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VIEW PERSONAL BELIEFS
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POSTED BY:
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Xzain
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DATE:
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27.08.2008 |
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SUBJECT:
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Finally, a witness for myself |
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LOCATION:
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Lexington, United States
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Growing up in a home that was professedly Mormon but in practice not entirely, I experienced the slight ostracism and criticisms that come from being a member of the Church, but few if none of the blessings that come from living the Gospel in its fullness.
I had struggled for so long to know the truth, but I had not gone about it in the way perscribed by scripture or the prophets. Also, I had let moral uncleanliness become a dominant factor in my spiritual life, which served to smother the Spirit during quiet moments of introspection. I tried to live well, but allowed myself to be blown about by the winds of unbelief and false doctrine.
When I was 16, however, that all began to change. At the time I was living with my mom and little sister in Colorado, and my older sister had moved to Kentucky. In the summer of 2005 my mom and I helped my sister move back to Colorado for school. During this time I had ample oppurtunity to reflect and ponder, but this time in an environment (my sister's house) that was conducive to the presence of the Holy Ghost.
I determined to read the Book of Mormon straight through and accomplished the feat in under 2 days. Though I retained little actual knowledge of scriptural events or doctrine that first time, I was profoundly impacted by a feeling of inner peace and enlightenment whenever I read it. Indeed, I felt the Spirit of God begin to enlighten my understanding and enlarge my mind.
After having finished reading, I put to the test Moroni's challenge and received, that very night, a spiritual witness of the validity of the Book of Mormon. Over the course of the next few weeks I would receive experiences and visions that would help me to find the best source for my future life's foundation: Jesus Christ.
After getting home I fell into somewhat lackadaisical ways, although I pulled through and with the help of friends (especially my bishop and my home teaching companion, who was an older gentleman) I stayed active in church attendance and continued to fight the demons that I found within my soul. They helped me to nurture and grow my testimony, and to find the joy that God brings into the lives of those who follow Him.
I testify that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true. I know the Priesthood has been restored, that the leaders of the Church are the ones invested with authority from on high to act in the name of Christ for the purpose of helping to bring to pass the salvation of man. I testify that Jesus Christ is my own personal Savior, and also the Savior of the entire world and every creature that ever lived upon it. I know that He has atoned for my sins, and that through repentance and faith I can take hold of every good thing. I know because I have received, do now receive, and have faith that I shall yet receive physical, spiritual confirmations through the Holy Ghost, the great testator of truth.
This is my testimony and I aim to seal it with the consecrated works of discipleship, with faith in my Lord Jesus Christ, and with my own blood should I ever be called on to do so.
In the name of the Only Begotten, even Jesus Christ, amen.
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