Some of the most beautiful testimonies given within the Mormon Church, or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are given by the children.
The first Sunday of every month the Mormon Church holds what is called ‘Fast Sunday.’ On this Sunday members eight and older are encouraged to fast, or refrain from eating and drinking, for two whole meals. During our Sunday church meetings we are also encouraged to get up in front of the congregation and bear our testimonies, or those things we know to be true.
I asked my boys, ages 4 and 6, about what their testimonies were about. As is typical for their ages, they gave me a few of the basics.
“I know this Church is true. I love my Heavenly Father and Jesus and I know they love me. I believe in the Holy Ghost. I know families can be together forever. Amen.”
What sweet, simple things to know, don’t you think? There’s so much pleasure in listening to these little ones state truths many people search their entire lives to discover.
As children grow their testimonies grow as well. My nine-year old’s testimony holds similarities to those of her brothers. Yet there is also a maturity in her words. When I asked her to bear me her testimony, I was surprised at some of the things she said. I’ve edited this somewhat, as she has a tendency to be about as wordy as her mother.
“I’d like to bear my testimony. I know this Church is true. I love my family and friends. I love my Church, the temple, and God. I know that Jesus lived.
“I know everything used to be scary to me when I was four, but now I know that God will protect me. I just want you to know that God loves us all. I know that if we make wrong choices Heavenly Father will forgive us. He will provide us with what we need so we won’t starve as long as we’re making right choices.
“Sometimes I’m mean to my brothers, but Heavenly Father forgives me. I also love my grandparents. I love the earth and people that Jesus and Heavenly Father made. Without Jesus coming down to earth to be crucified we wouldn’t be able to go back to Heavenly Father. I know it’s important to read scriptures with my family. I’m glad I have a family.
“I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
For now these children rely heavily upon my own testimony, as well as that of their father and teachers. I realize
For now, however, it is enough that they know through the testimonies of others. After all, we in the Mormon Church have been taught by one revelation to our Prophet Joseph Smith and recorded in Doctrine and Covenants 46:13-14,
“To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sons of the world. To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.”
It takes a lot of faith to believe on the words of others. What better examples of such extraordinary faith than in that of a child.
