Each of us is called of God to preach the gospel. Christ gave us the ultimate example when He came to the earth. He healed the sick and afflicted. He walked with the broken. He knew it. He lived it. And He loved it. In the last General Conference Ann M Dibb gave a talk with that very title “I know it, I live it. I love it” for many of us this talk hit us. The line was posted all over face book. And the gospel spread a little farther that day. She tells a story of her going to the store when she runs into a girl from Colorado wearing a shirt with the words “I’m a Mormon, are you?” This courageous statement astounded her, and it made her think… “For days and weeks after this random everyday moment, I found myself seriously reflecting upon this encounter. I wondered how this young girl from Colorado came to possess such confidence in her identity as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I couldn’t help but wonder what meaningful phrase I would figuratively choose to have printed on my T-shirt reflecting my belief and testimony. In my mind, I considered many possible sayings. Eventually, I came upon an ideal statement I would proudly wear: “I’m a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.”” I want to break this down. The first statement: I’m a Mormon. What does it mean to be a Mormon? Mormon is a nickname for Latter-day Saint. So what is a latter-day saint? President Boyd K Packer answered the question eloquently:
A Latter-day Saint is quite an ordinary individual. We are now everywhere in the world, over 14 millions of us. And this is only the beginning. We are taught to be in the world but not of the world (see John 17:14–19). Therefore, we live ordinary lives in ordinary families mixed with the general population.
We are taught not to lie or cheat or steal (see Exodus 20:3–17). We do not use profanity. We are positive and happy and not afraid of life.
We are “willing to mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9).
If someone is looking for a church that requires very little, this is not the one. It is not easy to be a Latter-day Saint, but in the long run it is the only course. “
Often when I was little I thought that just going to church on Sunday was good enough. But it’s not. As latter-day saints we are told to consecrate our lives to God’s purposes. Not to be a “Sunday Mormon.” But to always have the light of Christ in our lives. D. TODD CHRISTOFFERSON
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
True success in this life comes in consecrating our lives—that is, our time and choices—to God’s purposes.
Sister dibb proclaims: I hope we will never be afraid or reluctant to acknowledge, “I’m a Mormon.” We should be confident, as was the Apostle Paul when he proclaimed, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.”1 As members, we are followers of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Such conversion and confidence is the result of diligent and deliberate effort. It is individual. It is the process of a lifetime. I hope that as I go out on my mission that I will shine as a latter-day saint. And be confident. I AM NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. I will stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.
The second phrase is “ I know it” How many of us as children relied on the testimonies of others? I adore the little children that get up here during testimony meeting and bear their testimonies. They know it. Sister dibb says: “In today’s world, there are a multitude of activities, subjects, and interests vying for every minute of our attention. With so many distractions, do we have the strength, discipline, and commitment to remain focused on what matters most? Are we as well versed in gospel truths as we are in our studies, careers, hobbies, sports, or our texts and tweets? Do we actively seek to find answers to our questions by feasting on the scriptures and the teachings of the prophets? Do we seek the confirmation of the Spirit?” I know in my life face book has taken a lot of my attention. And I’m ashamed to say it. But what could we be doing during that time? Instead of wasting your time watching TV or tweeting the latest gossip, or posting your dramatic life on face book, why not pick up the scriptures instead? So when the time comes we will know the gospel. And be able to share it. When we depart from this life we don’t take TV shows or our prized possessions, we take our knowledge. Prophet Joseph Smith “loved knowledge for its righteous power.”2 He said: “Knowledge is necessary to life and godliness. … Hear, all ye brethren, this grand key: knowledge is the power of God unto salvation.”3 All truth and knowledge is important, but amidst the constant distractions of our daily lives, we must especially pay attention to increasing our gospel knowledge so we can understand how to apply gospel principles to our lives.4 As our gospel knowledge increases, we will begin to feel confident in our testimonies and be able to state, “I know it.”
I am going on a mission and I don’t even feel that I know enough. But ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSEN helped me out with that. “Nearly 40 years ago as I contemplated the challenge of a mission, I felt very inadequate and unprepared. I remember praying, “Heavenly Father, how can I serve a mission when I know so little?” I believed in the Church, but I felt my spiritual knowledge was very limited. As I prayed, the feeling came: “You don’t know everything, but you know enough!” That reassurance gave me the courage to take the next step into the mission field.”
All truth and knowledge is important, but amidst the constant distractions of our daily lives, we must especially pay attention to increasing our gospel knowledge so we can understand how to apply gospel principles to our lives.4 As our gospel knowledge increases, we will begin to feel confident in our testimonies and be able to state, “I know it.” We will never know everything on this earth, but you know enough. And I can feel confident when I say I know it.
The next part is “I live it” Sister Dibb says: The scriptures teach that we must be “doers of the word, and not hearers only.”5We live the gospel and become “doers of the word” by exercising faith, being obedient, lovingly serving others, and following our Savior’s example. We act with integrity and do what we know is right “at all times and in all things, and in all places”6 no matter who may or may not be watching. Not only am I going on a mission but each one of you is called to serve also. Matthew 5:14-16 says 14 Ye are the alight of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
15 Neither do men light a acandle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
16 Let your alight so shine before men, that they may see your good bworks, and cglorify your Father which is in heaven.
I’ve seen with my own eyes what happens to people when they disregard commandments and choose the wrong path. I made up my mind, long ago, to live high moral standards. And because of that I have been able to be an example to those who have chosen wrong paths. Let your light shine, do no judge, help others utilize the atonement. “In our mortal condition, no one is perfect. Even in our most diligent efforts to live the gospel, all of us will make mistakes, and all of us will sin. What a comforting assurance it is to know that through our Savior’s redeeming sacrifice, we can be forgiven and made clean again. This process of true repentance and forgiveness strengthens our testimony and our resolve to obey the Lord’s commandments and live our life according to gospel standards.”
The final phrase is “I love it” This feeling comes as we feel the Holy Ghost witnessing to us that we are children of our Heavenly Father, He is mindful of us, and we are on the right path. Our love for the gospel grows as we experience the love of our Father in Heaven and the peace promised by the Savior as we show Him we are willing to obey and follow Him.
Do not let your love of the gospel diminish when you are going through hard times. I know that if you stay close to your Heavenly Father he will lift your heavy load. If you don’t have a love of the gospel, know it, and live it, then you will soon come to the path of loving it too.
I have had many great examples in my life. These people knew, lived and loved the gospel. When my testimony was shaken they showed me the way to grow it. I loved the gospel with all of my heart!
My mission president sent me this message:
My Missionary Commission
by Elder Bruce R. McConkie
I am called of God. My authority is above that of kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my master and He has chosen me to represent Him--to stand in His place, to say and do what He Himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts; my doctrine is His doctrine. My Commission is to do what He wants done; To say what He wants said; to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of his great and marvelous Latter-day work. How great is my calling!
I am about to go to Tacoma Washington and stand in God’s place. Those are big shoes to fill. I can do so by knowing the gospel, living the gospel, and loving the gospel, as Christ did while here on the earth. Each of you also has the responsibility to do so as well. We are all called as missionaries. mourn with those that mourn . . . and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9). Know, Live, and Love the gospel.
Testimony:
I want to bear my testimony to you that I know with all of my soul that this is the only true church. I know that Joseph Smith knelt in a grove and was almost consumed by the devil when a light shone from the Heavens and 2 beings descended upon him. One pointing to the other exclaiming “this is my Beloved Son, hear Him!” I know Joseph was told that none of the churches were true and that he would restore the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I know that Joseph Smith was a true and holy prophet of God. I know that the Atonement is real, that Jesus, my elder brother went into the Garden of Gethsemane and took upon Him all of yours and my sins, pains, afflictions, and faults. So that when we sin we can partake of Christ and truly repent and be forgiven. I know He was hung on the cross between two thieves and he asked His Heavenly Father to “forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He was forgiving the very people who had beat Him, scourged and mocked Him, drove nails into His hands, wrists, and feet, and hung Him there on the cross. And at that moment He forgave them. I know that Christ loves you and I and that He will forgive us for our wrongdoings, mistakes, sins, and weaknesses. If only we will repent and come unto Christ. I know that the scriptures are very true. Every single word was written for us in our day. If we read and ponder them in our hearts we will know of the truthfulness of them and love them. I know that the temple is the Lords classroom. That it is THE way to get back to our Father in Heaven, to live with Him and our families for eternity. I know that there is power through agency, and if we will use it correctly we can be blessed to withstand the temptations of the adversary. I know that we are more powerful than the devil. I know that all of us were valiant beings in the pre-mortal existence, that if we strive to see ourselves as we were there, that our life would become easier and better here on the earth. I know that we are loved sons and daughters of God. That He loves us. Prayer is a key. Use it. Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet who was sent from God to help you, listen to him, As well as the other apostles and leaders of the church. The gospel is the truth and the light of this world. If you will dwell in it you will become perfected in Christ and a celestial being. Know it, Live it, Love it. I know that I am doing the right thing by serving a mission, and that Tacoma is my town, where my people are. I know God is preparing those people to listen to me because I pray for them daily. I am grateful God is letting me embark on this journey and improve my life as well as the life of His children whom He loves. I am grateful for parents that brought me up in the gospel. I am grateful for a family that supports me and I couldn’t make it through this life without them. I have been blessed with wonderful parents, sisters, brother in laws and niece & nephew that love me more than anyone on this earth. . And I return that love to them. I am grateful for all of you! Each one of you has made an impact on my life. Thank you. I am grateful for the many wonderful examples in my life. I am grateful for the gospel because it saves my life. I know that my Redeemer lives!
