President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth

Have you ever wondered if your testimony was good enough? strong enough? true enough?

When I encounter people dealing with extreme circumstances, I am usually either amazed by their faith or understanding of their lack of faith. A lot of bad things happen in this world. I can understand why this leads some people to question the existence of God. But I hope they will let it bring them closer to Him.

God does exist. He is our Heavenly Father and He is watching over us every minute of our lives. That doesn’t, however, mean that bad things won’t happen. Yesterday’s talk discussed the importance of agency, a gift that each of us has. Heavenly Father allows us to have the blessing of agency and that means He has to let us make our own decisions, including bad decisions that can, and do, effect other people. 

One of  the most important decisions we can make is to build and strengthen our testimonies. 

In today’s talk I had, we have, the blessing of President Uchtdorf’s thoughts about receiving a testimony. 

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth

Read or watch the full talk here

President Uchtdorf began his talk with a reminder that in the history of the world, mankind’s understanding of the universe has changed. 

He said that “before mankind had instruments powerful enough to gather celestial light and bring these galaxies (distant and previously unknown galaxies) into visibility, we did not believe such a thing was possible. The immensity of the universe didn’t suddenly change, but our ability to see and understand this truth changed dramatically. And with the greater light, mankind was introduced to glorious vistas we had never before imagined.” 

Brothers and Sisters, there are many people who want proof of the existence of God. They refuse to believe until that evidence is provided. To be perfectly honest, I do not know when or if we will reach the point when we are able to scientifically prove that God exists. I suspect that the second coming will arrive before that point. We can, however, find and understand the truth of His existence. 

President Uchtdorf offered this promise: “the purpose of my remarks is to proclaim the joyful message that God Himself- the Lord of Hosts who knows all truth- has given His children the promise that they can know the truth for themselves.” 

That is truly a wonderful promise. 

It does not, however, come without a few expectations. If we truly want to know that God exists and that this is His gospel, there are a few things we need to do.

1. Search the word of God, the scriptures.
2. Ponder and strive to believe. 
3. Pray with a sincere heart. 
4. This might be the hardest one: obey God and live His gospel. 

Brother Uchtdorf had this to say about that last requirement. “When you are trying to verify the truth of gospel principles, you must first live them. Put gospel doctrine and Church teachings to the test in your own life. Do it with real intent and enduring faith in God.”

Brothers and Sisters, that is why I have taken this scripture reading challenge, to strengthen my testimony of the gospel and my relationship with deity by living His gospel. It hasn’t been easy. In the ten days since I started the challenge I've had several distractions pop up that could’ve stopped me from meeting this challenge. But I was determined and I have had Heavenly Father’s help and that has made all the difference.

I will leave you tonight with one final quote from President Uchtdorf. “Some may say that the steps are too hard or that they are not worth the effort. But I suggest that this personal testimony of the gospel and the Church is the most important thing you can earn in this life. It will not only bless and guide you during this life, but it will also have a direct  bearing on your life throughout eternity.”

Thank you President Utchdoft, for these wonderful and inspired words.