What If My Testimony Isn't What I Think It Should Be?

I think it is safe to say that people of faith have always been faced with this question at least once in their mortal journey. I can honestly say that this concept has been a more consistent friend than a stranger throughout my life.

Well, what DO you BELIEVE? |  How did YOU come to BELIEVE that? | How CAN you grow that belief?

The foundation of a testimony is a hope or belief in something that we cannot see. As defined in True to the Faith, testimony begin with the following principles and then grows from there.

1. God, our Heavenly Father, lives. He knows and loves us.
2. Jesus is the Son of God. He lives and completed the infinite Atonement thereby making it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins/mistakes.
3. Joseph Smith is a prophet of God being called to restore the gospel.
4. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the Savior's true Church on the earth today.

These principles are the beginning of a testimony journey and it's facilitated by the influence of the Holy Ghost.

"A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. ..." -True to the Faith (2004), 178-80

John 14:26

26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

As we work to grow our individual testimonies, please make sure to practice the advise of Elder Dallin H. Oaks. Our sharing of testimony will strengthen them.

"...some testimonies are better gained on the feet bearing them than on the knees praying for them." (Testimony, General Conference, April 2008)

Every one can gain a testimony and that testimony will be as unique as they are and for good reason. The purpose of our testimonies shared are to grow them and also to strengthen the testimonies of others around us.

Doctrine and Covenants 46:12-14

11 For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that ALL may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.

Monotune Piano or click HERE

Our testimonies are made up of statements of belief on principles learned. 

2 ways that I look at this analogy and not limiting the various insights that can be observed:

1. The keys are the testimonies of those we associate with, being founded upon the principles mentioned above. They make for a rich melody and each plays an equally important role in the sound heard.
2. The keys represent principles of the gospel and the range of musical application varies based upon our belief of those principles. For some they are just beginning to grow their testimonies and believe that God lives and is our loving Heavenly Father. Even with the one note the piano player played with rich dynamic. So too our testimonies can be rich and vibrant notwithstanding the number of principles we have gained a testimony of.

So what happens when I face questions or doubts about what I believe?

or CLICK HERE

Click HERE to hear the words of Elder Jeffery R. Holland, one of the modern apostles in the LDS Church.

"...belief was always the first step toward conviction and that the definitive articles of our collective faith forcefully reiterate the phrase “We believe.”

"...hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes."

"I am not asking you to pretend to faith you do not have. I am asking you to be true to the faith you do have."

"...fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe."

So if you don't get much from this article, I hope you know that more likely than not - you DO have a testimony.

Here are the CliffNotes version:

1. Testimonies are personal statement of belief, which understanding comes through the influence of the Holy Ghost.
2. Testimonies are as unique as you are and for good reason.
3. Never underestimate the power of belief.
4. Hold to what you DO know and Start with what you DO have.
5. What we know will always trump what we do not know.
6. "The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know.” - Elder Holland, Lord, I Believe

If you do not have a firm testimony, do that which is necessary to obtain one. 

-President Thomas S. Monson, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints