"Everyone has to gain their own testimony about each individual gospel principle." And I would add "...and this comes slowly, line upon line."
For example Tricia said she has gained a really strong testimony of the importance of watching/listening/looking at good entertainment. A few years ago she decided to only watch movies that have a rating of 4 and lower (I think) in all categories on kids-in-mind.com (because the MPAA rating system is a joke). Since deciding on this guideline she has seen why this is becoming increasingly important. Emily and I adopted the same family standard about 2 years ago. Before we started doing this I used to think "Eh, it isn't that big of a deal." But now that we have tried it out, I can say I have a testimony of it. This is where I could go off about why I think it is important but that isn't the purpose of this post, but I'll just say if you look at media today versus 5 years, 15 years, 35 years ago, it is ridiculous and becoming more so everyday! Think of something "wicked" and I'll bet you can see it portrayed as good somewhere in entertainment. And calling something that is bad, good enough times can have a dramatic effect.
On the flip side I know people who have a very strong testimony of the importance of keeping the Sabbath day holy which to them means not watching sporting events, like, the Superbowl! I have a very weak testimony of this. I know I should probably change this, but I haven't yet. I guess I justify it because I actually don't care about the Superbowl, but I do love any excuse to get together with family, and spending time with family is also an important gospel truth, right?
So the key things I see is that people have to follow the Alma 32 approach and plant the seed and exercise faith, and then make a decision to try it out. You don't gain a testimony by just thinking about things. You have to try it out, exercise faith, and then you can ponder on whether or not you have a testimony of it, or in other words if it is True principle. This is the best way I have found to find out if something is "True" or not. But often people seem to try it the other way. For example I could have thought, "Is it really that important that I watch 'good' movies?" and I would conclude "nah, probably not". But when I try it out and then think about it, I get a different answer, a more correct one I believe.
The other key thing is to realize that people are at different stages in their lives and have stronger and weaker testimony of things than you do. It is okay...this is part of mortal life. It is fine to "teach people correct principles" but when you start forcing them to exercise faith, well, then you have a crossed the line!
I guess this is one of those things I have heard all of my life, but until Tricia said the above quote, it didn't really ring true. I think this will be increasingly important now that I am parent.
The other key thing is to realize that people are at different stages in their lives and have stronger and weaker testimony of things than you do. It is okay...this is part of mortal life. It is fine to "teach people correct principles" but when you start forcing them to exercise faith, well, then you have a crossed the line!
I guess this is one of those things I have heard all of my life, but until Tricia said the above quote, it didn't really ring true. I think this will be increasingly important now that I am parent.
3 comments:
Wow, I sound like I know so much more than I really do! It's a difficult principle to follow especially in regards to those we love because we want them to understand what we do. But it also really helps me to see progress in my own life about my beliefs regarding individual principles. It allows me to know with certainty what my personal standards are and makes it very difficult to not keep them even when others don't. Well written Joey! Thanks.
I like how you point out testimonies come little by little. People don't just have an "ah ha" moment about EVERYTHING all at once. (And I contend that if they say they do, it'll come falling apart eventually.)
I'd also add that I think certain gospel principles are more important to have testimonies of than others for individual people. For example, someone who lives in a village in a developing country without, say, electricity, doesn't necessarily NEED to have a testimony of good entertainment/media. That the person doesn't have a testimony of it doesn't mean it's "weak" ... just not needed at that time.
Also (my brain is scattered, sorry), I'd say there are different ways of having a testimony. Like you point out with keeping the sabbath holy. Others may HAVE to work on a Sunday to put food on their family's table, and it doesn't necessarily mean they don't have a testimony of it — just that it's a different way of having one.
Long rambling comment, sorry. But good topic.
Tricia, I didn't know Emily was going to send you this, so I was surprised to see your comment. But yes, that little discussion that one day opened doors for me, so thanks.
Emilie, brilliant additions. Someone in church shared something from Elder Bednar's new book. She said there are gospel doctrines (don't change - i.e. Plan of Salvation, Atonement, etc), gospel principles (may change from dispensation to dispensation), and another level that I don't remember what it was called, but something about actions.
In regard to your NEEDING to break any commandment, I learned from my mission president that there are exceptions to almost any rule, but the church doesn't teach the exceptions, it focuses on the rule. Eh, I can't explain that very well. Anywho, my point is I agree. Thanks for the comments.
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