Answers to Life's Questions from Phillipians

·         People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week (see Philippians 2:1–8, 14–15).

Christ set a perfect example in fulfilling the will of His Father in all things, never complaining or disputing. He even suffered death on the cross in humility, taking upon Himself the attitude of a servant of others. He thought of others before Himself and worked to help them even when He was experiencing the same or worse pain and suffering. While the Church organization is perfect, its members are not, and therefore there is a great need to strengthen one another instead of judging one another. We need to all adopt an attitude of serving others as a means of fostering unity and brotherhood that builds faith and invites the Spirit of the Lord.  Finally, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;…” (Phil. 2:14-15).

·         Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength (see Philippians 2:12–15 and institute student manual commentary for Philippians 2:12, “Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]).

A testimony is an experienced witness of the truth which necessarily follows righteous obedience and prayerful searching. A youth who feels the Spirit’s whisperings of the truthfulness of the Gospel cannot be content in sitting idly by, for the Spirit invites and entices to do good, to love God, and to serve others. As a youth acts upon these feelings and promptings, the seed of the word of God grows according to his/her increased faith, bringing greater strength and power to accomplish more good, growing brighter and brighter until the perfect day. Working out one’s own salvation requires just that—work.

·         An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does (see Philippians 3:7–16; 4:13).

To know Christ, “and be found in him” (Philip. 3:9) is counted by Paul to be of greater worth than all things. Though he might have all else, these would be counted as dung compared to the “excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus.” I was so moved by these scriptures. I have been striving also to “know him, and the power of his resurrection,” which necessarily accompanies “the fellowship of his sufferings.” Though I would lose all, I gain all through Christ.

·         How is this writing assignment an example of the principle taught in 2 Nephi 32:3? 

The scriptures have answers to all of life’s questions. In whatever situation we are seeking to grow nearer to God, there are answers in His words. As I have been answering these simple questions, I have felt so much of His love in these simple words. To me, they are a testimony that He loves and cares for all of His children. He has provided the necessary guidelines, directions, and helps along the path to enable us to return to live with Him again. I feel that way every time I sincerely read the scriptures, for they are they which testify of Him.