True Faith

I love Joseph Smith, especially because he is so direct in his teachings. I find his definition of faith to be quite powerful:

"Let us here observe, that three things are necessary, in order that any rational and intelligent being may exercise faith in God unto life and salvation.

First, The idea that he actually exists.

Secondly, A correct idea of his character, perfections and attributes.

Thirdly, An actual knowledge that the course of life which [the person] is pursuing, is according to [God's] will.

For without an acquaintance with these three important facts, the faith of every rational being must be imperfect and unproductive; but with this understanding, it can become perfect and fruitful, abounding in righteousness unto the praise and glory of God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Joseph Smith, Lectures On Faith

I feel I often fall short when it comes to these three elements of faith. I think sometimes I get stuck after step two. At times it seems satisfactory to simply gain knowledge, and somehow the application gets set aside like it isn't quite as important...at least not for now. It's like I keep reading all these gardening magazines on how to plant and care for a tree, but do I every really go out and actually plant the seed myself? Do I experience the difficulty of going through it myself?

Thanks to our Savior, we don't have to pass through everything. However, we all know life is difficult at times, and even in some instance willingness to do something is not enough. We actually must go and do. The great message of the atonement is that he will be there supporting us along the way. He'll be there in the good and the bad. We must never let Satan or anything else cause us to forget that truth. I love what Elder Holland said in a recent general conference:

"Now, may I ask that never again will He have to confront sin without our aid and assistance, that never again will He find only unresponsive onlookers when He sees you and me along His Via Dolorosa in our present day. As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear." - Jeffery R. Holland, None Were with Him, GC April 2009