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Finding Light in a Dark World
"We challenge the powers of darkness," says James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, "when we speak of the perfect life of the Savior and of his sublime work for all mankind through the Atonement. This supernal gift permits us, through repentance, to break away from Satan's grasping tentacles." Filled with timely counsel, this collection of President Faust's insightful addresses teaches us how to challenge the world's darkness by radiating the light of the gospel. In the first five chapters, President Faust offers his testimony-building witness of Jesus Christ, the Light of the world. Five more chapters teach the illuminating power of example. And in six final chapters, President Faust urges families to seek the light of the gospel and "make our homes stronger so that they will stand as sanctuaries against the unwholesome, pervasive moral dry rot around us." In this book, President Faust, known for his wise, practical counsel, addresses these topics and healing a broken heart overcoming sin and weakness finding meaning in tragedy"tuning in" to the still, small voice bringing up children in light and truth cultivating an attitude of gratitude. President Faust's optimistic, faith-filled messages inspire and motivate us. He pleads, "In our constantly changing world, may we continually cling to those things that do not to prayer, to faith, to saving covenants, to love of families, and to brotherhood." And to members of the Church who are doing their best to follow the voice of the Spirit, President Faust offers "I believe that unseen spiritual hosts tend you as you seek to do the will of the Lord."
- GenresReligionLdsNonfiction
Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
3 people are currently reading
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About the author
James E. Faust
21 books27 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Esdras Faust was an American religious leader, lawyer, and politician. Faust was Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1995 until his death in 2007, an LDS Church apostle for 29 years, and a general authority of the church for 35 years.
James Esdras Faust was an American religious leader, lawyer, and politician. Faust was Second Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1995 until his death in 2007, an LDS Church apostle for 29 years, and a general authority of the church for 35 years.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 14, 2017
This compilation of talks by President Faust is very nice. It focuses on Christ, faith, light, and sharing truth. I was surprised to not see some of his talks that I think focus even more on light, but some of those talks were given since this book was published. Light was obviously a topic he studied and taught. Here are a few quotes that I liked:
"I have seen the countless ways in which faithful members of the Church are working to find light in this ever-darkening world. Good people everywhere are reading the scriptures, studying the gospel, teaching others, and rearing families, often serving without attention or recognition as they brighten the lives of those around them (p. ix)."
"'If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things' (D&C 88:67) (p. x)."
"When we hear this, we fall to the earth because we remember that it was prophesied that Christ would show himself unto us after his ascension into heaven... We remember scriptures that tell the manner of his crucifixion, and he invites us to come forth 'that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.' At first we are reluctant to do this. It is too personal, too indelicate, to touch another person's body to satisfy our curiosity. Others are getting in line. In the end, our curiosity gets the best of us, because we feel we must know. Is this person really the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, who received these marks he offers to show us when he was crucified in Jerusalem? We are excited. Our hearts are pounding within our breasts.... we walk up to him. As we have been invited to do, we are among those who thrust their hands into his side and feel the prints of his the nails in his hands and in his feet. 'One by one' we go by him, and then we 'know of a surety' that it is he 'of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.' All doubt has disappeared.... There is one of us in the multitude who is called up to meet the Savior. His name is Nephi. We wonder, how will he greet the Savior? Will he shake hands? Will he bow? What would be appropriate? We watch very intently. 'And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet (p. 4).'"
"Refinement of the soul is part of the reinforcing steel of a personal testimony. If there is no witness in the heart and in the mind, there can be no testimony. Let us study, learn, and live the hard doctrines the Savior taught, that our Christlike behavior may move us up to a much higher spiritual attainment (p. 16)."
"All irritants of the flesh and the soul should be removed before they fester. However, though they ulcerate and though they torment, they can still be removed, and the healing process will take place. When the infection is healed, the soreness will leave. That process is known as repentance. Repentance and forgiveness are among the greatest fruits of the Atonement. It is not easy to remove the thorns of pride, the thistles of selfishness, the slivers of ego, and the briars of appetite (p. 21)."
"I have come to know that with any privilege comes responsibility. Most privilege carries with it the responsibility to serve, to give, and to bless. God can take away any privilege if it is not used under his omnipotent will (p. 23)."
"The increasing demands, the diversity of voices, the entreating sales pitches, the piercing noises, the entanglement of many personal relationships can rob our souls of the peace they need to function and survive. Our hurry to meet the relentless demands of the clock tears away at our inner peace (p. 25)."
