Our lesson started with a self-assessment, the Faith Maturity Scale, which was developed in 1993. Based on Matthew 22:34-39, the assessment which looks at faith behaviour along two intersecting axes; love of God and love of fellow-man. Researchers conclude than when the levels of faith along these two axes are similarly high, a deep and mature faith exists in individuals. The questionnaire proved to be interesting and was a starting place to think about different ways in which Faith can be assessed.
We then turned to a detailed discussion of Alma 32:27-31, 37-41 which contains a description of how faith is developed in an individual. We identified 9 distinct phases in the development of faith and started to define basic questions to help us understand our progress in relation to that stage of faith.I Desire to Believe (Alma 32:27)
The desire to believe is described by Alma as a "particle of faith" which should be allowed to work in us with the aim of "giving place" for a portion of Gods word. In Elder Eyring's words, "acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it".
Do I desire to believe?
How much do I want this?
II Planting the Word of God (Alma 32:28)
The actual word of God is now compared to a seed, which is planted. The good, or true seed will, with the appropriate nurture, begin to grow.
How much effort am I prepared to put in?
III Believing and Accepting the Spirit (Alma 32:28)
If the desire to believe remains present, then the seed will begin to grow. If there is unbelief, the seed is cast out. In this stage, accepting the Spirit of the Lord encourages the seed to germinate, where resisting the Spirit of the Lord will not allow the seed to germinate.
Do I believe what the Holy Ghost is telling me?
IV Recognising and Acknowledging the Good/Change/Growth (Alma 32:29-30)
The recognition of the soul being enlarged, of the understanding being enlightened, of the 'taste' of delight are key in this stage. Alma indicates that at this stage, there is an increase in faith.
What is different?
What has changed for me now?
[At this point, Alma digresses to a discussion of perfect knowledge an light and then moves back into the original point of growing of faith left off in verse 30.]
V Nourishing and Strengthening (Alma 32:37)
In this stage, Alma stresses the importance of nourishing with great care, so that the seed of faith "gets", or develops roots. Neglect at this stage will lead to the seedling being scorched by the sun and withering away.
What will I do to nourish the seed?
VI Get Roots (Alma 32:27)
Although this stage could also be seen as part of of nourishing and strengthening, we decided to separate it as it relates to an outcome of the activities of nourishing and strengthening. Pres Uchtdorf's statement to "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith" is apt in this stage, as doubts can lead one to uproot a young seedling.
How confident am I in this matter?
Am I willing to put my doubts aside and trust my developing faith?
This stage represents the nourishing, not of a germinating seed that has yet to get roots, but to a seedling, that has root, and requires ongoing care. The quality of nurture is different here - rather than nurturing with "great care" we are nurturing with diligence, with patience and with a vision of the future fruit. At this stage we are able to better distinguish the specifics of the tree which is being nourished and see envision specific fruits.
What do I see this leading to?
What is the end result?
VIII Take Root (Alma 32:41)
This taking root is a process we observe with plants - there appears to be a time, when the leaves are out that 'nothing' seems to be happening - this is when things are happening underground, when roots are growing and developing, no longer reliant on the germ which sustained the seedling, but developing and firmly rooting and anchoring the plant.
Am I steadfast, firm and immovable?
Am I rooted and anchored in Christ?IX Tree Springing up to Everlasting Life (Alma 32:41-43)
The small plant of faith, once firmly established and rooted, and nourished and over which we exercise diligence, patience, long-suffering and waiting, yields fruit which is described as precious, sweet and pure. Some of the fruits we anticipated were peace, joy and love.
What fruits am I reaping from this tree?
Our articulation of this model of faith was an enlarging experience for us, and we contemplated that the many talks on faith from general conferences were likely addressed at different stages, and felt that this model could provide opportunities for further understanding of faith.
Resources:
Faith Maturity Scale (Description)
Faith Maturity Scale (Test and scoring)
Dieter F Uchtdorf : Come Join with Us
Jeffrey R Holland : Lord I Believe
Neal A Maxwell : Grounded, Rooted, Established,and Settled
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