Instructor: Sister Colbert
Elder Samuelson starts out with three questions that pertain to having a testimony:
First, who is entitled to have a testimony?
"Everyone who is willing to pay the price—meaning keeping the commandments—may have a testimony. “Wherefore the voice of the Lord is unto the ends of the earth, that all that will hear may hear” (D&C 1:11). "
Second, how does one obtain the necessary revelation, and what are the fundamental steps to achieve it?
"The pattern has been clear and consistent throughout the ages. The promise given for obtaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon also applies generally: “And when ye shall receive these things”—meaning you have listened, read, studied, and pondered on the question at hand—“ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true”—meaning you will pray thoughtfully, specifically, and reverently with a firm commitment to follow the answer to your prayer—“and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things” (Moroni 10:4–5).
Third, is gaining a testimony an isolated event or an ongoing process?
"A testimony is similar to a living organism that grows and develops when treated properly. It needs constant nourishment, care, and protection to thrive and prosper. Likewise, neglect or deviance from the pattern of living that a testimony clarifies can lead to its loss or diminishment."
10 Observations and Suggestions
Let me now share 10 of the observations and suggestions of my valued and faithful young friends. The ideas they share have a commonality in their thinking and experience; thus, they likely will not be surprising to any of us. Unfortunately and especially at times of our own struggle and distress, we may temporarily forget or discount their applicability to us personally.
1. Everyone has worth because we are children of God
2. Mighty Change of Heart occurs gradually
3. Growth come from challenges in our lives
4. Learn to trust in times of uncertainty
5. Gaining a testimony is a process
6. Teaching others strengthens our testimony
7. We must continue to do the small, simple things daily
8. We should not have higher standards for others than we do for ourselves
9. We shouldn't be too hard on ourselves
10. The Atonement of Christ is central to our testimonies
How do each of these suggestions pertain to gaining a testimony?
Elder Samuelson ends by bearing his testimony: "Like Nephi and Mormon of old, “I do not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi 11:17; see also Words of Mormon 1:7), but let me tell you what I do know. I know God our Heavenly Father lives and loves us. I know His uniquely special Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer and the head of the Church, which bears His name. I know Joseph Smith experienced all that he has reported and taught with respect to the Restoration of the gospel in our day. I know we are led by apostles and prophets today and President Thomas S. Monson holds all of the keys of the priesthood necessary to bless our lives and advance the work of the Lord. I know we are all entitled to this knowledge, and if you are struggling, you can rely on the truthfulness of the testimonies you hear from this pulpit at this conference. These things I know and bear testimony of in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."
Family Home Evening Ideas
Sharing Time: We Can Testify of Jesus Christ and His Gospel
Sharing Time: Let Your Light Shine
Sharing Time: I Have a Testimony of Jesus Christ
LDS Living: Testimony of Jesus Christ
LDS Living: Testimony
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