Testimony expresses feelings of the heart
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A person's testimony gives assurance of the reality, truth and goodness of God, the Atonement of Jesus Christ, and the divine calling of latter-day prophets, said Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve.
Speaking Saturday afternoon, Elder Uchtdorf said that for Church members "the term testimony is a warm and familiar word in our religious expressions. It is tender and sweet. It has always a certain sacredness about it. We refer to feelings of our heart and mind rather than an accumulation of logical, sterile facts. It is a gift of the Spirit....
"In a time when many perceive truth as relative, a declaration of absolute truth is not very popular, nor does it seem politically correct or opportune. Testimonies of 'things how they really are' are bold, true and vital because they have eternal consequences for mankind."
Testimonies always include the truths that God lives, that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God and Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is the Prophet through whom the gospel was restored, that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and that President Hinckley, his counselors and the Quorum of the Twelve are prophets, seers and revelators.
A testimony cannot be acquired by logic or reason alone, cannot be purchased or inherited from ancestors or others, he counseled. "We will receive a calm, unwavering certainty that will be the source of our testimony and conviction, irrespective of our culture, race, language or socioeconomic background."
In receiving a testimony, a person must first have a genuine desire to believe.
Second, honest questions can be studied out in the scriptures.
"Third, it is not enough to enter into a scholarly debate if we want to know for ourselves that the kingdom of God has been restored. Casual study is also not enough. We have to get in on the action ourselves and that means learning and then doing God's will."
"Fourth, ponder, fast and pray. To receive knowledge from the Holy Ghost we must ask Heavenly Father for it," said Elder Uchtdorf. "We must trust that God loves us and that He will help us to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
"A testimony provides proper perspective, motivation and a solid foundation on which to build a life of purpose and personal growth," he continued. "It is a constant source of confidence, a true and faithful companion during good times and bad. A testimony provides us with a reason for hope and gladness. It helps us cultivate a spirit of optimism and happiness and enables us to rejoice in the beauties of nature. A testimony motivates us to choose the right at all times and in all circumstances. It motivates us to draw nearer to God, allowing Him to draw nearer to us."
A personal testimony is a protective shield, "and like an iron rod it is guiding us safely through darkness and confusion."
"This is our time; these are our days," Elder Uchtdorf concluded. "We are where the action is. Our firm personal testimony will motivate us to change ourselves and then bless the world."
