Gordon B. Hinckley said; “Let us establish in our lives the habit of reading those things which will strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. He is the pivotal figure of our theology and our faith. Every Latter-day Saint has the responsibility to know for himself or herself with a certainty beyond doubt that Jesus is the resurrected, living Son of the living God.” I had a testimony of Jesus Christ as He was described throughout the Book of Mormon before I had ever attended a meeting with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was given a copy of the Book of Mormon before I knew anything else about the Church. Fortunately for me, it was before anyone could have poisoned my mind with any negative, but untrue, about these people called Mormons. I started reading in 1 Nephi, so I wasn’t even aware of the Joseph Smith story or how the Book of Mormon was first published. After reading through the book and learning of its truths, the truths that were touching my heart all the way through as I read, I later learned of Joseph Smith and other things such as how the Church was restored as well as the restoration of the Gospel. By then, anything that may have appeared far-fetched would not have phased me at all. Joseph was easy to accept because what he had brought forth was true. I would challenge anyone to read the Book of Mormon with an open heart and then at the end to declare it to be false. The problem is that there are even some members who have been members all of their lives who have never actually read the book. The Book of Mormon is a powerful testimony of Jesus Christ; it is a powerful testimony of life and the trials common to all who have been placed here to experience it. I was reading a letter from one of my granddaughters serving a mission for the church in which she said, “Honestly I have lost myself in the work. I no longer cry for myself or feel bad for me. When I have emotions, they are directly related with the people here. And I just want to help them to feel the love of the gospel that I have. I wish I could let people borrow my testimony!!” (Emily) I have felt that same emotion a hundred times as I have seen people struggle with their testimony and their very membership in the church. They have not felt the emotion of love and truth that emanates from the scriptures nor from others who have embraced these truths. I know that bearing our testimony to others is probably the most powerful way to share the gospel, but if those who listen and hear do not do something more after hearing, that borrowed testimony will grow cold and soon be lost. We must do as President Hinckley admonished and “Let us establish in our lives the habit of reading those things which will strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world….” The First Presidency has expressed concern that in some instances, members who desire to bear their testimonies in Fast and Testimony meeting do not have the opportunity to do so. Bishoprics are encouraged to help all people learn to express a brief, heartfelt testimony of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the truths of the restored gospel. Not only does bearing testimony help to strengthen others in their beliefs and understanding of the Gospel, but it also strengthens the testimony of those who bear it. “…For the testimony which ye have borne is recorded in heaven for the angels to look upon; and they rejoice over you, and your sins are forgiven you.” (D&C 62:3) I will share my testimony and affirmations of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ to anyone who will listen and who wants to find the truth. But I hesitate to bear my testimony to those who are insincere. There are those who are not now ready to receive these pearls, the gems of truth that lead to life eternal and that can enrich one’s life while they still dwell on this beautiful planet that God created for our pleasure and growth.
“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” (Revelation 12:11)