For the last few years that my grandpa was alive, he would occasionally take me aside and say, “Lindsay, at my funeral, you’re going to play ‘I Believe in Christ’ on the flute, with your cousin playing the violin.” I would always remind him that we had many years to think about that, and to not worry about his funeral yet. So when he passed away a year ago, it was a huge shock to me. Suddenly, I had to recommit to my testimony of death and resurrection, to once again believe that I could be with him again. I struggled with this for a long time, until one day I knelt beside my bed to pray for peace and comfort. Then the words “I Believe in Christ” became fixed in my mind. I sat there, stunned, and completely at peace. I realized that my grandpa didn’t ask me to play that song just because he liked it. He asked me to play it because he wanted me to know that he had a testimony of Christ. Now, whenever I sing or hear that song, tears come to my eyes as I realize that he is bearing his testimony to me all over again. I will never forget that message.
I can proudly say that I, too, believe in Christ. Believe is a strong word, much stronger than the world says it is. There are many Hebrew words similar to the word for believe (ye’aminu). Some of them are ye’eman (faithful), ne’emanim (of long continuance), ya’amin (put trust in), ye’amen (let it be established), and ye’amnu (let it be verified) [1]. So to combine these various translations, to believe is to be steadfast and confident in a truth. When you believe something, you defend your belief and support others that share your belief. It is a commitment. Neal A. Maxwell said that “True believers are settled in their views of Christ…gladly perform their duties in the kingdom…are humble…are willing to do what Christ wants…have a balanced contentment…truly pray…have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct…rejoice in the success of others…remember that forgetting is part of forgiving…are innocent as to sin, but not naïve…are happy” [2]. Those who truly believe are willing to do God’s work and live a life that conforms to his word. To believe is more than a statement; it is a lifestyle, a change of heart.
When we believe in Christ, we are also uplifted by him. We are granted that Spirit “which giveth knowledge, and also power according to [our] faith and desires which are in God” [3]. We can then use this incredibly powerful spirit to strengthen our testimony, and to help other people believe in Christ as well. True disciples of Christ will never be satisfied until the gospel is brought to the whole earth. It amazes me that the Spirit can testify to someone of Christ’s divinity through another. When Ammon is teaching King Lamoni about God, he asks the queen if she believes in his words. Her reply is, “I have had no witness save thy word and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said” [4]. Her faith was strong after only a few witnesses, because she had the Spirit. When we have the courage to share our testimony with others, the Spirit can touch their hearts so that they know that what we say is true. It is not only a blessing, but it is our responsibility as well.
Of course, no one receives a testimony without any effort. As Alma says, “if thou wilt call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest” [5]. God will not deny answers to those who diligently seek for them. If we ask in faith, and believe what we have been given, then we can strengthen our testimony with his help. I think that the reason why I received an answer to my prayer was that I turned to Heavenly Father. I really knew that he could give me the strength and comfort that I needed, and I was not disappointed. He cares about us so much, and he wants us to believe.
I believe that Christ is the son of God. I believe that he came to this earth to teach us God’s will and to be an example to us, but most importantly, he came to die for us. As the scriptures prophesied, “he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people” [6]. And “he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name” [7]. I believe that he really made this sacrifice for all of us because of his deep love for all of God’s children. I believe that he is a beloved friend and brother to anyone who follows him, and that he looks after us with love. I love him with all of my heart; he is my best friend.
[1] LDS Scripture Concordance Program
[2] Neal A. Maxwell, “True Believers”, New Era, April 1994, 20
[3] Alma 18:35
[4] Alma 19:9
[5] Alma 22:16
[6] Alma 7:11
[7] Alma 11:40
Photo: taken by Bill Chandler
6 comments:
Thanks for sharing that and putting it so eloquently.
I love the different Hebrew meanings of the word believe that you included. It is so amazing the added meaning that other languages add to understanding the scriptures.
I really liked the story about your grandpa, and how you realized that his request for you to play "I Believe In Christ" was just as much for you as it was for him. It was quite touching.
I really appreciated your thoughts on this subject. I know how hard it is losing a Grandfather unexpectedly, but i can attest to how much it strenghtened my testimony of Christ and the atonement. It was interesting to see that believe can also mea "put trust in," because at times like these we do not understand why our loved one was taken from us, we can only trust in Christ, and know that he knows what is best.
I had a very similar experience with both of my grandparents. Even though it is very hard to lose a loved one, it is definitely a testimony builder.
This message is very moving. I am glad that you could play the flute for your grandfather.
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