More Than Just Logic.

We live in a world that is driven by proof. We have titles to prove ownership, licenses to prove identity, and certifications to prove skill. A person is innocent unless proven guilty. A proof of purchase is required to make returns. We see study after study that proves the effectiveness of a method or product. Now, proof itself is not inherently bad. In fact, these things are necessary for our culture to function in many cases. But, we've grown so accustomed to having proof for everything that in the absence of tangible proof, we find it hard to "believe" anything.

This concept is not a new one. In the Bible, John quotes Jesus as saying, "Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe," (St John 4:48).

So, how can we know that Christ lives without seeing him face to face? How can we know that He has a plan for us here on this earth? Are we left to determine life's answers based only on opinion, popularity, and logic?

I testify that we can "know" the answers to these questions with a conviction more firm than any worldly proof can give. If we seek sincerely, and intend to act on the answers we receive, the spirit of our Lord can, and will, testify and confirm that He lives. He will testify of His mission and of His plan for us. He will testify what is fact and what is fiction.

Each individual is entitled to know for themselves what is true. We do not have to take someone else's word regarding beliefs and religion. Our beliefs can be more than just logic.

How does His spirit testify to us? How can we receive this witness?

First, we must study the questions we have and seek for answers. The act of seeking demonstrates our sincere desire to know. It is often during our searching that we can feel the whisperings of His spirit testify to us. It may feel like a swelling or burning within your chest that causes you to feel the truthfulness of the words you are studying. It may be that you suddenly understand a concept with perfect clarity that was confusing to you before.

Secondly, we must act. In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Moroni explains that, "...ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith," (Ether 12:6). Often, the Lord wants us to step forward in faith before he will give a witness through His spirit. In fact, His witness often comes as you live the principles you are trying to believe. It may be that you receive His witness as you recognize the fulfillment of his promised blessings. For example: The Lord has promised us that if we pay our tithing, he will, "pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." I received the witness that tithing is a true law by living it. I know it is true because His promised blessings have been seen in my life again and again.

Thirdly, we must pray and listen. Often, we will receive His witness as we pray sincerely to our Father in heaven. When we finish prayers, we should allow are thoughts to meditate on our questions and often answers will come. If we don't give our minds the opportunity to reflect, we do not give the spirit opportunity to speak to us.

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This blog is entitled, "My Personal Witness of Christ." Have I personally seen Christ? No. But, have I felt His love in my life? Yes. Have I witnessed His promised blessings in my life? Yes. Has His spirit burned within me bearing witness of His divinity and plan? Yes. Do I know, most assuredly, that the Lord lives and loves us? Yes. My proof does not exist in tangible evidence, but the manifestations of the spirit are stronger and more powerful than any proof man could try to derive.

The foundation of all I believe and know rests on the witnesses I have received through His spirit. It is more than just my opinion. It is more than just logic. I know that it is truth. And, I know that each of us can receive the same witness. I testify these things in the name of our Savior, even Jesus Christ, Amen.