Scriptures: Answers to our real life problems...

Find Solutions in the Scriptures to Life's Challenges
(Philippians 1-4)

The following are common challenges that we may face, and the counsel from scriptures in Philippians that could help resolve them:

People sometimes argue and complain over petty matters in church meetings or throughout the week.

In Philippians 2 verse 3 we are told, “let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” In verses 14-15 it says, “do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among who ye shine as lights in the world.” Paul basically counseled us to try and be selfless people always seeking to help and uplift those around us even when it is not convenient for us. He tells us not to complain and dispute, but to be willing to serve. Even as church members, we are not perfect, and we need to always remember to be patient, loving, and willing to work with others. We need to remember to work in unity for the greater good. 

Many youth feel that their parents’ testimony is sufficient for them. Since they have good parents, they rely on them for all their spiritual strength.

Although it is great for youth to rely on their parent’s testimony when they are struggling with their own, it is crucial that they work on obtaining and growing their own. In Philippians 2 verse 12 it states that we must “…work out [our] own salvation with fear and trembling.” In the old Institute Manual David O. McKay stated, “Work out your salvation is an exhortation to demonstrate by activity, by thoughtful, obedient effort the reality of faith. But this must be done with a consciousness that absolute dependence upon self may produce pride and weakness that will bring failure. With fear and trembling we should seek the strength and grace of God for inspiration to obtain the final victory” (“Work out Your Own Salvation with Fear and Trembling” [pp. 361–62]). By respectfully looking unto the Lord, and eagerly working to obtain our individual testimony, the Lord will spiritually strengthen us and bless us. It is great for each of us to know these things for ourselves, and to have this relationship with Heavenly Father. Overall, it is that spiritual knowledge we each have that we will be able to take with us to the next life.

An investigator is considering joining the Church, but his family will no longer associate with him if he does.

This scenario is definitely a difficult, and uncomfortable one to be in, especially for an investigator, but we are assured that any sacrifices we do for Christ’s sake won’t go unnoticed or unblessed. Paul endured and sacrificed so much to do the Lord’s will to which he says, “…I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ” (Philippians 3:8). Paul referred to the things he lost as “dung” to describe how insignificant or less valuable this things were compared to his relationship with Christ. Obviously, our families are not “dung,” and we shouldn’t think of them that way, but our relationships with Christ should be the most important and valuable one in our lives. We shouldn’t let anyone or anything get in the way of us creating and having a relationship with our Heavenly Father. If our families, can’t respect that then it is their loss. Heavenly Father knows the sacrifices we endure, and for them He will bless us. Our families can later see our examples, and our happiness and gravitate towards the gospel and Christ, or just respect us for standing up for what we believe in.

These real life situations are only a few examples of real life problems we may encounter. If we are ever in need of answers or solutions we can rely on scriptures to receive them. “Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3). Scriptures are the word of Christ, and through them we can know what to do in different situations. Let us gravitate towards them to receive answers and inspiration next time we need guidance, before gravitating anywhere else. The scriptures will give us the best-unbiased counsel.