I’ve seen a recent surge lately of friends and acquaintances struggling a little bit in their testimony.  We all do sometimes, on some level, and our less-than-perfect obedience is evidence of that.  Sometimes failure to consistently keep a commandment is a good indicator that our testimony of that particular doctrine is a little unstable.  Anyway, I’ve seen people asking a lot of questions lately that bloom from doubt.  Questions are great things, because they give us an opportunity to learn if we address them in the right way.  I think some main ingredients in that right way are faith in God’s ability and willingness to answer our questions, and then putting forth the work it requires to seek those answers.  It’s a really important step in gaining confidence in our own understanding of God’s doctrine and His plans for us.

“Testimony” by Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr.

Elder Samuelson tackles some of the basic tactics and attitudes that are an important part of a God-sanctioned search for testimony.  This is one of my favorite parts:  “Everyone who is willing to pay the price—meaning keeping the commandments—may have a testimony. ”  I love this because it coincides so well with Alma’s admonition (in Alma 32) to “experiment upon the word” and also what the Savior himself said when people questioned his teachings, “If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine” (John 7:17).  Obedience with a heart willing to learn is one of the greatest testimony builders of all.  Anyway, he makes a lot of great points — 10 of them to be exact — that were a great review for me.

What stands out to you as you study this talk?  What could this talk help you to do or see differently?  Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

If you’re new to GCBC, go here to learn more about it, then join us!