flickr: JustinLowery.com
When asked what the greatest concern was regarding young men and young women in the church, general leadership in the Church has recently said, "[Their] testimonies of Jesus Christ must be not just in their heads, but in their hearts, so that it shows up in their thoughts and conversations, their actions, and in the way they treat others."
A testimony of the Savior is likened unto a seed planted deeply in one's soul:
Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell...And now, behold, will not this strengthen your faith? Yea, it will strengthen your faith: for ye will say I know that this is a good seed; for behold it sprouteth and beginneth to grow. Alma 32: 28-30
When planting a seed, you must work the soil, and give place for the seed to be planted. Sometimes this takes great effort. One must break the crust of pride, selfishnesss, or resistance to the truth. This is action that is required by the individual, for free agency is always respected by God. But when that seed is planted in the heart, the Spirit of the Lord will be able to sink deeply within you.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. Alma 32:38-40
In a local ward meeting, youth leaders were counseled to help others cultivate a testimony of the Savior now. The tendency is to think 'there will be time for testimony later.' This line of thinking is contrary to the will of God. Knowing Christ lives is vital today, and He stands ready with open arms. Forgiveness, peace, joy...the fruits of the gospel...will be yours to enjoy.
If you would like to know more about the LDS faith, you can visit Mormon.org or call the local full-time missionaries in Fort Collins at (970) 631-2311.
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