testimony-talk two

so my hubby and i have been pretty sick the past few days & i am currently suffering through a terrible case of the hiccups! but i will endure to get these done. the second talk that i appriecated was a talk given by Cecil O. Samuelson of the Seventy. You can find the talk here: Testimony

This talk generally spoke on the struggles of gaining and maintaining a testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel here on this earth. He started his talk by speaking of how he was able to work with the youth for much of his life. As he talked about this I thought of last year when I was able to work with the Young Women in my home ward. These Young Women are among the best of the best. They are smart and beautiful along with talented in all aspects and so strong in the knowledge of their personal testimonies & truthfulness of the gospel. While with these girls not only did I learn from them but most of their mothers worked in there with me. Both mothers and daughters taught me so much about the gospel and the strength that is necessary to maintain and KEEP your testimony flourishing.

Brother Samuelson gave 3 answers to questions that people as a majority struggled with:

"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). A fundamental reason for the Restoration of the gospel is so “every man might speak in the name of God the Lord, even the Savior of the world; that faith also might increase in the earth” (D&C 1:20–21).

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. The scriptures warn that transgressing or breaking the commandments of God can result in the loss of the Spirit and even to one denying the testimony he or she once possessed (see D&C 42:23)."

Following these answers he gave 10 key points that he got from the youth. He said these are points in which we wont be surprised about but often times forget and lose sight of.

"First, everyone has worth because we are all children of God. He knows us, loves us, and wants us to succeed and return to Him. We must learn to trust in His love and in His timing rather than in our own sometimes impatient and imperfect desires.

Second, while we believe fully in the mighty change of heart described in the scriptures (see Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:12–14, 26), we must understand it often occurs gradually, rather than instantaneously or globally, and in response to specific questions, experiences, and concerns as well as by our study and prayer.

Third, we need to remember that a fundamental purpose of life is to be tested and stretched, and thus we must learn to grow from our challenges and be grateful for the lessons learned that we cannot gain in an easier way.

Fourth, we must learn to trust the things that we believe in or know to sustain us in times of uncertainty or with issues where we struggle.

Fifth, as Alma taught, gaining a testimony is usually a progression along the continuum of hoping, believing, and finally knowing the truth of a specific principle, doctrine, or the gospel itself (see Alma 32).

Sixth, teaching someone else what we know strengthens our own testimony as we build that of another. When you give someone money or food, you will have less. However, when you share your testimony, it strengthens and increases for both the bearer and the hearer.

Seventh, we must do the little but necessary things daily and regularly. Prayers, scripture and gospel study, attendance at Church meetings, temple worship, fulfilling visiting teaching, home teaching, and other assignments all strengthen our faith and invite the Spirit into our lives. When we neglect any of these privileges, we place our testimonies in jeopardy.

Eighth, we should not have higher standards for others than we do for ourselves. Too often we may let the mistakes or failures of others, especially leaders or Church members, influence how we feel about ourselves or our testimonies. Other people’s difficulties are not an excuse for our own deficiencies.

Ninth, it is good to remember that being too hard on yourself when you make a mistake can be as negative as being too casual when real repentance is needed.

And tenth, we must always be clear that the Atonement of Christ is fully and continuously operative for each of us when we allow it to be so. Then everything else fits into place even when we continue to struggle with certain details, habits, or seemingly missing parts in the mosaic of our faith."

 The first one is probably the most basic but one of my favorites. Jesus Christ knows each of us individually and knows all our pains, afflictions, and struggles. Not only is or Heavenly Father just a prayer away but they have given us a constant companion of comfort in the Holy Ghost. The other thing I love about these points are that they remind us that it is a continual struggle and a continual battle to keep the knowledge and to help it grow. I think of a testimony as a flower in a garden... you must water the flower and nourish it or it will die. I know from personal experience that it does die. I am both grateful and sad that I allowed my testimony to disappear for a while-losing sight of what is truly most important.Though I am eternally grateful of the knowledge of the scriptures, the Atonement, and of the gospel-here on this earth and especially in my life.

The girls & fellow teachers in Young Womens may never know how much they helped me. They may never know how grateful I am for their example of strength and knowledge. I also am grateful that with that calling I was able to help my testimony grow-maybe just a tad but surely enough to influence my life for the better. Having a testimony and helping it grow throughout life is the strength to keep you from falling to the advisory. I know these things to be true to my knowledge. Amen.