Why is having a testimony important?

From “Pure Testimony,” Ensign, Nov. 2004, 40–41.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shares some of his thoughts on this subject.

Personal testimony is the foundation of our faith.

Testimony … changes lives. It changes how you think and what you do. It changes what you say.

When one receives a testimony of truth … , it immediately begins to have impact on that person’s life.

In our world today it is a rare and precious thing to have a testimony that God our Heavenly Father lives; that His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Redeemer.

What should be a part of my testimony?

There are basic truths we need to constantly teach one another and share with those not of our faith. Testify God is our Father and Jesus is the Christ. The plan of salvation is centered on the Savior’s Atonement. Joseph Smith restored the fulness of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon is evidence that our testimony is true.

Illustration by Jennifer Tolman