While a testimony is simple and clear in this defining declaration, arising from this declaration are several potential questions, such as: Who is entitled to have a testimony? How does one obtain the necessary revelation? What are the steps in obtaining a testimony? Is gaining a testimony an event or an ongoing process? Each of these queries and others have their own subsets, but the fundamentals of gaining and retaining a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ are straightforward, clear, and within the capacity of every person.
I didn't get the chance to watch the YW General Conference addresses when they were broadcast, but I have read them carefully now that I'm in the YW organization in our ward. I was very much struck by these words,:
It is at the heart of my message tonight. He [Brigham Young] said in a room in his home less than a mile from where this message now goes out to daughters of God in nations across the world: “There is need for the young daughters of Israel to get a living testimony of the truth.”
He then created an association of young women that has become what we now call in the Lord’s Church “Young Women.” You have felt tonight some of the wonderful effect of his choice made in that Sunday evening meeting in the parlor of his home.
More than 100 years later, daughters of Israel across the world have that desire for a living testimony of the truth for themselves. Now, for the rest of your lives, you will need that living and growing testimony to fortify you and lead your path to eternal life. And with it you will become the transmitters of the Light of Christ to your brothers and sisters across the world and across generations."
President Uchtdorf said:"Our firm personal testimony will motivate us to change ourselves and bless the world. A testimony is the sure knowledge or assurance from the Holy Ghost of the truth and divinity of the Lord's work in these latter days." A testimony is an anchor our firm foundation, our North star."
ReplyDeletePresident Uchtdorf also said in another talk:" A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth. It is a constant source of confidence, a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. A testimony provides us with a reason for hope and gladness. It helps us cultivate a spirit of optimism and happiness and enables us to rejoice on the beauties of nature. A testimony motivates us to choose the right at all times and in all circumstances. It motivates us to draw nearer to God, allowing Him to draw nearer to us.
ReplyDeleteElder Russell M. Ballard spoke in Oct 2004 about King Benjamin's address in Mosiah 4. He said when pure testimony of Chris is borne, the Spirit cannot be restrained. "Thus King Benjamin's people were so inspired by his testimony, that there lives were changed right there, on the spot and they became as new people." DC 80:4, "Therefore declare the things which ye have heard, and verily believe, and know to be true."
ReplyDeleteWhen a person bears his testimony, he receives new strength and spiritual power. I believe this happens because finding the words to express our beliefs somehow makes them more real to us. Thinking through something so that you can say it brings the concept into focus. We need the time that testimony bearing gives us, because strong spiritual feelings take time to develop. President Kimball stated that "testimonies are feelings, not merely an accumulation of facts." (Berlin 1962)
ReplyDelete