Elders Quorum

Building a Solid Testimony
by Troy Yost

I have a quote written in a journal that I refer to every so often, it is from Elder Robert D. Hales, “Each of us needs to know what a testimony is, how we can get it, and what our responsibilities are once we have received a testimony.”

After a recent Temple recommend interview I spent some time considering the questions asked, and Elder Hales statement. The majority of the temple recommend questions relate directly to our personal testimonies. Recently, a clear direction has been given by the Brethren on how each of us can strengthen our personal testimonies. First, we have to understand what a true testimony is.

A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement; that Joseph Smith is the prophet of God who was called to restore the gospel; that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth; and that the Church is led by a living prophet today.

To many of us who were raised in the Church, having a testimony is taken for granted. Many often presume that the one, or two spiritual experiences in our lives have solidified our testimonies, and they cannot be shaken. We know that a testimony comes through the quiet influence of the Holy Ghost. The results of a testimony can be miraculous and life changing, but the gift of testimony usually comes as a quiet assurance, without spectacular displays of God's power. Even Alma, who had been visited by an angel, and had seen God sitting on His throne, needed to fast and pray so he could receive a testimony through the power of the Holy Ghost (see Alma 5:45–46; 36:8, 22).

A testimony grows gradually through experiences. No one receives a complete testimony all at once. Our testimonies will grow as we show willingness to serve in the Church, and to study the scriptures and pray. It will increase as we obey God's commandments. With this foundation, and our daily attending to it, a testimony will eventually grow to include all principles of the gospel. Following Alma’s example—the simple basics of fasting, praying and studying will solidify our testimonies, and ensure that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is centered in our hearts. A question worthy of asking ourselves often is “do my thoughts and actions reflect my testimony, or are they a true reflection of my testimony?”

Oh that all of us can truly say our testimonies are built upon the rock of Christ, and that we daily follow his teachings and doctrines. What miracles would then come into our Ward, our families, and our individual lives?