Testimony: viable, living confidence in God

On the right is a picture I took of nearly the biggest tree in the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York (What is the Sacred Grove? see link). This great big tree fell because it's roots were built on a weak foundation. The winds and storms of the world knocked it over.

In this parable the root of a tree represents a testimony . If you can sink the roots of your testimony deep in your heart  the "false doctrine, teachings and speech craft of wickedness will not be able to up root your testimony." (Ephesians 4:14) 

A testimony is a viable, living confidence in God. A testimony like a tree needs to be nourished. (Alma 32:37) A tree can't be left out in the sun for a long period of time without water and without cultivation and be expected to remain alive. The scriptures provide fresh water and sunshine for our testimony, they cultivate the seeds of faith and encourage them to grow and become strong. The Savior gave wise counsel when he said, "Search the scriptures;...they are they which testify of me." (John 5:39)

 

How can I build upon the rock of Christ and sink the roots of my faith deep in my heart?

Share your testimony! Personally, my testimony has increased as I've shared it. So will yours. Elder Thomas S. Monson gave insight "regarding one's testimony, remember, that which one willingly shares he keeps, while that which he selfishly keeps he loses."

Do not wait for your testimony to be fully developed before you share it. As Elder Holland encourages, "Hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes." Be patient. Your faith will grow. Additional knowledge will come. It will come and grow as you share what faith God has already entrusted you with. Part of a testimony's development comes when it is shared. In fact, you will find that when you give what you have of your testimony, it will be returned to you with increase.

Do not let your faith end up like the tree in the grove. I know if you continue everyday to read the scriptures and pray you'll gain a confidence in God and you'll see growth in your faith. Strive to give the Lord equal time. I know Jesus is the Savior and Redeemer of the world! Continue strong in the faith.



WATCH A Mormon Message:
Sharing Your Beliefs (click link)



Additional Scriptures & Quotes:

"...remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall." (Helaman 5:12)

"Jesus teaches in a parable about "a sower who went out to sow his seed." (Luke 8:5) As the sower was sprinkling the seeds on the soil "some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture." (Luke 8:6)

"Faith is a gift from God, but you must nurture your faith to keep it strong. Faith is like the muscle of your arm. If you exercise it, it grows strong. If you put it in a sling and leave it there, it becomes weak." -Gordon B. Hinckley

Feeling Forgiven

As a Mormon missionary quite frequently I come a crossed individuals who are struggling to forgive or be forgiven. In our day the Lord has admonished us, "Ye ought to forgive one another," and then adds "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (D&C 64:9,10)

"forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves." (see reference 1 below)

The recurring problem I see is not forgiving yourself for the wrongs you've committed.



Move past the past!

What one has done in the past may effect their spirituality in the present. People are so caught up on past sin's, transgressions or wrong doings. This hinders all chance of prepossessing spirituality. Fix your mistakes! Repent! If necessary talk to your bishop. Move past the past. It's over. It's done with. Look to the future. Ask, what can I do now?  Elder Crieg A. Cardon, Of the Seventy, in a talk titled "The Savior Wants to Forgive" explains,

"The Lord looks upon the light we have received, the desires of our hearts, and our actions, and when we repent we repent and seek forgiveness. He forgives. As we consider our own lives and the lives of our loved ones and acquaintances, we should be equally willing to forgive ourselves and others"

What needs to be healed is the sorrow and hurt. Some people say "forget the past." You can never whip your memory of the past. However, we can "forget" sorrow. Sorrow can be removed. Sorrow can be washed away, but only through the Atonement of our Savior who is Jesus Christ.

Through baptism you are made clean of all sins. Maintain that purity from baptism by always keeping the commandments of God. And when you fall short rely on your Savior. He is always willing to take us back. And after we have fully repented depression which comes from dwelling on wrong doings can be conquered. Self-worth will increase. Self-esteem will grow. You can be forgiven! These blessings come, but only with full purpose of heart and a real intent to change. As Nephi teaches in 2 Nephi 31:13.



But why don't I feel forgiven?

Be patient. Forgive your self by doing good continual. After you have done something wrong what makes you fell better? Serving others and doing good. When you do good to others your no longer focused on yourself. It brings comfort, self-worth and an increase in self-esteem. God will lift you up, but only if you act. Get up and do something about it.

"Fear not to do good, my sons, for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap...
"Fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail...
"Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not"
(D&C 6:33,34,36)

 Doing good is part of the healing process. Repent always. You can feel forgiven! Be patient. Give God equal time. Do good continually. It takes time and effort. God is a forgiving God. You can know for yourself with a certainty beyond doubt that Jesus is the resurrected, living Son of the living God. I know these things to be true because I have learned for myself. Press onward!





Mormon Message's

Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light:
Forgiveness and the power of Jesus Christ enable a man to survive losing his wife and several childeren in a car accident-and allow the offending driver to began rebuilding his own life.


Unselfish Service:
The Savior taught us to follow his example and serve others.


References:

1.  Suzanne Simon, Forgiveness: How to make Peace with Your Past and Get On with Your Life (1990)