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