The Trial of Our Faith Is More Precious Than Gold

1 Peter 1-4

Mormon Message: The Refiner's Fire

1 Peter 1:7 - "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ."

1 Peter 2: 12, 15, 21 - "Having  your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation...For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:...For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps..."

1 Peter 3:14-15 - "But, and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that sketch you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear."

1 Peter 4: 12-13 - "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

1 Peter 4:16 - "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf."

These verses so powerfully teach how we should look at our trials and at the mocking that sometimes comes to us as we strive to live our faith. 

I am reminded of a talk from President Thomas S. Monson called "May You Have Courage" (April 2009):

"My final plea tonight is that you have the courage to stand firm for truth and righteousness. Because the trend in society today is away from the values and principles the Lord has given us, you will almost certainly be called upon to defend that which you believe. Unless the roots of your testimony are firmly planted, it will be difficult for you to withstand the ridicule of those who challenge your faith. When firmly planted, your testimony of the gospel, of the Savior, and of our Heavenly Father will influence all that you do throughout your life. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to allow derisive comments and criticism of the Church to cause you to question and doubt. Your testimony, when constantly nourished, will keep you safe."

"Recall with me Lehi’s vision of the tree of life. He saw that many who had held to the iron rod and had made their way through the mists of darkness, arriving at last at the tree of life and partaking of the fruit of the tree, did then “cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.”  Lehi wondered as to the cause of their embarrassment. As he looked about, he “beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building. …“And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who … were partaking of the fruit.” The great and spacious building in Lehi’s vision represents those in the world who mock God’s word and who ridicule those who embrace it and who love the Savior and live the commandments. 

My beloved young (people), with the courage of your convictions, may you declare with the Apostle Paul, 'I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation.'...“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” 

Honestly, I don't think I could say it any better than these verses and words of  loving counsel from our prophet do.