I still lived a good life and at least my friends will remember me and I don't see any harm done.  IF I lived a life not knowing the truth (assuming for a moment that there is no God) what does it really matter when I'm gone?  I suppose God cares that I didn't believe in Him... oh wait, nope, no God, just a big vast nothingness.  So, now back to my real beliefs- God does exist.

From that day when I decided to have faith and seek happiness, my faith has grown.  I continued reading the scriptures and finished the whole Bible as well.  And my faith has continued to grow.  It makes so much sense to me.  And no, I don't have any physical proof that God exists, but my life is full of miracles that are attributed to God.

And as for the Spirit- the Holy Ghost or the Holy Spirit.  It's the way God talks to us.  So, when we pray about a choice, or reflect upon a choice- if we pay attention to our feelings we can listen to the Spirit.  And if you don't believe in the Spirit, stop and think about what you're doing.  Seek lasting happiness instead of temporary happiness and won't your life be blessed whether it's the Spirit or your own logic?  If something brings peace into your life- seek after it- whether you believe it's the Spirit or not.

The thing is: do you want to be happy?  Do you want to have hope?  Is it worth believing in something that you can't find physical proof for, if it brings you the hope and happiness you desire?  Why else do you think people seek religion?