"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
—Hebrews 11:1

Evidence, in a court of law, is information whereby a case is established to be true. Faith, we often think, is believing in something without evidence. So how can faith BE evidence? How can a belief have substance?

Because faith is not just belief.

"He that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
—Hebrews 11:6

Belief in God and His power motivates us to take steps in His direction, but faith is not believing. Faith is not knowing the path is there, or knowing that God is at the end of it. Faith is stepping forward. Faith is movement. Faith is not acting because of evidence, faith is action which IS evidence of God, His power.

For a long time, I have thought about teaching by the Spirit. Not only when called to speak in sacrament, or in a classroom, but in my life. But I've realized that teaching in a way that invites the Spirit isn't enough. Teaching people about the path, and helping them feel good that it is there is not my goal. I want to teach in a way that prepares God's children to act on the Spirit, to walk the path. In other words, I want to teach faith.

This is more than a feeling, more than a belief. It is action. And in a world of effortless achievement, teaching people to BE the evidence, rather than merely to act on evidence is a tall order, indeed.

I'm not sure how to do that, how to facilitate the growth of faith. But I want to learn.
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