Life's Questions

I think every person asks themselves at least once in their life; who am I, what is the purpose of this life, is there anything beyond this life.  I asked myself these questions when I was fourteen years old. A close friend, a very attractive young woman, who came from a well to do family, who was liked by everyone (very popular), etc, etc, took her own life. It seemed she had everything going for her, why end your life? I struggled with this for some time. I wondered if there was a purpose for life or did she do the smart thing? I began to look at my religion more seriously and at others. My best friend and I were not of the same faith and we discussed religion often. 

I found my answers to these questions which have brought peace and confidence to my life. No matter how crazy life gets I know there is a Heavenly Father who cares about me and has a purpose for my life. He has not promised that this life will be without pain and trials but He has promised to help me through them.

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons). What I appreciate about the Church is that it does not tell one what they must believe but tells one that they can know for themselves and teach one how to do that. In the last chapter of the Book of Mormon there is this statement; "and when ye shall receive these things I would exhort you that ye would ask God in the name of Christ if these things are not true. And, if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, having faith in Christ he will manifest the truth of these things unto to you."

This is the same promise made in the Book of James in the New Testament; "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God who giveth to all men liberally."

  Many philosophy professors have tried to destroy peoples faith in God by telling them that religion, God cannot be proven to be true or have any substance. This is a false statement. By the previous quotes there is a way and one must experience it to understand it. I'm sure there have been those who have asked God and received nothing and therefore it is not true, but the reference in the Book of Mormon tells one that they must be sincere. That is they must want to know with all their heart, they must be willing to submit to living the life God wants them to live, when this approach is taken God will always answer. The answer I received is something I can never deny or turn away from. Yes, there have been times when I have questioned God, but I have that witness to let me know to carry on until the understanding comes. Faith is walking into the dark trusting that the light will come to illuminate the way. Faith is not having a sure knowledge but trusting in God. When we live as so directed by Jesus Christ throughout the Bible we come to know the goodness of that life and receive a witness that it is of God.

I believe that every person believes in God or a supreme being. So called atheists proclaim not to believe to justify their behavior. They feel as long as they claim no religious beliefs that frees them to behave however they desire. They try so hard to convince others to appease their own conscience. Belief in God is born with us. I like to compare it to a brand new computer. A new computer comes with a basic memory which allows the computer to be turned on, new programs to be added, internet lines to be connected, etc. As we are born in life there we are born with what is termed a conscience. We know basic rights and wrongs. This is a gift God sent us to this life with. This life is a time to prepare to return to God, a time to excercise faith. That being the case we were given a basic set of knowledge that will help us to recognize truths and learn to believe in an trust God.

I am a student of life, I watch people. People who believe in God and strive to live a good life as has been outlined in the Bible are the most happy and well adjusted people. Those who ignore God's commandments are among the most miserable. You know commandments is a word that bothers a lot of people. Many people don't want to be "commanded" to do anything. Think of the commandments as blessings. If we live our life by them they bring a happiness and  peace none other can experience. Jesus' answer about which is the greatest commandment is truely the secret of life. If we love God and we love one another as we love ourselves would we ever do anything to bring harm or pain to another? Would we ever allow another to go hungry or naked? Would we ever steal from another? Would we engage in immoral conduct?

The world wants peace...there is a way, are we willing to submit to it?

This is my introduction to my blog, so you may get to know me. I'm not looking to disprove others beliefs or be controversial, simply share my reasons for faith, my base of happiness. I am a happy person. I was once in a business meeting when a corporate manager wanting to learn about employees posed the question; "What do you want most in life?" I was astounded that about 85% of the people answered they wanted to be happy. 

I close with the words to this song which expresses answers to the title of my blog.

"I am a child of God

and He has sent me here,

has given me an earthly home

with parents kind and dear. 

(Chorus)

Lead me, guide me,

walk beside me,

help me find the way.

Teach me all that I

must do,

to live with Him someday.

I am a child of God 

and so my needs are great,

help me to understand His words

before it grows to late.

(Chorus)

I am a child of God

rich blessings are in store,

if I but learn to do His will

I'll live with Him once more.

(Chorus)

until next time,

Alan Anderson