"The Lord has provided many avenues by which we may receive this healing influence.... temple work.... reading and the study of the scriptures (p. 28)."
"Of all that we might do to find solace, prayer is perhaps the most comforting.... The very act of praying to God is satisfying to the soul, even though God, in his wisdom, may not give what we ask for (p. 30)."
"'Generally there is in man a divinity which strives to push him onward and upward. We believe that this power within him is the spirit that comes from God. Man lived before he came to this earth, and he is here now to strive to perfect the spirit within. At some time in his life, every man is conscious of a desire to come in touch with the Infinite. His spirit reaches out for God (David O. McKay, p. 34).'"
"'Isn't it remarkable what people with five loaves and two fishes do to build up the kingdom of God?' This kind of quiet, devoted service is surely a fulfillment of the word of God 'that the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers' (D&C 1:23) (p. 43)."
"What is the central characteristic of those having only five loaves and two fishes? What makes it possible, under the Master's touch, for them to serve, lift, and bless so that they touch for good the lives of hundreds, even thousands? After a lifetime of dealing in the affairs of men and women, I believe it is the ability to overcome personal ego and pride; both are enemies to the full enjoyment of the Spirit of God and to walking humbly before him.... The ego enlarges our feelings of self-importance and worth. It blinds us to reality. Pride keeps us from confessing our sins and shortcomings to the Lord and working out our repentance (p. 45)."
"A major reason this church has grown from its humble beginnings to its current strength is the faithfulness and devotion of millions of humble people who have only five loaves and two small fishes to offer in the service of the Master. They have largely surrendered their own interests and in so doing have found 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7) (p. 47)."
"As I walked over Rocky Ridge, I wondered if I have sacrificed enough. In my generation I have not seen so much sacrifice by so many. I wonder what more I should have done, and should be doing, to further this work (p. 52)."
"In addition to the legacy of faith bequeathed by those who crossed the plains, they also left a great heritage of love--love of God and love of mankind (p. 54)."
"'When there throbs in the heart of an individual Latter-day Saint a great and vital testimony of the truth of this work, he will be found ding his duty in the Church (p. 55).'"
"'Everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with hi in our extremities (Francis Webster, p. 55).'"
"Nonbelief is becoming more sponsored in the body politic than belief. I believe there is great danger in this to the nation. History teaches the lesson well that there must be a unity in some moral absolutes in all societies for them to endure and progress. Indeed, without a national morality they disintegrate (p. 60)."
"'God rules this world--it is the duty of nations as well as men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow...and to recognize the sublime truth that those nations only are blessed whose God is their Lord (Abraham Lincoln, p. 61).'"
"'Now there are those among us who are trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil (Marion G. Romney).' This is a contradiction of terms (p. 70)."
"'If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill each other?.... Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.... I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child (Mother Teresa, p. 71).'"
"We please the devil when we argue that all roads lead to heaven and that, therefore, it does not matter which road we take, because we will all end up in God's presence. And he is no doubt pleased when we contend that we are all God's children; therefore, it makes no difference to which church a person belongs, because we are all working for the same place (p. 76)."
"'Satan selects his disciples when they are idle; Jesus selected his when they were busy at their work either mending their nets or casting them into the sea (Herndon, p. 77).'"
"Our challenge is to dedicate our lives to serving the Lord and not worry about offending the devil. Through the spreading of righteousness, the evil hands of he destroyer will be stayed, and he will not be permitted to curse the whole world. God will overlook our weaknesses, our frailties, and our many shortcomings and generously forgive us of our misdeeds as we repent and earnestly seek him (p. 78)."
"Social protocol is observed in many places, but the expression of kindness is universally appropriate (p. 82)."
"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being (p. 82)."
"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us (p. 85)."
"While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few opportunities offer greater potential for joy. Surely no more important work is to be done in this world than preparing our children to be God-fearing, happy, honorable, and productive adults. Parents will find no more fulfilling happiness than to have their children honor hem and their teachings (p. 89)."
"'In the past, having family prayer once a day may have been all right. But in the future it will not be enough if we are going to save our families (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 91).'"
"What seems to help cement parental teachings and values in place in children's lives is a firm belief in Deity (p. 94)."
"The joy we seek is not a temporary emotional high but a habitual inner joy learned from long experience and trust in God (p. 97)."
