Pure Testimony

In the 4th chapter of Alma, Alma who is the cheif judge over the land and the high priest in the church, decides to give up cheif judge.  He appoints Nephihah to be cheif judge.  He continues to be high priest over the church but gives up the other position so that he can go forth among the Nephites and preach to the people.  He feels like the only way to reach them is through "pure testimony" against them.  So he goes forth in prophecy, revelation and in the testimony of the word.  

Pure Testimony-

What is a testimony?  Elder Ballard defines it as this:

"A testimony is a witness or confirmation of eternal truth impressed upon individual hearts and souls through the Holy Ghost, whose primary ministry is to testify of truth, particularly as it relates to the Father and the Son. When one receives a testimony of truth through this divinely appointed process, it immediately begins to have impact on that person’s life."

"Simply stated, testimony—real testimony, born of the Spirit and confirmed by the Holy Ghost—changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say. It affects every priority you set and every choice you make. To have a real and abiding testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be “spiritually … born of God,” to “[receive] his image in your countenances,” and to experience a “mighty change in your hearts” (Alma 5:14).

The restoration and Atonement are wonderful.  But we will be strengthened by sharing our testimonies of these things.  Sharing how these things have impacted our lives.  Others will feel the spirit by listening to us bear our "pure testimonies" of the Savior.  

I would like to bear my testimony.  

I know that the Heavenly Father is our father and that His son, Jesus Christ, atoned for my sins.  I know that through his grace, I can be saved.  I know that on my own, I would never have been able to do enough to achieve this on my own.  This has been something I have thought about a lot lately.  I am very independent and want to achieve things on my own.  A few weeks ago, I tried to fix the sprinklers.  I did everything that I could think of, yet it didn't work.  I finally humbled myself and asked for help.  My dad came and replaced the box.  Easy fix, yet I couldn't do it.  Heavenly Father wants to help us.  He is waiting for us to ask for His help.  I know that the true church is restored again on this earth.  I am grateful to be a member of it. 

 I also know that the Book of Mormon is true.  I feel so blessed to be able to study it this semester.  I have gained so much knowledge and spiritual strength by learning and applying its teachings.  

Service

Mosiah 2:17

When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Righteousness should be at the heart of all Service.

“Continue to seek opportunities for service. Don’t be overly concerned with status. … It is important to be appreciated. But our focus should be on righteousness, not recognition; on service, not status. The faithful visiting teacher, who quietly goes about her work month after month, is just as important to the work of the Lord as those who occupy what some see as more prominent positions in the Church. Visibility does not equate to value” Howard W. Hunter

The Greatest Example

Jesus is the greatest example of service.  He gave all that he had, including his life,  for others.  He always focused on the needs of others.

Matthew25:40

Conversion

“Conversion means consecrating your life to caring for and serving others who need your help and sharing your gifts and blessings.”

Isn’t the measure of the level of your conversion how you treat others? The person who does only those things in the Church that concern himself alone will never reach the goal of perfection.

◦Elder Robert J. Whetten

How many people did you help?

Last January President Thomas S. Monson taught Brigham Young University students that their student days should include “the matter of spiritual preparation,” including service to others. “An attitude of love characterized the mission of the Master,” President Monson said. “He gave sight to the blind, legs to the lame, and life to the dead. Perhaps when we [face] our Maker, we will not be asked, ‘How many positions did you hold?’ but rather, ‘How many people did you help?’ In reality,” President Monson concluded, “you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people.”