A very effective tool of the adversary is doubt. He tried to
use that tactic on Christ multiple times.
Matthew 4 - Multiple times Lucifer tempts the Savior and says
"IF thou be the Son of God..." He tried to cast doubt into the Son of God.
Luke 23:37-40 (JST): The adversary, acting through soldiers and the malefactor who was crucified with Christ, again tried to instil doubt
into the Savior during those crushing final moments on the cross when they
said, "IF thou be the Christ, save thyself."
There are many ways he can try to instil doubt into us as
individuals. These might be a few examples:
- You're not worthy to
serve in this calling.
- Do you think a
perfect Heavenly Father will really answer your prayers, after all you've done?
- You shouldn't be
associating with these people, they're so much better than you, you could never
measure up to them.
- Others may be noble
and great and may see and hear wonderful things, but you can't attain that,
it's out of your reach.
- You didn't really
confess that sin, you're not forgiven. The Lord can forgive others, but you
can't be forgiven of that. Your life has been to dark.
and so on...
The message of the gospel is the opposite of doubt and
fear. In 3 Nephi 9:14, the voice of the
Lord says, "If ye will come
unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is
extended towards you and whosoever will come, him will I receive;
and blessed are those who come unto me."
The invitation to come is extended to all, no matter how
dark the past or seemingly real the doubt may be, Christ has carried that
burden and he overcame. Some of the vilest sinners have turned and become the
greatest missionaries: Paul, Alma, Ammon, and so on.
When we look to Christ, there should be no room for doubt in
our mind. I invite you and I to cast away any misgivings or doubt and turn to
the Lord with full purpose of heart. When we do, we shall conquer the enemy of
all righteousness and not give into his doubt filled temptations!
