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.

***

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.

God is our Loving Father

During the often tedious hour before my children go to bed, I sometimes encourage our little family to venture outside for some fresh air. On one such occasion, I found myself humming some calming songs to my restless infant when my daughter came up to me and requested we sing, "Star Shining Brightly!" It goes like this:

"I am like a star shining brightly, shining for the whole world to see. I can do and say happy things each day, for I know heavenly Father loves me." (Children's Songbook, 163)

Even at the age of 2, my daughter is beginning to understand the love her heavenly Father has for her. Why is this an important concept to understand, even in childhood??

Knowing that we are literal offspring of divinity reminds us that we are someone special--that when all else fails, our God loves us more than we can comprehend, with all of our imperfections. It reminds us that he understands us perfectly even if no one else does. This simple knowledge can change the way we think and act. It can take away our loneliness and emptiness and replace it with warmth and comfort.

Without a knowledge of our divine worth, people often make choices that lead to misery. Driven to desperation, the lonely and friendless may turn to drugs to fill the void. The abused may let out anger on their fellowmen. The unloved or unwanted may turn to immorality in attempt to feel wanted. The neglected may act shamefully in order to get noticed.

However, as a child of God, each one of us is important to Him and worth saving. Imagine if everyone in the world today understood this simple concept. They could turn to their Father in heaven and find a friend when they are lonely, find strength and comfort when they have been abused, and find love and encouragement when they feel unwanted or neglected. They could take comfort in the simple fact that God loves them, has a plan for them, and wants them to be happy. They could find confidence within themselves because they have true worth in the eyes of their creator.

Furthermore, this understanding leads us to discover the, "Why?" behind his commandments. He gives us commandments because he loves us. He knows that if we follow them, we can and will find joy! So, instead of viewing them as arbitrary restrictions set up to make life difficult, we recognize them as gifts from a loving heavenly Father who wants to lead us back into his presence.

I know that my heavenly Father loves me. His love is what motivates me to embrace good and shun evil, though I often do fall short. I also know that he loves each and every one of his children; regardless of age, race, gender, or situation. You should never believe that you are an exception and that God cannot possibly love you, for that is false. Whatever your situation, know that he loves you and wants you to be happy.

Mormon Beliefs: Part VII: My Testimony

I have seen the incredible joy that comes by living the precepts of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in this life. I know that the Lord lives and that he continues to guide his children in these last days. He would not leave us alone in such trying times. I know that the Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, came into this world and atoned for his sins so that we can overcome spiritual and physical death. I have felt his love. He has comforted me through hard times and strengthened me when I couldn’t do it on my own. He knows how to succor us and will open the door if we but knock. (Matthew 7:7-8, New Testament).

I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of the Lord and was called of God. His story may seem unbelievable, but I have read the Book of Mormon, pondered its teachings, and prayed to my Father in heaven for confirmation. The Lord has testified to me through his spirit that these things are true, and I have felt it confirmed to me as I have made my feeble efforts to abide by His teachings.

This is the work of the Lord. I am so grateful that He has sent us prophets to lead us in these last days--to help us find the way to true and everlasting happiness. I am grateful for the scriptures which teach me what I should do and how I should act to have joy in this life. He loves us. I know that if we call on Him in prayer, He will hear us and He will answer our prayers in his own time and in his own way. But through exercising faith, we can draw nearer unto Him and He will testify to us the truthfulness of these things. He has done it for me and will do it for all of us, I so testify in his sacred name, the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.