Digging Deeper: What Does Faith *Demand*?

How often do we use words without truly understanding their weight? It's a common failing, particularly when it comes to the bedrock of our lives: faith. We declare we believe, we proclaim our trust, but do we ever pause to ask ourselves, what does that mean? What does that *demand*?

Mark Swint, in his latest episode of Book of Mormon, Digging Deeper, cuts through the superficiality and challenges us to excavate the real meaning of faith. He doesn't dismiss the declaration – “I believe” is a powerful starting point – but he insists it’s just the beginning. Faith isn't a checkbox; it's a living, breathing engagement with the divine.

Think of Samuel the Lamanite, standing on the wall, a solitary voice proclaiming a message that few wanted to hear. He knew the demands of his calling, the courage it took to stand against the tide. Or Ammon, facing the Lamanites at the Waters of Sebus, his faith not just a feeling, but a driving force. These aren’t just stories; they’re blueprints for the builders who desire to see God's work advance.

Swint takes us on a journey, unpacking the very words we use to describe our belief. What does it mean to believe in Jesus? To believe He existed? To believe He died for our sins? Each question opens a new avenue for understanding, a deeper layer of commitment. He reminds us that the promises of the Lord are magnificent, unambiguous, and yet, how many of us live lives that fall short of these glorious realities?

He doesn’t shy away from the hard questions. Are we willing to attend church regularly? To tithe? To live the word of wisdom? To sell all we have and follow Him, as the rich young man was asked?

This isn't about guilt or condemnation; it's about recognizing the vast chasm between our declarations of faith and our daily actions. It’s about understanding that faith isn’t passive acceptance; it’s active obedience. It’s about becoming, as Brother Packer taught, “the kind of people that God can use.”

This is the kind of reckoning that’s needed now, more than ever. The world is saturated with destroyers, with those who tear down and sow discord. But we, the builders, we know there’s a different path. A path of courage, of sacrifice, of unwavering commitment to the principles of the gospel.

And that path, dear friends, is fueled by faith—a faith that demands action, that compels us to build, to gather, and to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. As we build, remember that your engagement here, your time and resources, directly fund gospel advertising efforts—bringing the message of hope and restoration to places like Ghana, and beyond. Support the Missionary Fund and help spread the invitation to all nations!

Let's all acknowledge that we have faith, and let's see just what that means. Let’s do that.

Outback Jack would remind us to seek the wisdom of the prophets, to diligently follow the path laid out before us. He’d point to the waters of Sebus, where Ammon and his brethren faced seemingly insurmountable odds, yet prevailed through faith and obedience. He’d echo the words of Moroni: “And if ye will that I should speak unto you concerning faith, behold, I say unto you that faith is not any blind trust, but a conviction and a belief” (Moroni 10:4).

Let’s move beyond blind trust and embrace a faith that demands action. Let’s claim our church on the map of churches and become a beacon of hope in a world desperately searching for truth.