Thank you for the beautiful music, prayer, and scripture. I also appreciate the insightful comments on testimony building found on the devotional discussion board.
In my youth, I wondered about spiritual gifts, and if perhaps the Lord had blessed me with any.
I read in Doctrine and Covenants 46:8, “Seek ye earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given.” [1]
Some gifts listed in later verses seemed rather impressive, such as prophecy, healing, or the gift of tongues. I worried that I might not have anything special given to me. Then I noticed verse 14: “To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.” [2]
As the years have passed, I’ve come to understand that even though I might not possess what a younger Robert might have considered an “exciting” gift, the Lord has blessed me with at least one spiritual gift: “to others it is given to believe on their words .” Being able to “believe on their words” has given me an important framework to build a steady, strong testimony.
As I’ve grown older and experienced the challenges that life brings, one thing I am extremely grateful for is a solid and steady testimony that developed through my experiences in the gospel. It started small and immature while I relied heavily on the support of good parents, family, and other members in my youth. It grew with experience as a priesthood holder, missionary, husband, and father. Various opportunities to serve in the Church enhanced it. What I might have considered unremarkable at the time, I now realize as extraordinary. One of my most prized possessions is this simple yet steady and strong testimony that has been with me throughout my life as a result of me being able to “believe on their words.”
The Importance of Spending Time and Repetition
One aspect of my employment at BYU-Idaho is to teach students how to improve on a musical instrument—the cello. Development on any musical instrument involves very specific technical challenges that require steady work over many years. By the time a student finishes their music degree on a particular instrument, they should be able to perform consistently and predictably in a variety of situations, what might be referred to as a level of mastery.
Author Malcolm Gladwell explored the development of mastery among some of the world’s most successful people in his book Outliers: The Story of Success, published in 2008. [3] In identifying various factors which lead to success in any given field, he regularly referred to a “10,000-hour rule”: mastery comes with this large number of hours practicing one’s craft. He talked about the Beatles. Early in their recording career and prior to their worldwide success, they performed over 1,200 times from 1960–1964 in Hanover, Germany. By the time their opportunity for success arrived, they had already achieved mastery (according to Gladwell) by working over 10,000 hours as performing musicians.
Educators understand that one of the cornerstones of learning is repetition, taking a concept and repeating it over and over again. Do you remember as a youth drilling multiplication tables until they became memorized? I often explain to my students while it’s important to learn new, challenging techniques, true mastery of their musical instrument comes from doing the things they already can do, over and over. I’m sure you’ve guessed by now that I think this same approach is true in our personal gospel development as we build and strengthen a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ through repetition of gospel-centered routines.
Think of a person whose strength in the gospel or testimony you admire. It may be someone who is older, someone who has spent years attending church meetings, studying their scriptures, or serving in callings. It is probably someone who has spent many hours in prayer. You may think what you hear each week in our worship services seems the same and feel impatient reciting what some may call the “Sunday School answers,” but the very nature of our worship is repetition and reinforcement of true principles.
Elder David A. Bednar taught this principle here on campus back in 2016 in his devotional address entitled “Repeat Over Again . . . the Same Things as Before.” He spent time discussing the visitation of Moroni to a young Joseph Smith three times in the evening and then once again the next morning.
In each of the four appearances of Moroni to Joseph Smith, the core message was identical. But in a line upon line and precept upon precept pattern of revelation and learning, additional knowledge and instruction were given in the second, third, and fourth manifestations: a foretelling of future events, a personal warning, and a commandment. All of the messages were the same and were different in a pattern of repetitious teaching and learning. [4]
Repetition is a word that often carries a negative connotation, perhaps suggesting boredom. Yet Elder Bednar discussed how repetition is one of the vehicles through which the Spirit is able to teach.
We have learned to treasure the spiritual gems that are revealed through repetition. The distinctive nuggets of inspiration and spiritual knowledge that flow into our minds and hearts as we repeatedly teach and testify of gospel truths are the product of a line upon line and precept upon precept pattern of revelation. Repetition is a vehicle through which the Holy Ghost can enlighten our minds, influence our hearts, and enlarge our understanding. [5]
Sister Cindy Schmutz referred to this principle of repetition in last week’s devotional by reminding us our opportunity to partake of the sacrament each Sunday. “This opportunity to continually repent and renew our baptismal covenants is a wonderful blessing.” [6]
Alma Reinforces the Importance of Repetition
I believe Alma 32 is a discussion of these very principles of repetition and the need for steady, continued effort related to faith. In verse 28, he refers to a seed representing the Word, in this case, a new piece of knowledge needing to be tested.
Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.
With this experience Alma confirms that this is a good seed, or a true principle because it begins to grow. Yet he cautions that even though your knowledge of that particular truth is now “perfect,” you can’t lay aside your faith. He further explains what I feel is the most important part of the lesson of revelatory learning and faith:
Behold I say unto you, Nay; neither must ye lay aside your faith, for ye have only exercised your faith to plant the seed that ye might try the experiment to know if the seed was good.
And behold, as the tree beginneth to grow, ye will say: Let us nourish it with great care, that it may get root, that it may grow up, and bring forth fruit unto us. And now behold, if ye nourish it with much care it will get root, and grow up, and bring forth fruit.
But if ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.
Now, this is not because the seed was not good, neither is it because the fruit thereof would not be desirable; but it is because your ground is barren, and ye will not nourish the tree, therefore ye cannot have the fruit thereof. [7]
When our family first moved to Rexburg 20 years ago, our yard had very few trees. We made a plan to start beautifying the yard.
The professional at the nursery told us that a new tree needed five things to grow in Rexburg: water, water, water, water . . . and, you guessed it, water! I realized he was trying to impress on me the importance of constant irrigation in our dry, high desert climate. We did pretty well at first, watering on a daily basis. However, as the summer progressed, I got busy with work responsibilities, family travel, and other distractions, and the trees were occasionally forgotten. By the time fall arrived, one tree in particular was looking a little stressed. I gave it more water and fertilizer in an attempt to make up for my neglect, but by spring, the tree had died. It wasn’t that the “seed was bad.” The tree was heathy when we bought it, and the professional confirmed the species was suitable for our climate. It’s just that the “ground was barren.” I failed to nurture the new tree with simple, consistent care.
Applying the Principle of Repetition in Family Scripture Study
A gospel success in our family occurred many years ago while still living in California. A wise and beloved stake president encouraged us to read the Book of Mormon daily out loud as a family. We had certainly tried family scripture study in the past but found it difficult to maintain consistency. For some reason, this challenge at this time resonated with Sister Tueller and me. We began to read in the mornings before breakfast with our then young children. A few days without missing turned into a few weeks, then a few months. As time progressed, the habit became firmly established. It took a little over a year to finish the book at our modest but consistent pace. When we finished the first time, we started over. Surely not very imaginative gospel study, but we were unknowingly applying the principle of repetition in learning. Another year or two passed and we started again. By the time our children were older and moving on to university studies and mission, we had been through the Book of Mormon many times. Whole phrases stuck in my mind and I found we all looked forward to different sections, stories, and events.
As promised by apostles and prophets, the “spirit of that great book permeated our home.” [8] Those few minutes each morning became a cornerstone of testimony for all of us. I believe it sustained my family through many different challenges. I’m grateful for the difference this simple concept of repetition played in our family’s spiritual growth.
Beyond Repetition, Mentors are Also Important in Shaping our Testimonies
The Harvard Business Review in the article “The Making of an Expert,” July 2007, explained that outstanding performance in fields such as athletics and music required three things:
- Time, or 10,000 hours as we’ve been discussing.
- A mentor such as a coach or teacher.
- And what they labeled as “enthusiastic support from home.” [9]
I think all three of these elements apply in building testimony.
When looking for a gospel mentor we have incredible resources in our church leaders. The lives and examples of recent prophets stand out: the consistency of President Gordon B. Hinckley, the humanitarian service of President Thomas S. Monson, and the messages and modeling of the importance of personal revelation and staying on the covenant path from President Russell M. Nelson. I was fortunate to have many good mentors in my past: interested and engaged youth leaders, strong friends, insightful bishops, and missionary companions who all had an impact on my growth in the gospel.
Of course, we should all look to the ultimate gospel mentor, the Savior. The goal of our gospel journey is to pattern own lives after His. 3 Nephi 27:27 states: “Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am.” [10]
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf taught,
To follow Christ . . . is to learn from His character. As spirit children of our Heavenly Father, we do have the potential to incorporate Christlike attributes into our life and character. The Savior invites us to learn His gospel by living His teachings. To follow Him is to apply correct principles and then witness for ourselves the blessings that follow. [11]
Enthusiastic Support from Home
I was very fortunate to grow up with “enthusiastic support from home” in both my development as a musician and in the gospel. My parents were (and still are) an inspiring example of strong testimony and gospel service. I was encouraged as a youth to attend church, to honor my priesthood, and serve a mission. As I look back on my youth, my attitudes toward testimony were strongly influenced by my parents. Their lives exemplify strong, steady testimony and service in the gospel. Now that I’m older, I realize their seemingly “ordinary” lives very much amounted to the extraordinary. As I married and established my own family, I enjoyed that same support from my spiritually mature wife and children, and hope I provide the same in return.
