Enlist Moroni's counsel — find what you seek
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Would that every ear could hear the testimony of Moroni, said Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Saturday afternoon.
"Do you want to know the truth of the holy scriptures? Do you wish to break the barriers that separate mortals from the knowledge of eternal verities?" Elder Wirthlin asked. "Do you wish to know — really know — the truth? Then follow Moroni's counsel and you will surely find what you seek," he added, referring to Moroni 10:3-4.
"Be sincere. Study. Ponder. Pray sincerely, having faith. If you do these things, you too, will be able to stand with the millions who testify that God once again speaks to man on earth."
Continuing, Elder Wirthlin explained: "Expressions of solemn testimony have long been important to the children of God upon the earth. Individual testimonies have strengthened this Church from its earliest days. Logic itself affirms that a loving Heavenly Father would not abandon His children without providing a way for them to learn of Him. One of the great messages of the Restoration is that the windows of heaven are open. All who seek to know the truth may, through revelations of the Spirit, know for themselves.
"We are blessed to live in an age when apostles and prophets walk the earth bearing solemn and certain testimony that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Many members — millions strong — add their voices to the growing chorus testifying that God once again has spoken to man.
"How does one acquire a personal testimony? Study the words of Moroni," Elder Wirthlin said. He then related the account of Moroni's life and his counsel in the Book of Mormon.
Continuing, Elder Wirthlin explained that a testimony does not come in the same way for all people. "Some receive it in a unique, life-changing experience. Others gain a testimony slowly, almost imperceptibly until, one day, they simply know. Don't you be discouraged if the answer to your prayer does not come immediately. Study, ponder, pray, sincerely having faith, and live the commandments.
"Remember," Elder Wirthlin counseled, "Church members who receive a testimony of the gospel are under covenant to 'stand as witnesses of God at all times, and in all things, and in all places.' It is clear we have a sacred obligation to obtain referrals for our missionaries. We make simple, clear, direct statements that we know with certainty and surety that the gospel is true because it has been 'made known unto [us] by the Holy Spirit of God.' In bearing such a testimony, speaking by the power of the Holy Ghost, we are promised that 'the Holy Ghost shall be shed forth in bearing record unto all things whatsoever [we] shall say.' We are blessed personally when we so testify."
Elder Wirthlin then added that bearing one's testimony strengthens that testimony. "Making a determined and confident public statement of your belief is such a step into the unknown. It has a powerful effect in strengthening your own convictions. Bearing testimony drives your faith deeper into your soul, and you believe more fervently than before."
In his conclusion, Elder Wirthlin declared: "As a special witness of the name of Jesus Christ in all the world, I promise you that if you seek the Lord, you will find Him. Ask, and you shall receive."
