TESTIMONY

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 On one occasion, I attended at BYU devotional where Elder Ezra Taft Benson was the speaker. I was fortunate enough to go onto the stand after his speech and shake his hand. I was a little taken back when he looked right into my eyes and said, “I know you.” My first thought was, “No you don’t. This is the first time you have met me.” However, upon further reflection, I think Elder Benson was making a spiritual connection that may have had its beginnings in the pre-earth life.

Sometimes we think of our associations with others in terms of mortality or man’s way of keeping time. However, in actuality, we have known so many in our lives for eons of time. We know we have lived before in the spirit family of our Heavenly Parents. We are literally brothers and sisters. We all eventually have the same genealogy. 

It is so critical that we all remember this in our day to day interaction with others. When we truly know that one of our fellow earthly pilgrims is our brother or sister, and, a child of royal heritage, it is imperative that with treat each other with the highest level of respect and reverence. Despite how someone else behaves, how they talk, how they look, we must always remember who they are. We know them. They are family.

I recently had a conversation with Daniel regarding this. A great point was made that Satan is trying with all his might to get us to forget who we are and who those around us are. He does not want us to forge in our minds our true nature as children of Heavenly Parents. He encourages us to tear down, demean, distract and discourage others. He loves the language of hate, “You’re no good. You’re a loser.” Or, “You will never make it, you can’t do it.” 

We can discharge all of that type of thinking when we take our superman stance, flex our spiritual muscles and say, “I belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know who I am. I know God’s plan. I will follow him in faith.” When we develop that type of testimony it becomes a formidable defense for us from the fiery darts of the adversary. And, it helps us love, appreciate and accept all of our brothers and sisters no matter their weaknesses or deficiencies. 

I recently spent some time with a young man who is having some very challenging times in his life. He seems to be without direction, support or a vision for the future of his life. I shared with him this concept of who he really is. I told him, “I know who you really are.” We discussed how important that knowledge is as we move through life. We discussed values and then, made some goals. Above all, I want him to know who he really is and that with his royal heritage, life is full of potential, achievement and great joy. 

When we start a trip on an airline, some of the first instruction we receive is what to do when there is an emergency. When oxygen air bags drop from above, we are told to first place the mask over our own face, then, aid any children or others around you. So, it is with our own testimony of who we really are. We must first come to this knowledge on our own. Then, we do everything we can to help others around us to know the same.

Lives change when we know who we really are!

A well-known pest control company performed an experiment where they demonstrated the damage termites can do on a scaled down model of a two-story home. Termites were introduced to the soil around the model house. They immediately went to work infiltrating the structure and did not stop satisfying their voracious appetites for wood 24 hours a day. Over time, the model version of the house was a complete loss. 

Many of us have personally stood amongst the giant redwood trees of the Sierra Nevada in California. These are some of the tallest and strongest trees in the world. Yet, sometimes we see one of these magnificent trees toppled and laying on the forest floor. Arborists examining the fallen trees discover that it wasn’t the wind, fire, lightning or even something caused by man that destroyed the tree. The trees have fallen due to the small bugs that have infested the tree and eaten at its very center. 

There is an analogy we can make from the above two examples. Do we allow “termites” into our lives that have the capability to destroy us spiritually? These destructive termites might be pride, selfishness, greed, sexual immorality, carrying a grudge, laziness, seeking the praise of men...there are a multitude of “termites” that can adversely work on our demise 24/7 with voracious appetites. Our defense must be to employ the strongest pest control at our disposal. 

Pest control companies use powerful chemicals to combat tenacious bugs threatening a home.  The scriptures help us to understand that our greatest defense to ward off the unrelenting attacks of the adversary is to center and focus our lives on the Savior. It is when we carefully and intentionally follow the example of the Savior that we effectively block the demonic bugs designed to eat at the heart of our spiritual well-being.  

Hence, the basic, fundamental tools we so frequently highlight in our church meetings become front and center in our fight against evil forces. Sincere prayer, service to our fellow brothers and sisters, studying and pondering the words of Christ, renewing covenants in our sacrament meetings and reverent worship in the temple become vital tools to prevent the advances of spiritual termites. Not rocket science, but an extremely important formula the Lord has given us to keep us safe. 

In the Book of Mormon, we learn that subsequent to the visit of the Savior in the Americas, there was a great love of God in the hearts of the people and that there was “...No manner of –ites" in the land. Let’s make absolutely sure in our lives to have this great love of God and to do everything in our power to exterminate the termites that are so determined to destroy us spiritually. We do that by using the powerful pest control of the gospel.