Faith and Sacrifice

HOLY WOW General Conference was, yet again, the best yet. I seem to say that every time it comes around, but it never ceases to be true. Amid all of this confusion and craziness that a global pandemic has brought us, I felt so much peace listening to the words of our leaders and especially our prophet. The first round of the worldwide fast was powerful, but I'm excited to witness miracles as we participate in yet another worldwide fast on Good Friday "that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened, and life normalized," as the Prophet explained. I think an even more important part of his invitation was this: "For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again." For all whose health may permit. 

What really is the purpose behind fasting? Doctrinally, we are taught that fasting is included in what is called the Law of Sacrifice. President Ballard taught that "The law of sacrifice provides an opportunity for us to prove to the Lord that we love Him more than any other thing." Basically it gives us a chance to look past the desires of the natural man and move to a higher plane of faith. 

In the Lectures on Faith, the Prophet Joseph Smith explained an important relationship between the principle of faith and the principle of sacrifice: “Let us here observe, that a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; … it is through the medium of the sacrifice of all earthly things that men do actually know that they are doing the things that are well pleasing in the sight of God.”
I love this quote because I think it teaches so powerfully that the law of sacrifice is more than just abstaining from food and drink for 24 hours. It is the sacrifice of all earthly things. 

Personally, because of my struggle with an eating disorder, fasting is not a healthy sacrifice for me to make. With these worldwide fasts we have been asked to participate in, I have struggled a little understanding what I can do to "fast" or at least live the law of sacrifice in some way so that I can participate in joining my faith with so many others. As I studied this week, I decided to focus on what these principles mean to me. When I found these quotes, I felt so much peace. First of all, the prophet invited all, whose health permits, to fast. That being said, if you would be doing damage to your physical body or your mental health just to participate in abstaining from food, this is for you. There are so many ways to live the law of sacrifice because it is of all earthly things, not just food and water, that show the Lord that we are willing to do what is pleasing in His eyes. 

There was a scripture that my mission president shared with me shortly after I returned home that is found in Doctrine and Covenants 124:49 that says 
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, that when I give a commandment to any of the sons of men to do a work unto my name, and those songs of men go with all their might and with all they have to perform that work, and cease not their diligence, and their enemies come upon them and hinder them from performing that work, behold, it behooveth me to require that work no more at the hands of those sons of men, but to accept their offerings." 
That promise brought me so much comfort after feeling like I hadn't sacrificed everything I could after returning home early. From that day I knew that whatever I was able to give to the Lord would be enough in His eyes. He will always accept my offering. 

It reminds me of the story of the Widow's Mites in Mark 12. Her offering may have seemed small to others, but it was the greatest sacrifice she could make. In this time of difficulty, I hope we can all remember that our sacrifice may not be the sacrifice of others, but that's why the Lord requires it of us. It is meant to be ours. For this worldwide fast, here are a few alternative ideas to the fasting of food and water.

• Social media fast
• Technology fast
• Sacrifice of time to participate in Family History work
• Secular music fast
• Sacrifice of time to serve others
• Negative self talk fast
• Complaining fast

So, maybe take time to think about what may be a bigger sacrifice to you than just food. These are just a few ideas, but it has helped me find more perspective in what sacrifices I can make to show Heavenly Father that I love Him and have faith in Him when my health doesn't allow. My sacrifice may not be a typical fast, but it is my sacrifice and it requires that same amount of faith. I feel strengthened by this opportunity to unite with people of all faiths to help end this pandemic and trust in a God who truly does know the end from the beginning. He sees us where we are and will accept our diligent and faithful offerings. 

Kami