What is a testimony? Why do we need one? How do we receive one? How do we ensure that our testimony stays strong? Brothers and sisters, my purpose in being here today is to attempt to give   you the answers to these questions.

President Joseph F. Smith tells us what a testimony of the gospel is. He said: "We feel in our souls the truth of the principles which were restored through the prophet Joseph Smith. And we feel it because we have, in some degree at least, put ourselves in a position to be in communication with the Spirit and hear the voice thereof when it speaks to us.

The Spirit of God speaks to our spirits. The Lord does not communicate to us very often through our natural senses, but when He speaks, he speaks to the immortal part.; the spirit of man receives the communications the Lord sends to His children, and we must therefore be in harmony to receive them. We must obtain this light (of testimony) by revelation, we can not do it by our own wisdom. God will give us knowledge and understanding, he will lead us in the path of truth if we put our whole trust in Him and not in man.

A gift from God, if neglected, or unworthily used, is in time withdrawn; the testimony of the truth will not remain with one who, having received, uses not the sacred gift in the cause of individual and general advancement.

This unmistakable assurance, which is derived through yielding obedience to and practicing the principles of eternal life, is continually being confirmed, as it were, by "line upon line and precept upon precept," through the revelations of the Holy Spirit, which is a continuous and unfailing source of intelligence, of joy and happiness, drawing him who possesses it nearer unto God, and will eventually cause him to appear like unto his Maker."

Why do we need a testimony? This is answered in Doctrine and Covenants, chapter 138, verse 12, which says: "And there were gathered together in one place an innumerable company of the spirits of the just, who had been faithful in the testimony of Jesus while they lived in mortality."

If we need a testimony in order to reach the Celestial Kingdom, this brings me to one of the most important questions, How do I gain a testimony? When I was trying to come up with this answer, I discovered two things that help us achieve this goal.

We can gain a testimony by, first, recognizing the spirit, and second, by living according to gospel principles.Why is it important to recognize the spirit? Bill Carpenter, a Seminary teacher said that "the Spirit of the Lord is a call to action, and the action you take is your answer to God."

Some of you might think that you have never felt the Spirit as an influence in your life. You might be finding it difficult to develop your own testimony and you’re waiting for the feeling that is often explained as "the burning in your bosom." If you’ve never had that feeling, don’t be discouraged.

Elder Jay E. Jensen tells this story: "One of the Quorum of the Twelve came to tour the mission over which the Seventy was presiding. As they drove to the next zone conference, the Apostle turned to him and said, 'I wonder if you might have left an impression in the missionaries’ minds that has created more problems than you can resolve.' As I have traveled throughout the Church, I’ve found relatively few people who have experienced a burning of the bosom. In fact, I’ve had many people tell me that they’ve become frustrated because they have never experienced that feeling even though they have prayed or fasted for long periods of time."

So, how do you feel the Spirit, if you don’t have the burning in your bosom? It could be through personal revelation as an answer to prayer. This is what happened for me, when, after a brief interview with my bishop, for a temple recommend, I left his office with the thought that I should serve a mission. Realizing, due to my physical limitation, that this would be a challenge for me, I prayed about it, and my answer came during this year’s General Conference in April. I kept having a recurring feeling that the speakers were addressing me directly, telling me that I should pursue the opportunity to serve a mission. I did follow through on these promptings, and I am currently waiting for my mission call.

The second way that we’re told will help us to gain a testimony is to live according to gospel principles. For example, reading the scriptures, attending church meetings, keeping the word of wisdom, staying morally clean, keeping the Sabbath day holy, baptism, partaking of the sacrament, and last but not least, prayer. If we follow these commandments, we are more likely to feel closer to Heavenly Father and therefore, recognize the promptings of the Spirit.

How do we ensure that our testimonies stay strong? By seeking opportunities to share them with others, such as, setting an example, by not using the Lord’s name in vain. Or, when someone tempts you into not keeping the word of wisdom, you can decline, and then proceed to share your reasons for doing so.

Dress standards are also important in showing respect for your body as a temple. Acts of service show the ultimate Christ-like example and may open many opportunities for sharing the gospel, and thus, bearing your testimony of the truthfulness of it.

In closing, I would like to share an article from the Church News, which states: "The obligation of every latter-day saint is to obtain a testimony for himself." If we have a strong desire for a testimony and work daily to keep it, the Lord will bless us with a growing knowledge of him and his Son. We will be strong enough to withstand whatever challenges face us in life.

Brothers and sisters, how are your testimonies? Are they in danger of becoming weaker? I challenge you to examine yourselves. If you’re not stronger than you were a year ago, you should pray about it, and look for ways to help you improve.

I bear my testimony to you, that if you do strive to live the principles of the gospel, your testimony will be strengthened and you will feel prompted to share it with others. I know that because I have done my best to live the way I should, I was prompted to share my testimony with others through serving a mission. I leave these thoughts with you in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

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Personal Progress - Faith