One of the beauties of general conference is the gathering of the members of the Church from all over the world, sometimes physically and always spiritually. While there are many different languages spoken, it is a sweet reminder that the language of the gospel is the same for everyone and has great power to unite us. Chapter 9, The Precious Gift of Testimony, is a similar reminder. Gordon B. Hinckley teaches that “in the heart of each of us beats a common testimony. You and I know that God lives and is at the helm of this His holy work. We know that Jesus is our Redeemer, who stands at the head of this Church which carries His name. We know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and is a prophet who stands at the head of this the dispensation of the fulness of times. We know that the priesthood was restored upon his head and that it has come down to us in this day in an unbroken line. We know that the Book of Mormon is a true testament of the reality and divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Have these profound truths changed your life?
I love the four conversion stories shared in the lesson. They are truly inspiring! They are sweet reminders of the powerful change that comes into our lives when we put our beliefs into action. Many times at a great cost! It is hard to imagine the sacrifices so many people have made and continue to make to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! I never had to make those sacrifices. My ancestors did! And my life has been eternally blessed because of them! These examples show how our testimonies change not only our lives but also the lives of our families and friends. We have also been taught that our personal testimonies strengthen and bless the Church.
The following quotes help us understand some of the blessings, and responsibilities, that are ours because of our testimonies.
“A strong testimony gives peace, comfort, and assurance. It generates the conviction that as the teachings of the Savior are consistently obeyed, life will be beautiful, the future secure, and there will be capacity to overcome the challenges that cross our path. As you fortify your own personal testimony, you will have power to make correct choices so that you can stand unwaveringly against the pressures of an increasingly vicious world. Your personal security and happiness depend upon the strength of your testimony, for it will guide your actions in times of trial or uncertainty.” Richard G. Scott1
“Testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. … Never underestimate the impact your testimony can have upon the lives of others as you bear it with the power of the Spirit.” M. Russell Ballard2
“Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf3
“Individual testimonies are the foundation and strength of the Church. Our testimony provides a guiding light that leads to a commitment which directs our conduct and our way of life. Our testimony is true north on a spiritual compass. It is a moving force that cannot be seen but can truly be felt. It is a burning within that tells us what is right.” Robert D. Hales4
“The strength of the Church lies in the depth and vitality of the personal testimonies of its members. Firm, secure testimonies will be the difference between faithfulness and disaffection.” Joseph B. Wirthlin5
“No matter how large the organization of the Church becomes or how many millions of members join our ranks, no matter how many continents and countries our missionaries enter or how many different languages we speak, the true success of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be measured by the spiritual strength of its individual members. We need the strength of conviction that is found in the heart of every loyal disciple of Christ.” Boyd K. Packer6
Think about some of the words used in those quotes – strength, power, change, conviction. President Hinckley reminds us, “Testimony is as real and powerful as any force on the earth.” It is no wonder then that he also reminds us, “It is the opportunity, it is the responsibility of every man and woman in this Church to obtain within himself or herself a conviction of the truth of this great latter-day work and of those who stand at its head, even the living God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
A testimony truly is a precious gift. It is so important to remember that it is what we do with our testimony that really counts. David A. Bednar taught, “Testimony is a point of departure; it is not an ultimate destination. Strong testimony is the foundation upon which conversion is established. … Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.”7
Harold B. Lee said, “The greatest responsibility that a member of Christ’s church has ever had is to become truly converted—and it is just as important to stay converted.” He then gives a great definition of conversion! “One is converted when he sees with his eyes what he ought to see; when he hears with his ears what he ought to hear; and when he understands with his heart what he ought to understand—then he is converted. And what he ought to see, hear, and understand is truth—eternal truth—and then practice it. That is conversion.”8
May we do whatever necessary to obtain a personal conviction of the truths of the gospel and then be true to those convictions.
References:
1. The Power of a Strong Testimony – Richard G. Scott
2. Pure Testimony – M. Russell Ballard
3. Waiting on the Road to Damascus – Dieter F. Uchtdorf
4. The Importance of a Personal Testimony – Robert D. Hales
5. Spiritual Bonfires of Testimony – Joseph B. Wirthlin
6. The Reason for Our Hope – Boyd K. Packer
7. Converted Unto the Lord – David A. Bednar
8. When Your Heart Tells You Things Your Mind Does Not Know – Harold B. Lee