Faith and Works

I've had an ongoing dialogue with a few friends lately about the importance of faith and "works," and how they correlate. So, if you're willing to read this lengthy epistle, I'd be interested in your thoughts.

I think there is a tendency, sometimes, for members of the LDS Church to think that works are the most important thing; some may say we tend to think that the concept of "works" is the only important thing when talking about salvation -- certainly that we emphasize it too much. In my opinion, our attitude concerning works is the biggest differentiating factor between what I like to call "LDS" and "Mormon." Meaning: there is a difference between the doctrine and the culture it sometimes creates.

I think it was Joseph Fielding McConkie that said something like, "If you asked a Mormon if 'Christ saves' in a Southern accent, they'd probably say 'no.'" This is, of course, ridiculous. Not that I believe it wouldn't happen, but that, as a group of people, we can become so focused on works and on being "different" that we miss the opportunities to recognize truth around us. Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our religion; the most basic principle. The only way for us to gain salvation. That is essential to the rest of the discussion.

That said, our works are incontrovertibly connected to our faith. And that is (I would argue) the only reason they are important. Certainly the primary reason. The old adage that "You act what you believe" is true. Which is why I know some people who are better members of Christ's church than am I, even if they're not LDS. They get what it means to be good people better than I do, and I'm grateful to be able to learn from them. And they all show it in varying ways. There's no checklist. But it's obvious through their actions. They demonstrate dedication to Christ's teachings and a desire to become more like him. And, even in cases when these people aren't religious, they do it because they love other people and good and right -- which is, after all, what Christ taught.

And although there is no checklist -- something Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught (there are very few things on the "must do" list, but a lot of things on the "nice to do") -- Elder Maxwell also taught, "If we lack faith, it shows up in interesting ways. You and I see it expressed as a failure to pay full tithing, failure to wear the holy temple garments, refusal to work more meekly at making a marriage more successful or a family happier, the resentment of personal trials, trying to serve the Lord without offending the devil (we have quite a few Church members who are trying to do just that!), failing to sustain the Brethren, neglecting prayer, neglecting the Holy Scriptures, neglecting neighbors, neglecting sacrament meetings, neglecting temple attendance." (Lord, Increase our Faith) I don't know which list these are on ("must do" or "nice to do"), but I think it's interesting that he talks about how faith is demonstrated in actions -- to ourselves, to others, and, I think, to the Lord. Meaning, these "works" are important.

It is in that sense our works, while still not saving us, "qualify" us for Christ's gifts. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland frequently comments that this dispensation is going to be asked to do something that none other in history has been asked: present Christ's church to him -- "When Christ comes, He must recognize us quickly; he must recognize us easily as truly being His disciples." Qualification may not be so much a matter of what we do, but what we are. Although, as I said earlier, they really can't be divided. Elder Maxwell (can you tell he's a favorite?) lists all those same actions that, when not done, demonstrate a lack of faith as actions of discipleship in his October 1992 conference talk. (If you have time, I highly, highly encourage you to read it.)

On to an even stickier part of this subject: motivation. A lot of people struggle with the idea that some members do things just because someone told them to, or they want a reward. They believe that all works should be done solely because we love God. I agree; that is the best reason. However, I know there have been times in my life when that is much easier to do than others. But, I believe in the human ability to be drawn to, and evaluate, that which is good. That is why I'm grateful He tells me about rewards to teach me and help develop my love for Him. I hope one day to be able to say that everything I do is because I understand and love the Lord so well. But, I'm not there yet. (Which is why Elder Maxwell's list is a bit intimidating to me. But that's another subject.)

By following good teachings, broad or specific, rewards are a natural by-product of our actions, but that doesn't have to mean the reward is our motivation. Although, regardless of the motivation, the outcome is the same: If I, say, decide to make an effort to pray every day, I'm going to end up with a better relationship with God -- and more acuity toward what he would like me to do because of that relationship. That, in turn, confirms to me that He's a real being, with a real influence in my life. Which allows me to do things because I've developed more love for Him.

Other's motivations, if they are less sincere than mine in some instances, should never prevent me from seeking to become more pure, more kind, more giving, more forgiving, more... more. I should understand that those people are just like me; we're all trying to figure out different things. And we're, hopefully, all desiring to become more loving and more sincere.

However, it's easier said than done. It's natural to worry about what others are doing -- we all do. But, problems arise depending on our motivation. Just as there are varying levels of motivation for actions, there are good and bad ways to worry about other people. And the scriptures are rife with examples of people that worry about others in good ways. Paul was worried about actions that were preventing members from coming closer to Christ; his love was apparent through his teachings, which did indeed involve teaching some works. But, of course his higher motivation was to help people love Christ. This kind of motivation often results in a whole lot of praying, service, and humility.

When we worry about what others are doing to compare ourselves or put them down, we're in a dangerous spot indeed. I believe this one of the primary reasons that people can see "Mormons" in a poor light. Regrettably, I think there have been times when I've been an example of this kind of motivation. I think it's the motivation that most of us need to work against, but comes most naturally.

I've been focusing a lot on the works part -- perhaps demonstrating the tendency of members to rely on them too much. Which is why I love another Elder Maxwell quote, "Though we rightly speak of 'faith and works,' faith by itself is constant work! It is a work to be done and a process best pursued while being not only 'anxiously engaged' but also engaged with 'fear and trembling.' Otherwise we may lose our concentration on Christ." (Lord, Increase our Faith)

So, I'm going to persist in my efforts to do good works. And in my efforts to do this with the sincerest motivation -- to "be" rather than "do." I realize no matter how much I do this, I will not save myself. I will not be able to perfect myself. I will not be able to prepare myself to return to heaven. My concentration must be in Christ for any of this to matter at all. So, even though I can't do it myself, I sure want to qualify -- I want Christ to know I love him, internally and externally. And I don't know what's wrong with that.