Testimony
A few months ago I was asked by a neighbor to come and speak to a group of women from her church that meet once a month to learn about other religions. My first reaction to her invitation was fear… which kind of surprised me, because why should I be afraid? I have a strong testimony, I am secure in my knowledge of the gospel. I was a little concerned about my knowledge of the scriptures because I couldn’t remember what religion she was and thought this might be a bible bashing I was headed for. But I knew the real fear I was feeling was the adversary. And so I did what any normal terrified person would do, right? I accepted the invitation to face that fear and dispel it! I knew this was something I needed to do to grow. That’s the thing about testimonies. They need constant care. They need to be shared, or they waver. And the adversary knows that.
As I thought about what to share with these women, my mind turned to the Book of Mormon time and time again. It was the end of the year and the prophet had asked us to complete reading it and I just couldn’t shake its importance in what we believe. Ironically, the Book of Mormon is probably the hottest touch point of our religion, but my mind truly went blank when I thought to use any other approach. So, I told them about the origin of the Book of Mormon and its purpose alongside the Bible, with scriptures that supported its writings from the Bible, and with the order of the gospel as taught by Christ so long ago. Amazingly, this connected us all right away, because I had immediately struck our common beliefs. Then I asked if it would be okay if I read of Christ‘s visit to the Americas in 3 Nephi. I think they were surprised that the Book of Mormon read just like the scripture they were used to and I could literally feel them relax and open their ears and hearts. I reiterated in everything how Christ would have directed His church were he on the earth today. When I say the spirit was strong, that is for lack of a better phrase. It’s presence was so blatantly obvious. Our discussion lasted about 2 hours and went completely unhitched. They asked, I answered. Did not challenge me on a single detail, and we talked about everything… women’s role in the Church and family, resurrection, modern day prophecy, baptisms for the dead, temples, polygamy, missionaries, tithing, family planning, divorce, Family Home Evening, observing the Sabbath Day, the Word of Wisdom, eternal marriage. They accepted it all and I attribute this to just putting myself out there. I did not have any idea how things would go, even after mingling with them for 20 minutes or so before we got started. We read the Proclamation to the World and I even gave away a copy. We watched part of Together Forever. They wrote down the church’s website address and took pass along cards. One of them had saved the flyer from the opening of the San Antonio Temple and brought it out during our discussion to read from. They were very impressed with how closely we follow Christ’s example and teachings. They were impressed with our membership number and how many countries we’ve penetrated. They were impressed with our missionary program and how self sufficient we are - that we run our church ourselves. They loved how kind and accepting we seemed to be and especially what a great support system we have in the Relief Society. I had the opportunity to bear my testimony of the great support we have here by telling them about the service I have received while on bedrest… One woman began to cry when I was done and said, it’s just how Christ would have done it. She understood. Another woman said how calming it was to listen to me talk about the Church. She felt the Spirit. All of them agreed that they had no idea about the depth of our beliefs. And they may never have inquired of themselves were it not for these circumstances and had I not agreed to come.
Testimony is such a powerful tool. It can be our greatest asset, but only if we use it. We cannot be afraid to share it or we WILL begin to doubt it. We cannot just sit back and enjoy the knowledge we gain as Latter Day Saints. We cannot look at others and feel badly for their lack of understanding… we must reach out to them and share what we know with them. It is not easy. Others will test us, maybe even mock us. It can bring persecution. But if we are prepared, “we shall not fear“. The best of God‘s children have had the courage of true conviction and were willing to suffer for the sake of true testimony. Truthfully, we must all be that willing.
The test of a testimony is challenging and difficult and can bring us uncertainty… not about whether or not the Church is true, but whether or not we can confidently stand up for what we believe in and have positive results. Joseph Smith is an example of someone who stepped into this huge unknown with confidence and surety. He was willing to give his life for his testimony and was consequently blessed with the ability to act far beyond his capacities. As Robert D. Hales said, “We do not give our testimony and life in the manner that Joseph Smith, the martyred Prophet, gave his life. Rather, we give testimony by devoted service in our lives each day to lift and strengthen others.” He also said, “Testimonies often come when there is willingness to serve where we are called. They come when a decision is made to strive to be obedient. Testimonies come during efforts to help, lift, and strengthen others. They come from prayer and from studying the scriptures and applying them in our lives.”
I testify that when you share your testimony it will become stronger, and that there are people around you who are waiting and wanting to embrace the truth. We learn from Alma 32 that planting the seed is the first step toward building faith. You may not immediately baptize someone upon sharing your testimony with them, but you will have planted a seed. I testify that bearing your testimony will help it grow, in that very moment, and that as you do so, you will be inspired to do and say the right thing. Do not be afraid to open your mouth. The adversary would like nothing better than for you to doubt yourself. An active testimony will sustain you. It will bring you peace and surety when you are feeling uncertain. One of my favorite scriptures is D&C 62:3… “for the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in Heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.” Perhaps that is why you feel so good after bearing your testimony. You k now that feeling? It’s stronger than merely feeling the Spirit… It’s a feeling of cleansing and purifying. Allow yourself to be filled with truth and share that with others.
