Faith Quote by Joseph B. Wirthlin
““Unfortunately, some in the Church may believe sincerely that their testimony is a raging bonfire when it really is little more than the faint flickering of a candle. Their faithfulness has more to do with habit than holiness, and their pursuit of personal righteousness almost always takes a back seat to their pursuit of personal interests and pleasure. With such a feeble light of testimony for protection, these travelers on life's highways are easy prey for the wolves of the adversary. . . . Some people are weak in their faith and testimonies but are not even aware of how precarious their situation is. Many of them likely would be offended at the suggestion. They raise their right hand to sustain Church leaders and then murmur and complain when a decision does not square with their way of thinking. They claim to be obedient to God's commandments but do not feel at all uncomfortable about purchasing food at the store on Sunday and then asking the Lord to bless it. Some say they would give their lives for the Lord, yet they refuse to serve in the nursery.””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: General Conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints, 1995
Faith practiced as habit can become weak, making believers vulnerable to spiritual danger.
In simple terms: Faith as habit can be weak and risky.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate sincere devotion over routine.
Themes
faith
habit
spiritual vigilance
personal integrity
Mood
reflective
concerned
Type
spiritual
cautionary
When to use this quote
- church attendance
- personal prayer
- ethical decision‑making
- community leadership
Key Concepts
religious practice
self‑deception
spiritual warfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you tell if your faith is habit or heartfelt?
- What practices deepen genuine devotion?
A Different Perspective
Habit alone may not sustain deep conviction; true faith requires ongoing reflection.