Study Guide for "Never Give Up an Opportunity to Testify of Christ"

In this inspiring talk, President Bonnie H. Cordon shares the importance of testifying of Jesus Christ and the impact it can have on our lives and the lives of those around us. She shares personal experiences and stories from others to illustrate the blessings and power that come from consistently bearing witness of Christ and seeking Him in our daily lives.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the significance of testifying of Christ according to President Cordon?
How can we make the act of testifying of Christ a regular part of our lives?
What can we learn from the examples of Livvy and Maddy in seeking Christ and bearing witness of Him?
How can we gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ?
What are the challenges and distractions that can prevent us from testifying of Christ and how can we overcome them?

Topics

The Importance of Testifying of Christ

President Cordon emphasizes the importance of testifying of Christ in our lives. She shares a personal experience where her father, upon being diagnosed with ALS, urged her to never pass up an opportunity to testify of Christ. She explores the implications of this counsel and how it can guide our daily actions and decisions.

My dear father said with urgency, "Bonnie, never give up an opportunity to testify of Christ."

I have pondered and prayed over Dad’s counsel. I have often asked myself if I fully know what it means to never give up an opportunity to testify of Jesus Christ.

What does it mean to testify of Jesus Christ?
Why is it important to testify of Christ in our lives?
How can testifying of Christ influence our daily actions and decisions?
When was the last time you had an opportunity to testify of Christ? How did you respond?
How can you make testifying of Christ a regular part of your life?
What changes can you make in your daily routine to ensure you never pass up an opportunity to testify of Christ?

Seeking a Personal Witness of Christ

President Cordon explores how we can gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ. She compares our journey to that of the Nephites, who were invited by Christ to touch Him and witness for themselves His divinity. She stresses that while we may not physically touch Christ, we can draw close to Him and experience His power through the Holy Ghost.

How can we draw close enough to gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ?

While we may not enjoy the same physical proximity as those who walked with Christ during His earthly ministry, through the Holy Ghost we can experience His power every day! As much as we need!

How did the Nephites gain a personal witness of Jesus Christ?
How can we draw close to Christ in our own lives?
What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us gain a personal witness of Christ?
How have you felt the power of Christ in your life?
What steps can you take to draw closer to Christ?
How can you seek a personal witness of Christ through the Holy Ghost?

Learning from the Examples of Livvy and Maddy

President Cordon shares the stories of Livvy and Maddy, two young women who actively sought Christ and bore witness of Him in their lives. Through their examples, we learn about the power of being active recipients of spiritual messages, the importance of seeking Christ even in challenging circumstances, and the influence our testimonies can have on others.

Like Livvy and Maddy, as we choose to seek Christ, the Spirit will witness of Him in many different situations.

These witnesses of the Spirit occur as we fast, pray, wait, and continue forward.

How did Livvy and Maddy actively seek Christ in their lives?
What impact did their testimonies have on themselves and others?
How can we follow their examples in our own lives?
How can you be an active recipient of spiritual messages like Livvy?
What challenges are you facing that might be preventing you from seeking Christ? How can you overcome them?
Who in your life could be influenced by your testimony of Christ?

Overcoming Distractions and Seeking Christ

President Cordon discusses the distractions and challenges of the world that can prevent us from testifying of Christ. She emphasizes the need to hunger and thirst after the things of Christ in order to hear Him clearly amidst the noise of the world. She encourages creating a "muscle memory of discipleship" to help us rely on Christ each day.

We live in a fallen world, with distractions coaxing our eyes and hearts downward instead of heavenward.

The adversary creates so much noise that it can be difficult to hear the Lord’s voice.

We want to create muscle memory of discipleship and testimony that will bring into focus our reliance on our Savior each day.

What distractions and challenges can prevent us from testifying of Christ?
How can we overcome these distractions and challenges?
What does it mean to create a "muscle memory of discipleship"?
What distractions are preventing you from hearing the voice of the Lord?
How can you create a "muscle memory of discipleship" in your life?
What steps can you take to rely more on Christ each day?

The Joy of Coming Closer to Christ

President Cordon concludes her talk by inviting us to seek Christ in all aspects of our lives and bear witness of Him. She promises that true joy rests on our willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for ourselves His divinity. She emphasizes the power of Christ's Atonement and His role as our Savior.

Look for Christ everywhere―I promise He is there! True joy rests on our willingness to come closer to Christ and witness for ourselves.

Oh, how I love Him. How grateful we are for His infinite Atonement, which has "made eternal life a possibility and immortality a reality for [us] all."

What does it mean to come closer to Christ?
How can coming closer to Christ lead to true joy?
What is the significance of Christ's Atonement in our lives?
How can you seek Christ in all aspects of your life?
What steps can you take to come closer to Christ?
How has Christ's Atonement brought joy into your life?