(Read and Follow the Directions)

I don’t know if I’ve had this thought before, because on it’s face, it’s kind of obvious, but it feels new today after reading chapters 32 and 33 of Alma. It’s the idea that you can plant the seed of faith, and you can see it grow and even be excited about how it will look after a season, but if you don’t pay close attention to it, and feed it, it will wither and die. The thing that really strikes me this time, is the realization that

it doesn’t matter how big or fruitful your tree of faith grows, if you stop taking care of it, it will become weak and be easy prey for diseases and parasites.

I look at all the messes in the world sometimes and it could be so easy to become cynical or lose hope. But when I am faithfully doing my part to nourish the seed or tree of faith, the tree is strong and gives me good fruit that brings hope and joy to my heart.

Book of Mormon, Alma 33

23 And now, my brethren, I desire that ye shall plant this word in your hearts, and as it beginneth to swell even so nourish it by your faith. And behold, it will become a tree, springing up in you unto everlasting life. And then may God grant unto you that your burdens may be light, through the joy of his Son. And even all this can ye do if ye will. Amen.