Cara's Sacrament Talk

This year's mutual theme as many of you know, comes from 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Be thou an example of the believers; in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
How to you become and example of the believers? In YM/YW this year, we have studied this particular verse and what it means and the answer is quite simple; Be an example through your words, in your conversations with others, as you have charity, in your spiritual life, by showing your faith and honoring God's sacred plan by staying chaste and pure. All these things will help you be an example.
There are a few formulas to help the youth in the church, as well as their parents and leaders, to be an example of the believers.
The first one i want to talk about comes from this year's Young Women's fireside. The General YW presidency gave us 3 things to do every day that will help us be an example and keep the spirit with us.
"First, pray every day. Second, read the Book of Mormon every day for at least five minutes. Third, smile every day.”
We invite you to smile because you are on the earth at this incredible time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. You have been taught by a prophet of God that the good people of the world will be drawn to you to the degree that you “are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways.”1 ....These three things are small and simple, but remember, “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). ...
We testify that if you will pray, read the Book of Mormon, and smile daily, you will be blessed for your efforts and you will be an example of the believers—a young woman who can make a difference in the world."
After listening to this talk, i committed myself to doing this. There have been days when i have missed reading my scriptures or been a bit hasty in my prayers, but I have strengthened my testimony of prayer and scripture study. I know that praying every day allows the spirit to stay with me and i am more open to his promptings. When i read my scriptures every day, i feel my Heavenly Father's love for me. It builds my testimony and i know i have a loving Heavenly Father who wants me to come back to him one day. When i consistently read my scriptures and pray every day, i can't HELP being happy, and it shows on my face!
President Monson's article "BE THOU AN EXAMPLE" from the May 2005 Liahona contains another code of conduct to help us become an example.
You have a heritage; honor it.
'How your parents love you, how they pray for you. Honor them."
I know my parents want the best for me and they would do anything to make sure that my needs are met spiritually and temporally. I can show my love for them by being obedient to their council and treating them with respect by being honest and recognizing their needs. Sacrificing my social life to spend time with my family helps me to honor my parents because my family is the most important thing in my life. The next section of his code of conduct states that:
• You will meet temptation; withstand it.
The Prophet Joseph Smith faced temptation. Can you imagine the ridicule, the scorn, the mocking that must have been heaped upon him as he declared that he had seen a vision? I suppose it became almost unbearable for the boy. He no doubt knew that it would be easier to retract his statements concerning the vision and just get on with a normal life. He did not, however, give in. These are his words: “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. … I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.” 4 Joseph Smith taught courage by example. He faced temptation and withstood it.
Satan wants us to fall. He wants us to mistreat our precious bodies and reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. If Joseph Smith can withstand the tempatations that baraged him during his life, i know i can withstand the temptations in mine. Though they are different, i know that God won't allow me to suffer anything beyond my capacity, even if i think i cant face it.Next, President Monson says,
• You know the truth; live it.
My dear young friends, you have been reserved to come forth at this particular time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Speaking of the gospel and of testimony, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “[The] thing which we call testimony … is as real and powerful as any force on the earth. … It is found in young and old. … It brings with it the assurance that life is purposeful, that some things are of far greater importance than others, that we are on an eternal journey, that we are answerable unto God.” 9
Each of us has the opportunity to gain a testimony if we sincerely ask and ponder the truths of his gospel. We are taught these truths of the gospel from nursery on up. We are constantly counseled to keep the word of wisdom, and the law of chastity, refrain from any crass and vulgar behavior, to dress modestly and keep ourselves groomed, and to only participate in uplifting activities and entertainment. These commandments from our modern day prophets help us to be closer to our Father in Heaven as we allow his spirit to be with us. As we live our day to day lives, we need to live what we know to be true. As we do this, we will be an example of the believers. In my life, i know that living the gospel is the most important thing to be an example. People you would never expect are watching, waiting for you to slip up and make a mistake. They count on you to be consistent in your beliefs. I have had many people try to get me to do something i know is against my beliefs. They hassle me about it, but when i don't give in, they respect me more for staying true to what i believe. President monson's last piece of advice says;
• You possess a testimony; share it.
Never underestimate the far-reaching influence of your testimony. You can strengthen one another; you have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others of your age.You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life.
Your testimony is your most precious possession, why not share it with others? Why not invite your peers to come unto Christ? As we freely share our testimonies with others, we may bless lives and not even know it.
TESTIMONY
I have a strong testimony of this Gospel. I know that my Father in Heaven lives, and that he loves me personally. He knows exactly who i am and exactly what i need at every moment in time. He is constant. He will never leave me alone if i do my part and stand in holy places. i know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and older brother, that he sacrificed himself to atone for my sins specifically. He has felt every pain, sickness, and sorrow i have ever felt and will ever feel. He rejoices when i rejoice and comforts me when i need him. I am so grateful for the relationship i have with him. Since being called as a ward missionary, i have realized how much my heavenly Father wants all his children to feel that love. I pray that i will have the courage to share my testimony freely with everyone i meet, that i will not skip an opportunity to share my joy in the gospel. I am so grateful for the teachings of this gospel and i know that each and every one is true because i have received that personal revelation from my Father in Heaven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.