Derek's Sacrament Meeting Talk

Good morning brothers and sisters today I have been asked to talk about how to be spiritually self-reliant. What does it mean to be spiritually self-reliant?  Well, when we are self-reliant, we use the blessings and abilities God has given us to care for ourselves and our families and to find solutions to our own problems. As we become self-reliant, we are also better able to serve and care for others. The Lord wants us to become both spiritually and temporally self-reliant.

My talk is based on Elder Bednar’s general conference address from October 2012.

He says, “Seeking for and obtaining a testimony of spiritual truth requires asking, seeking, and knocking  with a sincere heart, real intent, and faith in the Savior. Fundamental components of a testimony are knowing that Heavenly Father lives and loves us, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, and that the fullness of the gospel has been restored to the earth in these latter days.

True conversion brings a change in one’s beliefs, heart, and life to accept and conform to the will of God and includes a conscious commitment to become a disciple of Christ.

Samuel the Lamanite identified five basic elements in becoming converted unto the Lord: (1) believing in the teachings and prophecies of the holy prophets as they are recorded in the scriptures, (2) exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, (3) repenting, (4) experiencing a mighty change of heart, and (5) becoming “firm and steadfast in the faith.” This is the pattern that leads to conversion.

Testimony alone is not and will not be enough to protect us in the latter-day storm of darkness and evil in which we are living. Testimony is important and necessary but not sufficient to provide the spiritual strength and protection we need. Some members of the Church with testimonies have wavered and fallen away. Their spiritual knowledge and commitment did not measure up to the challenges they faced.

The Lamanites that the sons of Mosiah taught never did fall away. They surrendered “the weapons of their rebellion, that they did not fight against God any more.” To set aside cherished “weapons of rebellion” such as selfishness, pride, and disobedience requires more than merely believing and knowing. Conviction, humility, and repentance, precede the abandonment of our weapons of rebellion. Do you and I still possess weapons of rebellion that keep us from becoming converted unto the Lord? If so, then we need to repent now.

A testimony is spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the power of the Holy Ghost. Continuing conversion is constant devotion to the revealed truth we have received—with a heart that is willing and for righteous reasons. Knowing that the gospel is true is the essence of a testimony. Consistently being true to the gospel is the essence of conversion. We should know the gospel is true and be true to the gospel.”

I am grateful for Elder Bednar and his words of wisdom. I am grateful I can strengthen my testimony by: going to seminary, going to church, reading the scriptures, and many other things. I know the gospel does not make my life easy but gives me tools on how to get through tough times. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.

I sure do love Derek, I loved having the opportunity to help him prepare for this talk.  Thank you for sharing part of your precious testimony with me, it helps to strengthen my testimony.  I am proud of you and I love you Derek!