In a court of law witness' testimonies are taken at face value and can convict or set free. This day I seek to both convict the heart and free the soul.
First I confess of my weakness and sins and how as Nephi states, "O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted." (2 Nephi 4: 17-19)
I wish to focus on the "nevertheless", I know that Jesus is the Christ! I have known this forever but yet do I still struggle to embrace fully the fulness.
Go with me to Pontiac, MI. I found myself serving in an area and a people who had not responded to the gospel message in many years, and many who had accepted in the past had fallen away. I began to question whether I had been mistaken in my being out there preaching this "strange" gospel. I fell to my knees to speak to the only Being who I knew I could rely on. I asked the Father again, "is Joseph Smith really a prophet?" Is the Book of Mormon really true?" "Why am I out here?" Before I raised from my prayer I heard the words, "Elder, Jesus is the Christ." If other words were spoken I did not hear it. That was enough for me. I felt the Holy Spirit, who's mission is to testify of truth and surely I heard the words that I had a Savior and that my title "Elder" was recognized by heaven.
I went back to work and testified of those things that had been witnessed to me. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God. I know that the Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus. I know that the Church to which I belong was restored by Jesus Himself.
In my witnessing, I also realize of the goodness that other faiths bring into the lives of its people, I simply state that Jesus has provided more and has invited us to partake of more.
Thus, in my weakness I bear witness with all the love and strength that I posses, and invite all to come unto Christ fully. He Lives!
In the Holy and Saving name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
