Another thing that caught my attention about the allegory of the olive tree (Jacob 5) is that bearing good fruit is a temporary condition that requires a lot of continual effort. After being nourished, fertilized, and pruned, the wild branches start to bear good fruit. But after a while, left to themselves, they all return to their natural wild state, and it takes more focused effort by the Lord and his servants to reclaim them.
I think my faith and testimony and commitment to the gospel as an imperfect mortal are that way too---perishable, and dependent on constant nourishment and pruning to yield good fruit. If I ever stop doing the things that add to my testimony---reading and pondering the scriptures, praying, serving in the church, keeping my covenants---then my testimony and faith start to fade, and its much easier to doubt and wander from the path. No wonder our leaders constantly encourage us to be faithful in these daily religious habits and practices. The light of testimony burns bright, but it can quickly start to dim if we don't keep adding oil to the lamp! I look forward to a future day, when the test is over, and my light will never dim again.
I think my faith and testimony and commitment to the gospel as an imperfect mortal are that way too---perishable, and dependent on constant nourishment and pruning to yield good fruit. If I ever stop doing the things that add to my testimony---reading and pondering the scriptures, praying, serving in the church, keeping my covenants---then my testimony and faith start to fade, and its much easier to doubt and wander from the path. No wonder our leaders constantly encourage us to be faithful in these daily religious habits and practices. The light of testimony burns bright, but it can quickly start to dim if we don't keep adding oil to the lamp! I look forward to a future day, when the test is over, and my light will never dim again.
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