Alma 5:45-47 - A Testimony

 45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I ^aknow of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?

 46 Behold, I say unto you they are made ^aknown unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have ^bfasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of ^crevelation which is in me.

 47 And moreover, I say unto you that it has thus been revealed unto me, that the words which have been spoken by our fathers are true, even so according to the spirit of prophecy which is in me, which is also by the manifestation of the Spirit of God.

I have had a serious reflection recently about testimony - what it is, what it means to me, how to gain one, how to strengthen one.  Let me start with an example:

I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all men.

I can say that because of the witness that has been born to me of the Holy Ghost that that statement is true.  How have I received that heavenly communication?  Through thoughts, impressions, and feelings.  I cannot point to one moment, one event, which defines that testimony.  It is an accumulation of years of studying, praying, and pondering on the life and mission of Christ.  However, it is not only knowledge in the abstract; I have felt the results of the atonement of Jesus in my life as I have repented of sins and been granted cleansing from them.  Although this does not directly relate to Him as the Savior of all men, I can see no reason why I should be a unique case; therefore, if His healing can extend to me I must assume it available to every member of the human family.

What does this mean to me?  In the first place, it means that there is communication from God to man - me - and that I am a part of something far larger than what is visible to my temporal senses.  It also means that I can depend on God, a supreme Being, for light and strength in this life.  It means that I can have confidence in basing my life on His teachings and commandments.

So how do I get a testimony?  There are two paths, both of which must be followed.  First, I pray, and expect to receive help from heaven to understand if the principle is true.  But also I must commit myself to obedience to divine commands so that my life is consistent with the existence and power of a Savior.  The results are also two-fold.  I feel things in my mind and spirit that reinforce the idea that Jesus is God, and the Savior of mankind, and I see results in my life, that I become better and more capable as I follow His teachings.  The result of this is that, although I can express my testimony to you, the only way you can gain your own testimony is to follow the same steps.  So a testimony cannot be gained without personal commitment, or even personal risk, since you must put your own life into the experiment.

How do I strengthen a testimony?  Once gained, a testimony is still not a static thing.  Like any knowledge it can fade if I do not reinforce it.  It's utility in my life can weaken if I do not apply its principles.  So to maintain and strengthen a testimony I continue in the path that first brought it to me - pray, study, ponder, and obey.  As I do these things the divine witness is renewed daily, and the positive influences in my life are manifested daily.

A testimony, then, is knowledge and it is power.  It is a result of and a motivation for a way of life.  It is a solid rock upon which I can base my thoughts, beliefs, and actions, and find hope and protection in any circumstances.  It is a fruit of the Spirit, and it is precious to me.