Exercise belief, faith- Nourish your testimony

A testimony is the true foundation that should determine true behavior, said Elder Charles Didier of the Seventy during the Sunday morning session."If the measure of strength and the stability or true foundation of an individual and his subsequent conduct lies in a testimony and we do not fully recognize its importance . . . , maybe we ought to explore the deep, spiritual meaning of it and the blessing of obtaining, maintaining and sharing a personal, individual testimony," he admonished.

Elder Didier explained that a testimony is knowing by the power of the Holy Ghost that God lives and is the same yesterday, today and forever (See D&C 20:12) and that "this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3.)

He added that testimony is also an affirmation that Joseph Smith saw the Father and the Son, that the Book of Mormon is true, and that the Church of Jesus Christ was restored.

The essential steps to obtain a testimony, Elder Didier said, are:

- Seek the truth and have a desire to know by exercising belief or faith. " . . . ask in the name of Christ and exercise faith in Him, and have a sincere heart. Humbly seek the truth, be receptive, discard preconceived religious concepts, and cleanse yourself from the sins of the world," Elder Didier admonished.

- Know by revelation, where spirit speaks to spirit.

He listed the keys to the spirit of revelation: First, is to know for yourself. Second, is to know by the power of the Holy Ghost. Third, to know by searching the scriptures and the revelations given in our days by the prophets, the First Presidency and the Twelve. "Do not listen to apostate, unauthorized voices or speculation," he counseled.

And fourth, he said, is to know by "asking your Heavenly Father in the name of His Son Jesus Christ. Do not turn to public discussions and forums."

Elder Didier said that once a testimony is in place, like a fire that needs fuel and oxygen to burn, it needs to be fed and tended.

"As ashes represent the evidence of a dying fire, the demise of a testimony is characterized by spiritual ashes, such as a lack of gospel appetite, charity and purpose, as well as having feelings of apathy, bitterness and emptiness."

To maintain and strengthen a testimony, prophets have reminded us to bear it and share it, Elder Didier related. "To have a testimony and to share it provides a firm foundation for us to stand on and a way to control our lives in this constantly changing world."