Dwindling Is Never Good

July 9, 2013 I read 1Nephi chapter's 11-15:

  In these chapters Nephi is shown vision's that interpret Lehi's dream as well as an angel showing him the future of the gentiles. He learns of the the church of the devil and the church of the Lamb Of God. I pondered these scriptures most of the day yesterday ... what a gift to Nephi, that in his righteousness and faith he inquired and received the knowledge and understanding that he so desired to have. My heart was truly touched. Some of the things he was shown and told were, I am sure, very overwhelming to him ...because the knowledge those visions and teachings held are a little overwhelming to me! 
   
     One phrase that has always caught my attention in reading in the Book Of Mormon is that of "dwindling in unbelief" I have always been amused by that word ... "dwindle" . It is a funny word, kind of rolls of your tongue in a funny way. I have even blogged about it before. Though, in my opinion, the word is funny, if you think about what dwindle means, there is nothing funny about it. Dwindle means to be become smaller and smaller, to shrink and/or waste away. That is scary! The last thing I want to do is dwindle in unbelief and become a dark and loathsome person!

"And the angel said unto me: Behold these shall dwindle in unbelief. And it came to pass that I beheld, after they had dwindled in unbelief they became a dark, and loathsome, and a filthy people, full of idleness and all manner of abominations."   --1Nephi 12: 22-23 

      I have a personal testimony that if I study the scriptures for guidance and enlightenment, pray humbly and unceasingly, listen to the words of our Prophet, develop a personal relationship with the Savior, serve God selflessly by serving others and walk by faith, then I will not dwindle! If ever I feel that I need a spiritual boost or comfort, I know through personal testimony that the Lord is there;

 “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Matthew 7:7

           We all have the invitation to ask and receive. We are all familiar with the scriptures James 1: 5-6
“If any of you lack wisdom, let Him ask of God …” The scripture does not say … Joseph Smith; if you lack wisdom … it says IF ANY OF YOU lack wisdom …
The next verse though, is very clear; “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering.” (Or doubting or dwindling)
We must be deliberate about doing the things that matter most. If we exercise our faith daily with prayer, study, and obedience, the Savior helps us through our weakest and whiniest moments! Our faith then  becomes a shield to “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” D&C 27:17 Alma taught that we may “withstand every temptation of the devil, with [our] faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
If you don’t want to dwindle, you must feed your faith … constantly, nourish it with the things that matter most and silence the voices of the world with a constant prayer in your heart which will keep you aware and your heart open to the spirit. This world filled with so much that is not for our good ... Satan is running rampant gathering more souls. He will NOT win, but we MUST keep our faith strong … for our own survival!