"And in the mouth of three witnesses shall these things be established; and the testimony of three, and this work, in the which shall be shown forth the power of God and also his word, of which the Father and the Son, and the Holy Ghost bear record--and all this shall stand as a testimony against the world at the last day."
This talks about the 3 witnesses of the gospel-the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The fact that these 3 divine beings stand as witnesses of the Church alone leads me to believe that it is true. However, even though other amazing people may bear testimony of the truth of the gospel, it is up to me to find out for myself if I really know it is the living church on the earth today. Brother Griffin said that the most important testimony is my own. That really hit me hard because I felt like my testimony may be inadequate when compared with others' testimonies.
President Holland gave an amazing talk at Conference this weekend that really got me thinking about my faith. The talk is not in print yet, so I am unable to quote it exactly, but I would like to mention some of the principles mentioned. I realized during his talk that there are so many things about the gospel that I do not know. Sometimes, that can make my small and simple testimony seem insignificant and unimportant. If I do not know everything, than the church must not be true. However, I realized that this is not the case. I need to cleave onto the things that I DO know and use them as reason alone to stand convicted in what I believe. Those things that I know for sure should serve as a shield against the ways of the world, and when I am tempted to have doubts or concerns about my testimony, I should remember that I have precious truths that I can never go against.
I guess what I am trying to say is that I have my own testimony. Though it may be small and I do not know of the truth of all things, it is something that I can claim for myself. It is something that I have gained through those trying experiences that bring me to my knees. My testimony is my rock. I need to never let go to the things that I know to be true. I need to develop the things that I believe, and I need to believe the things that I may doubt. I am so grateful for a church that encourages us to be curious and inquisitive, and I am grateful that I do not have to have a perfect testimony to go on a mission or serve in church callings or even be baptized. I would like to bear my testimony of the things that I know to be true.
I know that this gospel is the same gospel that Christ established when He came to this earth. Following it's teachings it the only way to grow closer to Him, and that is my greatest desire. I want to live with Christ and my Heavenly Father again. I know that the priesthood is restored on the Earth today. It is powerful and, when handled with care, can bring about mighty miracles. I know that Joseph Smith restored the church. Joseph Smith was an instrument in God's hands and I am grateful for his conviction and his tireless work. I know that the power of prayer is real. God loves to hear from me. I know that Christ performed the Atonement for me individually. I don't understand it, but I know that I was in His thoughts when He was suffering in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is my best friend. I say these things in His name, even Jesus Christ, Amen.
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