"The Spirit's voice is ever-present, but it is calm.... The adversary tries to smother this voice with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices.... In your generation you will be barraged by multitudes of voices telling you how to live, how to gratify your passions, how to have it all.... There will be fewer places of refuge and serenity (p. 98)."
"Living the eternal gospel every day may be harder than dying for the Church and the Lord (p. 101)."
"Everyone in life needs to have a purpose.... 'You must stand up for something or you will fall for everything (p. 101).'"
"Listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit. This is an ancient solution, even eternal, and may not be popular in a society that is always looking for something new. This solution requires patience in a world that demands instant gratification. This solution is quiet, peaceful, and subtle in a world enamored by that which is loud, incessant, fast-paced, garish, and crude.... The solution of listening to and following the voice of the Spirit is one unified, consistent, age-old message in a world that quickly becomes bored in the absence of intensity, variety, and novelty (p. 106)."
"Keeping the Sabbath day holy is much more than just physical rest. It involves spiritual renewal and worship (p. 111)."
"Blessed are those who need no reasons others than their love for the Savior to keep his commandments (p. 114)."
"The Savior gave us this solemn warning: 'Be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine' (D&C 38:27) (p. 120)."
"Our wives need to be cherished (p. 122)."
"'To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.... Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 122).'"
"My little friend was frightened in the storm, and I could hear it bleating. I knew that I should help my pet, but I wanted to stay safe, warm, and dry in my bed. I didn't get up as I should have done. The next morning I went out to find my lamb dead. A dog had also heard its bleating cry and killed it. My heart was broken. I had not been a good shepherd or steward of that which my father had entrusted to me. My father said, 'Son, couldn't I trust you to take care of just one lamb?' My father's remark hurt me even more than losing my woolly friend. I resolved that day, as a little boy, that I would try never again to neglect my stewardship as a shepherd if I was ever placed in that position again (p. 126)."
"I have seen the countless ways in which faithful members of the Church are working to find light in this ever-darkening world. Good people everywhere are reading the scriptures, studying the gospel, teaching others, and rearing families, often serving without attention or recognition as they brighten the lives of those around them (p. ix)."
"'If your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things' (D&C 88:67) (p. x)."
"When we hear this, we fall to the earth because we remember that it was prophesied that Christ would show himself unto us after his ascension into heaven... We remember scriptures that tell the manner of his crucifixion, and he invites us to come forth 'that ye may thrust your hands into my side, and also that ye may know that I am the God of Israel, and the God of the whole earth, and have been slain for the sins of the world.' At first we are reluctant to do this. It is too personal, too indelicate, to touch another person's body to satisfy our curiosity. Others are getting in line. In the end, our curiosity gets the best of us, because we feel we must know. Is this person really the Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, who received these marks he offers to show us when he was crucified in Jerusalem? We are excited. Our hearts are pounding within our breasts.... we walk up to him. As we have been invited to do, we are among those who thrust their hands into his side and feel the prints of his the nails in his hands and in his feet. 'One by one' we go by him, and then we 'know of a surety' that it is he 'of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.' All doubt has disappeared.... There is one of us in the multitude who is called up to meet the Savior. His name is Nephi. We wonder, how will he greet the Savior? Will he shake hands? Will he bow? What would be appropriate? We watch very intently. 'And Nephi arose and went forth, and bowed himself before the Lord and did kiss his feet (p. 4).'"
"Refinement of the soul is part of the reinforcing steel of a personal testimony. If there is no witness in the heart and in the mind, there can be no testimony. Let us study, learn, and live the hard doctrines the Savior taught, that our Christlike behavior may move us up to a much higher spiritual attainment (p. 16)."
"All irritants of the flesh and the soul should be removed before they fester. However, though they ulcerate and though they torment, they can still be removed, and the healing process will take place. When the infection is healed, the soreness will leave. That process is known as repentance. Repentance and forgiveness are among the greatest fruits of the Atonement. It is not easy to remove the thorns of pride, the thistles of selfishness, the slivers of ego, and the briars of appetite (p. 21)."
"I have come to know that with any privilege comes responsibility. Most privilege carries with it the responsibility to serve, to give, and to bless. God can take away any privilege if it is not used under his omnipotent will (p. 23)."
"The increasing demands, the diversity of voices, the entreating sales pitches, the piercing noises, the entanglement of many personal relationships can rob our souls of the peace they need to function and survive. Our hurry to meet the relentless demands of the clock tears away at our inner peace (p. 25)."
"The Lord has provided many avenues by which we may receive this healing influence.... temple work.... reading and the study of the scriptures (p. 28)."
