One of the things I have been thinking about lately, is about our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. With everything that is going on around the world, it is more important than ever to hold to the rod and strengthen our testimonies and faith in Jesus Christ. It is important not only for ourselves, but for our families. One thing that comes to my mind, is this question: Are we intentional in our testimonies?

What do I mean by intentional in our testimonies? The word intentional means to be done on purpose or with intention. Are we focused on what our testimonies are and understand what they mean to us? Do we have a purpose for our testimony? Or do we find ourselves coasting along?

It is easy to get distracted by the things of the world. It is easy to lose our focus. We may find ourselves just going through the motions in the gospel. This is a dangerous place to be. We need to not only understand the gospel message, but we need to feel it as well. If we don't we are entering into dangerous territories and if our course is not corrected, we may not find our way back on the path.

It is perhaps prudent and wise to take inventory of our spirituality. Are our actions matching our words? Are the things we are doing in our lives, reflecting who we really are? Are we emulating the light of Christ? Are we exercising the muscle of our testimony?

It has been said that what we do not share, we will lose. Are we sharing our testimony with others? Are they seeing our testimony in how we handle ourselves? Are we a walking and talking example of what a daughter or son of God should be?

Are we casual with our testimonies? When we say we know the church is true, or the scriptures are true, or that we know that we have a Prophet in these latter-days, or we express our gratitude or knowledge of the atonement of Christ, or that we know we are children of God--are we casual with those words? Do we say them just to say them? Or do we really reflect on what they mean before we say them? Do we feel the Spirit when we say them?

Having an intentional testimony will give you power over darkness. It will lead you to safe harbors in this sea of life. It will allow the Lord to speak to you within your heart and you will be able to act to guide yourself and your family to safety in a world full of turmoil. Do you have an intentional testimony of the Gospel? If not, it is time to start working toward having one. If you do, then keep exercising that muscle, so you can be that light shining on a hill.