I realize some of you may not have the same home situation I enjoyed. But there are many in our circle of family and friends who can provide similar enthusiastic support: siblings, grandparents or other extended family, friends, roommates, teachers, or church leaders. Surround yourself with those who enthusiastically support the importance of an unwavering testimony.
Quantity vs. Quality
The 10,000-hour rule is not without some criticism. Many have pointed out that the quality of repetition counts as much as the amount. I can’t claim in my life to have taken full advantage of every sacrament meeting talk or priesthood lesson. I know my mind wanders at times. But we can all benefit from the steadiness of building habits and routines that establish fertile ground for a testimony to grow.
Others have noticed the 10,000-hour rule doesn’t take into account a person’s natural talents. I have observed that some of my students have more aptitude and may progress faster in music than others. But what really makes a difference is those who commit to steady, consistent practice.
As a youth, I wasn’t athletically gifted for example. However, I feel all of us have aptitude in testimony and spirit. We are all children of a loving Father in Heaven and share in His divine attributes and potential.
For behold, the Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil; wherefore, I show unto you the way to judge; for every thing which inviteth to do good, and to persuade to believe in Christ, is sent forth by the power and gift of Christ; wherefore ye may know with a perfect knowledge it is of God. [12]
“Believe on Their Words”
When considering what I think is one of my spiritual gifts, “to believe on their words,” I am grateful to have been able to gradually work on my testimony in spite of the many unknowns or gospel teachings I perhaps didn’t completely understand at the time. I was able to believe on their words, even if a particle at a time.
I am grateful for the patience to continue in the gospel, realizing I may have to wait for some truths to be revealed. I teach this concept as a musician frequently. When learning a new piece of music, many students become impatient with the process. They want to quickly get to the end reward where they can enjoy performing a piece in its entirety, up to tempo, just as the professional performer they may admire. However, a new piece of music may contain technical challenges that require time and repetition and the end reward could be months of hard work away. But that doesn’t have to diminish incremental success as they master a difficult passage or refine a new technique.
In the gospel I’ve known some who, when faced with a teaching or doctrine they don’t quite understand, halt their testimony progress. They feel they can’t move forward in the gospel until they completely understand. They start doubting everything because one small element doesn’t make sense to them. They forget the importance of prayer and personal revelation. This damaging behavior would be similar to a music student who, when faced with a piece a music they can’t immediately perform, decided to stop practicing!
Building strong testimonies requires us to continue working every day; nourishing with care, diligence, and patience; and leaning on the support and example of others, while we await the growth that will allow us to understand all things.
I am grateful for my seemingly simple gift that has allowed me to build my testimony slowly, yet consistently. As I look back on my life, I see the Lord’s hand in ways I didn’t notice at the time. What I assumed was simple and ordinary turned out to be extraordinary as the Lord blessed me and my family. I challenge you to embrace repetition as an opportunity to build your testimony. Find some aspect of the gospel you can work on slowly and steadily.
Perhaps it could be more regular gospel study, more meaningful prayer, consistent church attendance. You might struggle with a particular doctrine, or not understand the reasoning behind a request from the prophet. Stick with your gospel routine, your repetition. Through this process, as Elder Bednar taught, allow spiritual knowledge and insight from the Holy Ghost to flow into your minds and hearts. And be patient. Repetition takes time to reveal its rewards. Let a few days turn into a few weeks, then months. Only then, look back to discover the extraordinary blessings that come from ordinary actions.
I leave these words with you in the name of our Savior Jesus Christ, amen.
Notes
[1] Doctrine and Covenants 46:8, 14.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Malcom Gladwell, Outliers: The Story of Success, New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2008.
[4] David A. Bednar, “Repeat Over Again . . . the Same Things as Before,” BYUI devotional, Jan. 26, 2016.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Cindy Schmutz, “Remembering our Baptismal Covenants,” BYUI devotional, Mar. 23, 2021.
[7] Alma 32:28, 36–39.
[8] Marion G. Romney, “The Book of Mormon,” Ensign, May 1980.
[9] K. Anders Ericsson, Michael J. Prietula, and Edward T. Cokely, “The Making of an Expert.” Havard Business Review, July–August 2007.
[10] 3 Nephi 27:27.
[11] Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings,” Ensign, Nov. 2005.
[12] Moroni 7:16.