"Of all that we might do to find solace, prayer is perhaps the most comforting.... The very act of praying to God is satisfying to the soul, even though God, in his wisdom, may not give what we ask for (p. 30)."
"'Generally there is in man a divinity which strives to push him onward and upward. We believe that this power within him is the spirit that comes from God. Man lived before he came to this earth, and he is here now to strive to perfect the spirit within. At some time in his life, every man is conscious of a desire to come in touch with the Infinite. His spirit reaches out for God (David O. McKay, p. 34).'"
"'Isn't it remarkable what people with five loaves and two fishes do to build up the kingdom of God?' This kind of quiet, devoted service is surely a fulfillment of the word of God 'that the fulness of my gospel might be proclaimed by the weak and the simple unto the ends of the world, and before kings and rulers' (D&C 1:23) (p. 43)."
"What is the central characteristic of those having only five loaves and two fishes? What makes it possible, under the Master's touch, for them to serve, lift, and bless so that they touch for good the lives of hundreds, even thousands? After a lifetime of dealing in the affairs of men and women, I believe it is the ability to overcome personal ego and pride; both are enemies to the full enjoyment of the Spirit of God and to walking humbly before him.... The ego enlarges our feelings of self-importance and worth. It blinds us to reality. Pride keeps us from confessing our sins and shortcomings to the Lord and working out our repentance (p. 45)."
"A major reason this church has grown from its humble beginnings to its current strength is the faithfulness and devotion of millions of humble people who have only five loaves and two small fishes to offer in the service of the Master. They have largely surrendered their own interests and in so doing have found 'the peace of God, which passeth all understanding' (Philippians 4:7) (p. 47)."
"As I walked over Rocky Ridge, I wondered if I have sacrificed enough. In my generation I have not seen so much sacrifice by so many. I wonder what more I should have done, and should be doing, to further this work (p. 52)."
"In addition to the legacy of faith bequeathed by those who crossed the plains, they also left a great heritage of love--love of God and love of mankind (p. 54)."
"'When there throbs in the heart of an individual Latter-day Saint a great and vital testimony of the truth of this work, he will be found ding his duty in the Church (p. 55).'"
"'Everyone of us came through with the absolute knowledge that God lives for we became acquainted with hi in our extremities (Francis Webster, p. 55).'"
"Nonbelief is becoming more sponsored in the body politic than belief. I believe there is great danger in this to the nation. History teaches the lesson well that there must be a unity in some moral absolutes in all societies for them to endure and progress. Indeed, without a national morality they disintegrate (p. 60)."
"'God rules this world--it is the duty of nations as well as men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow...and to recognize the sublime truth that those nations only are blessed whose God is their Lord (Abraham Lincoln, p. 61).'"
"'Now there are those among us who are trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil (Marion G. Romney).' This is a contradiction of terms (p. 70)."
"'If we accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill each other?.... Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, but to use any violence to get what they want.... I am willing to accept any child who would be aborted and to give that child to a married couple who will love the child and be loved by the child (Mother Teresa, p. 71).'"
"We please the devil when we argue that all roads lead to heaven and that, therefore, it does not matter which road we take, because we will all end up in God's presence. And he is no doubt pleased when we contend that we are all God's children; therefore, it makes no difference to which church a person belongs, because we are all working for the same place (p. 76)."
"'Satan selects his disciples when they are idle; Jesus selected his when they were busy at their work either mending their nets or casting them into the sea (Herndon, p. 77).'"
"Our challenge is to dedicate our lives to serving the Lord and not worry about offending the devil. Through the spreading of righteousness, the evil hands of he destroyer will be stayed, and he will not be permitted to curse the whole world. God will overlook our weaknesses, our frailties, and our many shortcomings and generously forgive us of our misdeeds as we repent and earnestly seek him (p. 78)."
"Social protocol is observed in many places, but the expression of kindness is universally appropriate (p. 82)."
"A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness. It is an expression of humility. It is a foundation for the development of such virtues as prayer, faith, courage, contentment, happiness, love, and well-being (p. 82)."
"The thankful heart opens our eyes to a multitude of blessings that continually surround us (p. 85)."
"While few human challenges are greater than that of being good parents, few opportunities offer greater potential for joy. Surely no more important work is to be done in this world than preparing our children to be God-fearing, happy, honorable, and productive adults. Parents will find no more fulfilling happiness than to have their children honor hem and their teachings (p. 89)."
