When I was a teenager, I would share with my friends beliefs I have about the gospel. They would ask me, "But how do you KNOW it's true?"
It took me a while to figure out why I knew.
When one has a confirmation from the Spirit, this brings a knowledge that is spiritual in nature. It is not based on the five senses. It speaks directly to the heart. Yet it is as powerful as watching the sun set, jumping into icy water or hearing some one say "I love you." It becomes irrefutable spiritual knowledge.
In fact, I can remember spiritual experiences with greater recall then everyday experiences. I remember what it felt like when I was baptized and received the Holy Ghost, yet I can barely remember anything else about that day. I can remember the beautiful Spirit I felt when I received my patriarchal blessing, yet I have no idea what I wore that day. I can remember the first time I finished reading the Book of Mormon and praying whether it was true. But I can't remember what day it was.
When the Spirit whispers truth to me, it can be a completely encompassing moment. I feel warmth all over, I feel emotional and my mind sees truth. Truth seeks deep into my soul.
My testimony has grown as I have. As a child, I remember certain things that just seemed right, like I had always known them. There are other principles that I have had to experience, pray about and work through to gain a testimony. My testimony is still growing. It is something very much alive and must be nurtured like a tender plant.
Having grown plants, I now understand this principle. When you first plant a seed, it is very fragile. Too much water, sun light and fertilizer are just as detrimental to a plant as too little. Much care must be taken. Once the plant becomes stronger, you can't leave it alone. If you want good fruit, you must continually take care of the plant. In fact, I have found that a testimony is so much like a plant that if neglected for a week, the plant will start to wither. We must care daily for our testimony through prayer, scripture reading, service and an eye single to God.
I believe that there are certain key principles to my testimony.
- I know God lives! He is the Father of my Spirit. He is the Creator of the great plan of Salvation.
"And a worlds without number have I b created; and I also created them for mine own purpose; and by the c Son I d created them, which is mine e Only Begotten." Moses 1:33
Why did God do this?
the c immortality and d eternal e life of man."
Moses 1:39
- His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, came to this earth and worked out the Atonement personally, for each of us. He is the Creator, the author and finisher of our faith. He loves each of us dearly as witnessed by the nail prints in His hands. In all He does, He and the Father are One. He wants us to become like Him.
30 For my yoke is a easy, and my burden is light.
- Christ restored His church again on this earth in its fullness, through the prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph's simple pray of which church to join was answered by a heavenly visit from God, the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
Joseph Smith, the a Prophet and b Seer of the Lord, has done more, c save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the d fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own e blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not f separated! Doctrine and Covenants 135:3
- Joseph Smith did indeed translate plates of scripture kept by ancient people of the Americas. This book of scripture is The Book of Mormon. It is another testament of Jesus Christ. I have read it many times. I know it is the true word of God. I feel the Spirit as I read it and know that as we live the principles found in this book, we can become like Christ.
we also believe the d Book of Mormon to be the word of God.
- As in times of old, we, too, have a living prophet: President Thomas S. Monson. He has the Priesthood authority given him by God to lead His church in these Latter-days.
and administer in the f ordinances thereof.
He will not lead us astray.
“The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Wilford Woodruff[2004], 199).
We are each given the seeds.
We have a choice.
We can plant these seeds and nurture them OR we can cast them on the wayside.
What will you do?
