On Sunday in Relief Society we talked about testimony and how to bear a testimony. This story was told at the beginning,
President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, shared the following insight:
“I had an experience in the mission field that taught me much about testimony. In spite of the fact that all seemed to be under control, we were not progressing as we should. It was not something we were doing that we ought not to do so much, I felt, as something we were not doing that we ought to be doing.
“We held a series of zone conferences to improve the spirituality in the mission. Rather than schedule instruction on the mechanics of missionary work, we determined to have a testimony meeting. In the last conference, in the testimony of one of the humble elders, I found the answer to the problem. There was something different about the brief testimony of this frightened new elder. He stood for less than a minute, yet I learned from his expression what it was that was missing.
“The testimonies we’d heard from all the other missionaries went something like this: ‘I’m grateful to be in the mission field. I’ve learned a lot from it. I have a fine companion. I’ve learned a lot from him. I’m grateful for my parents. We had an interesting experience last week. We were out knocking on doors and …’ Then the missionary would relate an experience. His conclusion would be something like this: ‘I’m grateful to be in the mission field. I have a testimony of the gospel.’ And he would conclude ‘in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.’
“This young elder was different somehow. Anxious not to spend an extra second on his feet, he said simply, in hurried, frightened words, ‘I know that God lives. I know that Jesus is the Christ. I know that we have a prophet of God leading the Church. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.’
“This was a testimony. It was not just an experience nor an expression of gratitude. It was a declaration, a witness!
“Most of the elders had said ‘I have a testimony,’ but they had not declared it. This young elder had, in a very few words, delivered his testimony—direct, basic, and, as it turned out, powerful.
"Other quotes from the meeting were " Our testimony meetings need to be more centered on the savior, the doctrines of the gospel, the blessings of the Restoration, and the teachings of the scriptures. We need to replace stories, travelogues, and lectures with pure testimonies." Elder Ballard, "Pure Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2004
"Because a testimony is personal, testimony bearing often begins with the pronoun I. A testimony can be identified by the use of powerful verbs such as know, testify, or bear witness. Generally speaking, a testimony is short, precise, and concise." Elder Jensen, "Bearing Testimony," Ensign, Oct. 2005
"A testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ will always include these clear and simple truths: (Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, the Restoration, and the current prophet)". President Uchtdorf, The Power of a Personal Testimony," Ensign, Nov. 2006
"It is not unusual to have (someone) say, "how can I bear testimony until I get one? A testimony is to be found in the bearing of it... the spirit (will) confirm to you in your bosom that what you have testified is true." Elder Packer, "the Candle of the lord," Ensign, Jan. 1983
I know this church is true. I know that Joseph Smith is a True Prophet. I know that if you follow the words of the Prophet we can do anything. I know that with the Plan of Salvation we will be able to return to Heavenly Father & Jesus Christ. I know that Heavenly Father loves and knows everyone. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that if we do these things we will find Happiness and peace. I love you all and wanted you to know this.