"'In the past, having family prayer once a day may have been all right. But in the future it will not be enough if we are going to save our families (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 91).'"
"What seems to help cement parental teachings and values in place in children's lives is a firm belief in Deity (p. 94)."
"The joy we seek is not a temporary emotional high but a habitual inner joy learned from long experience and trust in God (p. 97)."
"The Spirit's voice is ever-present, but it is calm.... The adversary tries to smother this voice with a multitude of loud, persistent, persuasive, and appealing voices.... In your generation you will be barraged by multitudes of voices telling you how to live, how to gratify your passions, how to have it all.... There will be fewer places of refuge and serenity (p. 98)."
"Living the eternal gospel every day may be harder than dying for the Church and the Lord (p. 101)."
"Everyone in life needs to have a purpose.... 'You must stand up for something or you will fall for everything (p. 101).'"
"Listen to and follow the voice of the Spirit. This is an ancient solution, even eternal, and may not be popular in a society that is always looking for something new. This solution requires patience in a world that demands instant gratification. This solution is quiet, peaceful, and subtle in a world enamored by that which is loud, incessant, fast-paced, garish, and crude.... The solution of listening to and following the voice of the Spirit is one unified, consistent, age-old message in a world that quickly becomes bored in the absence of intensity, variety, and novelty (p. 106)."
"Keeping the Sabbath day holy is much more than just physical rest. It involves spiritual renewal and worship (p. 111)."
"Blessed are those who need no reasons others than their love for the Savior to keep his commandments (p. 114)."
"The Savior gave us this solemn warning: 'Be one, and if ye are not one ye are not mine' (D&C 38:27) (p. 120)."
"Our wives need to be cherished (p. 122)."
"'To be a righteous woman during the winding up scenes on this earth, before the second coming of our Savior, is an especially noble calling.... Other institutions in society may falter and even fail, but the righteous woman can help to save the home, which may be the last and only sanctuary some mortals know in the midst of storm and strife (Spencer W. Kimball, p. 122).'"
"My little friend was frightened in the storm, and I could hear it bleating. I knew that I should help my pet, but I wanted to stay safe, warm, and dry in my bed. I didn't get up as I should have done. The next morning I went out to find my lamb dead. A dog had also heard its bleating cry and killed it. My heart was broken. I had not been a good shepherd or steward of that which my father had entrusted to me. My father said, 'Son, couldn't I trust you to take care of just one lamb?' My father's remark hurt me even more than losing my woolly friend. I resolved that day, as a little boy, that I would try never again to neglect my stewardship as a shepherd if I was ever placed in that position again (p. 126)."
October 5, 2015
This is a nicely organized and thoughtfully edited compilation of the author's speeches. The book is distinctly divided into parts that are logical and flow well.
Faust encourages his readers to enhance their faith in Christ in the early sections of the book. He provides excellent counsel on how to do that. Additional sections focus on dealing with inevitable adversity and finally on the importance of families and the immense value of service to others.
The book uplifts any reader and is one of those you flip back to, especially if you're under the gun of some kind of life challenge or another. That's true even if you don't generally reread books.
Faust encourages his readers to enhance their faith in Christ in the early sections of the book. He provides excellent counsel on how to do that. Additional sections focus on dealing with inevitable adversity and finally on the importance of families and the immense value of service to others.
The book uplifts any reader and is one of those you flip back to, especially if you're under the gun of some kind of life challenge or another. That's true even if you don't generally reread books.
May 8, 2019
Surprisingly topical considering it came out in 1995.
November 10, 2021
Good counsel from a wise church leader. Quick read.
April 22, 2014
I really liked some of the chapters, found others only okay, and disliked a couple. I expected more inclusion from Pres. Faust's legal and political affiliations and experiences and was left a little disappointed. The chapters that I really found well constructed message, depth, and personal resonance in chapter 3 (A crown of thorns, a crown of glory) and chapter 12 (Youth, Listen to the voice of the spirit.)
September 19, 2014
One of many of my favorite quotes: "We say to all who have joined the Church,keep all that is noble, good, and uplifting in your culture and personal identity. However, under the authority and power of the keys of the priesthood, all differences yield as we seek to become heirs to the kingdom of God....Our real strength is not so much in our diversity but in our spiritual and doctrinal unity." p36
March 8, 2009
My favorite prophet.
June 30, 2016
Nice... Especially loved the last one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews